Comparative thoughts

D

Don Tyson

Member
Jan 28, 2019
48
Boat Info
268
Engines
boatless
I have had some opportunities to visit Bayliner 2455 Hardtop, Sundancer 250, Sundancer 268. I am wondering it the build quality is okay on the Bayliner. They are nice and airy looking and open but don't seem to be as well built in the area of cabinetry and accommodations and I'd like your thoughts on this. I'm talking mid 80's to mid 90's.

I know that they are both Brunswick Companies but they seem quite different in nature.
 
The Bayliner is an "OK" boat if it was properly maintained and then marginal at best. They are definitely entry-level boats. Build quality and materials used are not up to the caliber of other boats. The Sea Rays, 250 or the 268, would be a better option and would give you a better resale value when you are ready to move up.

For what it seems you are looking to do with a boat, and if you wanted to look at other brands I would say look at Regal, Formula, Rinker or even Maxum. But with any older used boat you have to do your due diligence. It's all going depend on how the boat was maintained. Inspect carefully, go for a test ride/sea trial and get the survey. Lastly be prepared to walk away if it just doesn't "feel" right.

One last thing, don't over-think this process. The 268 you mentioned in an earlier post with the newer engine and outdrive sounded pretty nice. Someone spent a chunk of money upgrading that boat and someone with the money to do that most likely took good care of the boat and maintained it properly. Also, I would be willing to bet that someone checked the stringers and transom prior to making that investment. Is that boat listed on line somewhere? I would be happy to look at the listing for you and pictures if there are any and give you an opinion.
Shawn
 
Korkie, cool name for a boater. I would likely use my boat al least once or twice in your area. Patuxent River, Potomac and others. Will a 268 handle most conditions there through the summer? Would I cross over to Tangier or Crisfield in a afternoon breeze?
 
Korkie,
I had kept a Pearson Triton sailboat in Deele Harbor for a while and didn't get out much because the harbor would blow out leaving me standing on my keel.
 
The link to the SR shows a boat that seems to have been maintained to a degree as evidenced by the cockpit and cabin condition. Who knows how much rotted plywood is beneath the vinyl upholstery. There could be a lot given the age of the boat. But it could be worse.
The engine room does not look good. There is evidence of high water above the level of the engine. There are lots of wires that are not connected. There is is some sort of piping in the front of the engine that is open and missing a part. The compartment is dirty and not cared for. There are probably electrical and mechanical issues that can not be seen in the photo. In its current condition, I doubt the engine will run.
Do you have a link to the Bayliner? Could be in better condition than this boat.
tiara in the snow 01.JPG
 
Don, there are many reasons why Sea Rays and many other boats cost more than Bayliners. Much of the difference comes in from the build construction. A few years ago I helped a guy take his 57' Bayliner from Seattle to Stockton, CA. In a sea condition with 4'-8' waves the boat felt like a cork, bouncing all over the place.

I asked him what the dry weight of the boat was and, while I forget the figure he quoted, it was about 10,000 pounds lighter than my boat. That difference had to have come much from the construction of the hull because his boat was slightly bigger than mine.

Here's what I mean when I say bouncing around....

Just something to think about. Now, if you're not going to be out in the ocean with the boat you buy and not facing those kinds of waves, a nicely kept Bayliner could be a perfectly good boat for you. Just make sure you get a survey done on any boat you buy.
 
Beautiful boat. Thanks for the tour. The loose wires are likely a result of re-powering. Your other observations about waterlines and so forth are things I’d never have noticed and I that you for that. I am making a list for when I do go see boats. Thanks
 
I am so jealous. I just left Vacaville Wednesday. I so want to sneak around in Delta country.
No I won’t delibeRately sail into conditions like that As I am prone to seasickness very easily.
I live in PA and boat in the big bays near me. I’ve been through many an inlet with no issues but never outside for long. If ever caught in 4-7’ seas I’d like to know if my boat is capable.
I used to watch the salmon boats go out of Eureka ca. I knew, I just knew they would all sink. But they didn’t. They fished all day and came back through the same inlet end of day with a load of fish.
like I say, I don’t plan to challenge it,but if I need to, I hope the boat can handle it. It also pays to keep the fuel separators and filters serviced in case of rough weather.
 
