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Random Quote: The only way that boat could do 40mph ... would be behind a tow vehicle!
I am looking at this boat. It is super clean, has a rebuilt engine(IMC cobra 5.7), it's spacious and seems very versitle. It's not a speed boat but does anybody have any issues or opinions on this model? I had it surveyed and am awaiting a sea trial with the surveyor. I appreciate any advise.
the boat is still 21 years old. unless you are getting the deal of the century and a years worth of gas I am sure that for the price you could find something new. I have enough knowledge to be dangerous but I believe bayliners from that era were not the best. Also if parts nee repaired, replaced, etc you might start running into trouble finding them.
What did the survey say the value and condition of the boat was. The problem with any 21 year old boat is costly repairs (structural problems in the hull or major mechanicals) always exceed the value of the boat. If your surveyor does his job right the answer will be an easy one either way. I consider myself a value priced guy and the Trophy's are value priced boats. The biggest problem with this "class" of boats is they usually see no service and are run hard. If you find a low hour well cared for Trophy at a good price buy it enjoy it and dont look back. I am not on the coast and did look at a few Trophy's and did find a couple older ones with low hours garage stored that looked very good but in the end went with a new one paid more than I wanted but have had 2 years of trouble free boating and looking back glad I bought new. Our first boat was used poor boat it was really used after I learned about boating.
The survey was very positive. No hull, stringer or transom issues. Engine is basically new. It had a complete aprox. 5hrs ago. The boat is super clean and well cared for. I've seen many newer boats not in this condition.
I own a 1987 22' Trophy,and have to say that it's treated me very well over the last ten years.It also has the Cobra drive,but with a 305 230hp motor.
They were basically a lower priced entry level boat,mostly because they usually were underpowered,and they cut some corners on the hardware,and ancilarry items used.
I believe the negatives with bayliner were really with their cierra models.This is why they now list Trophy as it's own line,to get away from that stigma.
I fish the great lakes,and have to say that it fishes very well,and will handle the steep close together waves that are common on the great lakes pretty well,in a trolling situation.I will say that I've put this boat thru some nasty stuff.
However,powering in in anything over a 2 foot chop is not fun.Even with tabs,it pounds severely,and can get a little squirrely,if anyone moves, even just a little.
I am replacing this boat with a 1974 23' Potter Seacraft that I'm restoring.
I would say that if the price is right,and if it's in good shape,and fits your needs,then go for it.As for parts for Cobra drives,they're still easy to get,i wouldn't worry about that.I look at it this way,whatever boat works the best for you is the right boat.Sure we'd all like the best boat made,but you can have a lot of fun,and catch just as many fish from a boat that cost much less.
I paid 7,000.00 for my 87 Trophy about ten years ago,and that included a new trailer and a nice Yamaha four stroke kicker.I take very good care of it mechanically,and had very few problems.I figure i got more than my moneys worth out of it.
I used to have a 1984 Trophy 2860 hardtop. I loved that boat and wish I had never sold it.
I used it up in western Lake Erie which is famous for its nasty short chop. It was a great running boat. I had 14 people on it one night and that Volvo 260 put it up on plane.
I could go boating when all the Sea Ray guys had to stay at home.
I have an older Trophy, and its a great little boat. Of course I paid next to nothing for it, and have reworked the entire boat from bow to stern, all wiring , engine, and even put on a pilot house to keep dry. There is nothing wrong with the older boats as long as you know what your getting. The report of no rot in the stringers and transome is great. I actually talked to a guy at Brunswick that made MY boat ! No kidding, he checked the old numbers and its his build. He told me that my boat layup was so overbuilt that the stringers could turn to dust and I'd never know. Now, he has nothing to gain by saying that as he is no retired, but I thought he spoke volumes. A lot of the Bayliner bashing is from people that have an axe to grind for whatever reason. Take this rig for a couple of rides. One on a nice day, and one on a very NOT nice day....then decide.
__________________ " I think we need a bigger boat ! "
It was my uderstanding the old Bayliners were build like a tank. The problems were wiring, hardeware etc. They were a price point boat with a smaller engine to keep the price down. Of course you sacrificed speed and handling with the smaller engine but that may not be of great concern it would depend on the body of water and use. Like Shark says try it out on a nasty day. Bayliner has been known as a boat you can't kill.
__________________ Living in South Carolina, fishing any place. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf". G. Orwell
The main thing with old boats is rot, if you are getting a good report on the hull/deck/transom that's great. The Bayliners from the 80s that had the bad rot problems were the smaller bowriders. I think I've seen 3 or 4 of them redone on Iboats!
The Cobra drive system is another issue. OMC has been out of business for a long time and some parts are hard to get, as is service in some places. I have one on my 88 Four Winns and it's been a good drive, I have been able to get most parts, but that can change in the future because Bombardier (who bought OMC's assets) is not making new parts for these. So it's what ever old new stock there is and the aftermarket (Sierra and GLM). A Cobra when set up right is a good shifting drive, but trying to find a tech who knows them can be hard. I am lucky, I have a local tech who is great.
__________________ 1988 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
4.0/NV 242 Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
5.7 HEMI/Quadradrive II
87 Bayliner Trophy 28'-opinions 
