Hi Richard;
I met you briefly last year at Rocky Bay Cafe and got my prized BE cap. This year I am in the market for a boat suitable for my family (wife and three young kids) that would sleep all of us for a night or two. This would be our first boat.
From your blog I am leery of Bayliners, but then again I know several owners that sing their praises. Since there are SO many Bayliners out there, I wonder if it is a matter of numbers - i.e., there is a large population of Bayliners and therefore owners and a wide spectrum of experience and/or abilities.
I would appreciate your thoughts on this at your convenience.
Best regards,
Travis A
------------------------
Hi Travis,
Indeed it is sheer volume. There are also a number of new owners with Bayliners.
I believe there are several decisions you should make.
How much $ you want to spend. Don't forget maintenance, insurance, moorage, fuel, and additional equipment.
Decide how you will use the boat and the speed you are comfortable with.
By all means take a boating safety course. The Power Squadron here does an excellent job.
Some folks will charter a boat for several days to see if it's what they want.
Then go shopping for a boat.
Give me a call, I'd be happy to share a cup of coffee with you.
Indeed it is sheer volume. There are also a number of new owners with Bayliners.
I believe there are several decisions you should make.
How much $ you want to spend. Don't forget maintenance, insurance, moorage, fuel, and additional equipment.
Decide how you will use the boat and the speed you are comfortable with.
By all means take a boating safety course. The Power Squadron here does an excellent job.
Some folks will charter a boat for several days to see if it's what they want.
Then go shopping for a boat.
Give me a call, I'd be happy to share a cup of coffee with you.
-Richard
3 comments:
O.K., "R", don't cringe, but I might as well weigh in on this one too. Since I have taken a few shots at "B"liners, I'm gonna lay it out best I can. I couldn't agree more with Captain Richard's reply. In almost every case cited about the "B" word, the problem was mostly due to inexperience of the operator or circumstances they could not always control, or a combination. As stated, sheer volume of a particular make of vessel, just like a vehicle, will mean that your gonna hear about it more. Many purchase their first boat based on affordability and may not always take in to account the "add ons" stated in "R's" reply. Having probably been a major (sarcastic) contributor to Travis's concerns, I have to say it may have prompted him to post his question which led to a very GOOD and practical answer and I STRONGLY suggest you take the good skippers invitation for coffee from which you may well sail away with some good solid information and knowledge after which, if you choose to purchase a "B" Boat, you may NEVER be on the end of a towline because you took advantage of an opportunity to learn what often puts people in that position and it is usually NOT the BRAND of the vessel they are on - NO SARCASM intended or implied - - - charlie
I'm a Bayliner owner, so my view may be tainted, but I believe the issue with them is one of sheer numbers. For example, my marina has 500+ boats and an 75% are Bayliners.
Richard is also correct in pointing out the experience level of the boaters. By virtue of their price, Bayliners are attractive to a lot of entry-level boaters. Some take the time to go to United States Power Squadrons or US Coast Guard Auxiliary classes, but many don't.
I'm a USPS Vessel Examiner. By doing Vessel Safety Checks I've been able to examine in detail many types of boats from a myriad of manufacturers, as well as talk to a large number of boaters. Though all of this I've come to the conclusion that the main factor in safety and reliability is not the boat manufacturer; it is the nut behind the helm.
Raul
The issue I have with many Bayliners (and this is not by any means exclusive to Bayliners) is that the lofted shape and the efforts to maximize internal and cockpit space make them very difficult to work the foredeck. Trying to anchor the typical Bayliner can be a real pain. This can complicate docking as well. I've seen people on the bow of Bayliners underway at speed -- scares me!
Post a Comment