I had a 89 268 and found that the build was really not up to par with newer SeaRay models.
Specifically, the "bulkhead" separating the area beneath the helm and the head inside. That wall was constructed of separate panels of some kind of particle board and fastened together with aluminum angle pieces and screws. The screws would back out and loosen but the particleboard would not allow them to be put back in tightly. Longer screws would end up piercing the foam/vinyl layer on the finished side, so I tried using thicker screws. Eventually they'd back out and have the same issues.
The back bench seat is not well designed and only has padding on the front half of the bench (since it folds away) so it can be most uncomfortable, but also less than sturdy. You can't check the engine room without storing this bench too.
The aft facing jump seats behind the helm are basically unusable for adults - just try and sit in one.
The boat seems to have too much weight above the water line for it's beam so it is difficult to run it on an even keel and you're constantly playing with its undersized trim tabs. (I got bigger ones for my boat which did improve this). It also had to be running at a higher speed to stay on plane than other similar sized boats. Probably due to the 8.5 beam and heavier weight. Competitors often have 9' - 9.5' beams and lighter weight.
The same era Bayliners if kept in good condition might be a wiser move. The key with a Bayliner is to get them at a low enough price that you can move them later.
 
I would say get the best condition boat you can for the money you have to spend. You will find that the Bayliners will not be built with as good quality material as Sea Ray. Interior vinyl for example is not as good quality. But after 30 years most will need replacement anyway so may be a mute point. Engines and drive trains are going to be mercruiser and Merc 454 in a Bayliner will be same in a Sea Ray. Condition is what matters. Bayliners weigh less and that means thinner glass in the hulls and stringers etc. They flex a bit more so be on the lookout for broken bulkhead tabbing and loose parts. Watch for stringer, transom and deck rot on any boat you buy. Old sea rays are no better than any other boat once rot starts and its very common in older boats.
 
Don, a 268 would be good in Potomac so long as wind not out of SE. So far as the Chesapeake - it can be fine one min ute and then turn right to crap. We had a Maxum 2700 SCR b4 our 340. There were times we had to turn around and head back in due to the seas. If you are interested in the Chesapeake and don't want to be concerned with some moderate sea conditions and you could swing it, a 310 would be the smallest I would recommend. I travel with a couple of friends and one has a 320 and the other a 310 and they make out well.
 
Don, below is a link to 18 Yachtworld listings of Sea Ray 268s, including the one you shared. Not sure what your budget is but there are a few that look better than the one you shared. I agree with SBW1. The outside of the boat appears to be a 6-7, the upholstery 7-8 (I don't care for how the cabin was re-done) and the engine room a 4. I'm assuming the hoses are off the t-stat housing because the boat is winterized. If you are making a trip to WI a few of these are in the area and look a bit better. There are a couple of '89s that look good. And remember, these are listed prices. Make a crazy offer. All they can do is say no or counter. I bought a boat that was listed at $140,000. I offered $115,000 just to see what he would come back with. He accepted and then covered all $21,000 worth of items in the survey. I got a really nice 52' boat for less than 100 grand. Never hurts to ask.

https://www.yachtworld.com/core/lis...ue&man=sea+ray&No=0&Ns=PBoat_sortByPriceAsc|0
 
Ouch. That smacks of experience. I was feeling the same way initially but met a few casual 268 owners that were pleased with the 5.7. Have you had the 5.7?
I also found one with a 6.2 which normally I would love but it was a refit and I don’t trust the sealing of the Transom.
Anyone else want to chime in?
 
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Had a Wellcraft about that size years ago and it had the 454 in it. Don't think I'd want any smaller engine.
 
While I’d like the larger engine the feedback that I’ve gotten back is that the cruise on the 5.7 is only 3 knots less than 7.4, 20-22 vs 23-25.
What bothers me is the rpm. I’ve heard that the 5.7 is as 3800-4000 at cruise speed compared to 3000 with the 7.4. The bigger motor would be allot more pleasant to be around. Same fuel mileage.
I am grateful for the tutoring classes here. Keep it up.
 
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