What is a better 19' bowrider boat Sea Ray or Bayliner?

Question

I am new to boating and planning to buy a used boat. What would you suggest and why: 1996 Sea Ray 19' bowrider or 1998 Bayliner 19' bowrider both have 3.0 Merc and both were used in saltwater.

Answer 1

Since you are new to boating, I would go with wichever one needs less work done to it.  Also you could have a marine mechanic take a look at the boat and see if there are any hidden problems with the boat.  THen you would know which one would be better.  Good luck and happy boating!

Answer 2

Sea Ray, no questions asked.

Better quality all the way around.

Answer 3

The Sea Ray and the Bayliner are two very different boats quality-wise.

Assuming the price is the same (which I'm sure they are not) and the overall boat/motor condition is the same, the Sea Ray is simply a better built boat.  

When speaking of boats, "you get what you pay for".

Answer 4

Go for the Sea Ray it will hold it's value better/longer.  Bayliner is known for high production #'s with usually an under powered drivetrain.

Answer 5

Bayliner is one of the poorer quality boats on the market.  Searay has a great reputaion for quality, and a far superior manufacturing facility.  Used to work for a Searay distributor in Canada(Port sandfield Marine), and we had little or no PDI issues. You might want to look for a 19 foot with a V6 4.3L.  This package seems a little underpowered to me.

Answer 6

We have a 22 foot sea ray and you won't find a tougher boat on the bay!  our's is a cuddy cabin, but the thing is a tank!  I would go with that one.

Answer 7

Unless you like ruff rides make sure what you get a v-hull the tri-hulls can be ruff unless on a calm lake but if your doing that than go with a pontoon

Answer 8

Regarding just by the manufacturer, Sea Ray is much better than Bayliner.  Bayliner pushes out sloppy fiberglassing work which hasn't changed much better over the years.

First you need to find out about all laws and regulations in your state regarding operating on the water.  Ignorance is not a defense against a ticket or seizure of boat/PWC, so make sure you comply with all state boating laws.

Always require a test drive and inspect EVERYTHING inch by inch on the boat.  If it doesn't run smooth, issues idling, trim problems, or overheating (pay regular attention to engine temp gauge while testing it), then don't even bother considering buying it.

Make sure you know how to properly inspect a boat hull.  If you aren't sure or don't know how, research it and ask around some boat dealerships or a fiberglass repair shop.

Is there soft spots in the floor or rotting, expect to pay ALOT to have a boat floor replacement.  Is the bilge drain plug hole sealed and solid, reach inside it to feel with your finger and move your finger around.  It should feel smooth and like a pipe.   If you feel wood, plywood or gaps in it that's not sealed, don't buy that boat.

Also, look at the condition of the upholstery on the boat, is it in good condition, wearing, or the boards backing it rotting?  This is not cheap to fix/replace either so keep that in mind.

Next step, get the engine and drive system inspected by a certified marine tech for the outboard or sterndrive system that is on your boat.

This must be done BEFORE you buy the boat at your expense.  This will save you potentially thousands down the line if you buy it without an inspection and end up getting a lemon.  

The buyer of the boat/vehicle by most state laws in the US is required at the buyer's expense to verify the condition/quality of the boat/PWC BEFORE buying from a private individual (dealerships might have different laws govering this issue).   If you opt not to get it checked before buying, you have no legal recourse unless you can prove fraud.

Finally, get properly informed on how to operate and maintain your boat.  Failure to do this correctly will result in the costly mistake similiar to another first time boater made.  He forgot to winterize his boat and now he's got to fork up $4000 to $6000 in repair/replacement of his inboard engine.

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