2006 Bayliner 185

[GeorgeMcCormick]

Has anyone had any experience with purchasing a 185?
At the show they offered the 185 with galvanized trailer, bimini top, bow well cover, 6 yr engine protection, coast guard pack, whatever that is, and a full tank of gas for 13,995, add to that 1100 dollars dealer prep brings it to about 15,100... in Massachusetts add 5% for sales tax brings me to almost 16,000 dollars with a 3.0 engine, make it the 4.3 will add around 3,000 dollars to bring it to over 19,000 dollars....
Is this good?, bad? just ok? I can do better? Is it worth spending 3 grand more for the 190hp? Its me, my wife and 14 yr old daughter who may as well be considered an adult. On occasion there could be a few friends along. It would be used for tubing and skiing, more tubing than skiing though....
3 grand extra with my budget is really pushing it.

[nevadamike]

George! Nice to see your post. This boat thing kinda gets under your skin, doesn't it. I don't have any particular experience with that brand. But I've had much experience in that size class.
The things you always consider are hull integrity and power. When the storm is on you, when it is completely unlike anything you have ever imagined, you want a strong hull and plenty of power. That is not to say "bigger boat". that means you need the boat you're in to stay in one piece, with enough power to manuever.
Most, if not all, of todays boats sold in the U.S. must comply with U.S.C.G. regulations. These include seaworthiness. Consult the listings and safety ratings before you buy. Always opt for more power, rather than standard or less. I personally have always held the belief that purchasing a used boat is a tremendously better deal than new. Took exactly one boat to learn that. So, I guess it wasn't "always". Interestingly enough, the new boat was a Glasstron, and I had the opportunity to buy it much later as a used boat, which I did. Much better 2nd time around. No guilt if I did not put it in the water every weekend.
So, read up a bit, maybe look around some more, bass pro guys are selling nice family-types, and good luck. Mike M. master and commander: BATTLEAXE.

[GeorgeMcCormick]

Thank you very much for the input!

[KCook]

Here is a thread on another site about buying a Bayliner 185 -

Trailer Boats Boards » ... » Bayliner 185 - 3.0 vs 4.3

Kelly Cook

[marshmat]

I don't know the 185 personally. I do suggest that you take a good look at it before you buy. Open every hatch, every door, every console you can find. How much thought has gone into the bits you can't see? Do the joints look beefy enough to last for decades? Will it be easy to trace the wires when they short out or break, which they certainly will after 10 or 20 years? How solid are the engine mounts? Is there wood where it might rot? Are there places where water will collect?
The 3-litre and 4.3-litre engines are both common in this size- I've driven the 4.3 in similar boats and I love it, friends with the 3 say that it's generally good but can strain a bit when you're running at maximum load. The 4.3 has a bit of an edge for skiing and wakeboarding with its higher torque, but the 3 will still pull any water toy just fine and is a bit easier on the credit card at feeding time.
In addition to the "coast guard pack" that includes the basic safety gear: Invest in appropriate and comfortable lifejackets, and wear them all the time (in a boat this size, you would have at most 2-3 seconds warning of an impending... er, incident). An anchor 20-40% bigger than what the boat comes with, if it comes with one, is another good investment. (The biggest anchor you can comfortably handle by yourself is usually a safe bet.)

[Robert Craig]

I have owned a Searay 180 9Same as Bayliner but outboard)for 9 years and it has been the best boat i have owned (4) My friend purchased a 185 Bayliner with a 3 l motor and it wouldnt pull the skin of a rice pudding (200LB) and it is really struggling,Go the extra you wont regret it

Robert

[culverken]

I sold Bayliners for about 2 years and have been in boat sales/building buisness for 9 years. The 185 is a great starter boat. The prices you decribe seem very fair. The boat sould run 42mph wot w/ the 3.0L and closer to 50mph w/ the 4.3L Either one will pull a tube or ski. Be sure to buy the one with the sport seating pack and the fiberglass floor. It is a little more money but it will last much much longer with less maintenence. The Extra money for a sea ray is crazy the are the same boats with a little more flash.