need advice

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MrFiXXXitman
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2011/05/20 10:17:36 (permalink)

need advice

Im looking at 2 boats, one is a 88 Bayliner 2459 with a 5.0 liter omc with low hours one owner, the other is a 89 thompson 240 hardtop with a merc with a chevy 350 engine 1000 hrs and lots of equipment, 2nd owner. both are around $8500 with trailer . primary use is perch and walleye fishing, which would be a beter boat for lake erie
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    bulldog1
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    RE: need advice 2011/05/20 10:31:58 (permalink)
    Some will say to stay away from the omc, I've had zero problems with mine. Thompsons were/are popular Erie boats and I found this quote about Bayliners on another forum...

    "Lifes too short to dance with UGLY women. And boat on Bayliners..."


    1,000 hours could mean some expensive maintenance isn't far away, or it could've already been done. Was either of these boats slipped in the past? Leaving a boat in the water can have a detrimental effect on the hull. Another concern is your tow vehicle, both of these are going to be fairly heavy boats, a half ton pickup might be good for short hauls on flat ground but not for long distance.

    Tough choice...
    #2
    ShutUpNFish
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    RE: need advice 2011/05/20 13:46:27 (permalink)
    I'd go with the one which you like best....They both sound to be pretty close in value. Look for most comfortable and suitable for what you plan on doing. Also check them both out thoroughly for what kind of shape they are in. They both make great Lake Erie boats....they both have been around forever and you will find many of them out there still. Goo Luck with your choice....

    #3
    Bogeyjoker
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    RE: need advice 2011/05/20 13:50:04 (permalink)
    I'll agree with bulldog. Thompson's were solid big water boats, and there are a ton of them out there. However, late 80's Bayliner Trophys are NOT the same animals as they were in the mid/late 90's or the Bayliners of today...they were better built. I'm not saying they'd be better than the Thompsons, just that a '88 Trophy might be a good buy if it was in good shape. Both boats would handle big water well, I'd give the Thompson the edge for heavy sea comfort.

    Also, like BD said, it makes a big difference if that 1000 hours includes upgrades/updates or if those are yet to be done. It also matters what "a lot of equipment" means...rod holders?, autopilot?, updated electronics?, or does it mean planer boards, rods, tackle, etc?.

    Both boats would get the job done, but neither one will put fish in the cooler if it's in the shop because the engine or outdrive needs fixed or replaced, or the stringers or transom replaced. Have someone who knows what they're looking at take a look for you.

    Good luck!





    #4
    BIGSLICK
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    RE: need advice 2011/05/20 15:58:19 (permalink)
    I agree with what is stated here...88 OMC's were the newer generation called the cobra, though there is still parts available, they are sometimes hard to come by and more expensive then the mercruisers. OMC=One More C-note. Also, just because they have low hours, doesn't mean they will run better. The seals and boots etc will rot when they aren't in water or not used. My recommendation would be to inspect them both very closely. Take both of them for a test ride if you can, run at all speeds. See if they troll down nice. Don't be shy on the throttle a time or two either, some problems don't present themselves till higher RPM's. Both of these have GM V-8's in them, so I would suspect there is plenty of power. If it were me, I would lean closer to the thompson. Solid and proven boat. I have riden on those older Bayliners and they are like a buoy out in rough water, feel like your constantly swaying side to side more than normal. There is pro's and con's to each boat. The bayliners were all fiberglassed including the floor. Makes for easy clean-up and no wood rot. The thompsons have wood floors. Check for soft spots, if you find one, it's possible the stringer could be rotten as well. Transom as well, take a hammer and tap on the transom, should sound solid.



    #5
    Big Fathead
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    RE: need advice 2011/05/20 22:36:47 (permalink)
    Get a marine survey on the hull. I would surely check the transom, floor and stringers on the Thompson and this is speaking from experience. I've looked at many, many Thompsons and have not found one single boat without rot. They are great boats for lake Erie. If the boat is already repaired you have to make sure repairs were done correctly. I would imagine the same problems with the Bayliner Boats. I think the boat pictured above already had floor work done on it and if I'm correct the floor isn't back to factory finish. I think i spoke with that boats seller a few months ago and it had allot of equipment with it. Overall if you find a good solid Thompson I wouldn't hesitate on purchasing it. Plenty deep and plenty stable with high sides.
    #6
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