Erie Skipper

Wow, reelboating has matured into tht; I'm so pleased to see this come about....groannnnnnn

Glucosamine and Chondroiton are the answers--go get some. My joints are nearly pain free since I started taking it. You have me by a year; but my ticker is just as bad or worse than yours. Keep boating, fishing, working and smiling---then go have a couple of beers.

On Lake Erie, Pat Dailey's songs are a must--our version of Buffett. Check him out on you tube.

Orrrr.............through some ballast in the cabin!!

Reminder that this particular boat was built with I/O's, not outboards and designed for same. It is actually a theft of the Formula 233 hull if memory serves. It was also built with a jackshaft and a center mounted engine and performed beautifully in any sea.

Ok doom and gloomers; we have averaged just shy of 30 boat sales per month since the first of the year in northern Ohio. The buyers are out there; you've just got to have what they want and be prepared to take a trade-in. Yes, we've been around for over 40 years and we are serious about the boat business. But those who say it isn't happening are misinformed; at least as sales apply to Lake Erie in particular. Even the banks are loosening up and interest rates are believable again.

And I'll add to the mix that you are definitely propped wrong if you can only get 4000 rpm; should peak at 4400-4600 per the book on Merc

Right you are Bob; and my draft number was 12 in 1970--heck, I thought I should have gotten a deferment for the date; but that didn't happen.

Agree on checking the plugs as well; if even one is the wrong plug, it may be getting too hot and regapping itself or not hot enough or whatever--replace the lot and make sure you have the proper plug that your motor calls for.

Agree with all of you; a class act for sure and always read his posts as I knew they would be insightful. He and I share Pearl Harbor day's Dec 7 date as a birthday. RIP Ted

I'm probably old school by far, but I have a hard time believing there are too many serious boat buyers on facebook or twitter--that is unless they are politicians or pro athletes!

As Bob said, ask Mike C., who just changed jobs by the way from a company he had been with for many many years. I have lots of friends who are "former" marine industry people and are still looking for jobs; some of them with over 30 years experience. Unless you have something really unique to offer; I'd look into computers or something. Or, figure a way to manufacture used boats which are selling quite well now. The marine industry; as to the building of new boats, is metamorphising right now so that may improve your chances from the viewpoint of the industry looking for new blood and new input---but then the industry tends to stick with known people within the brotherhood so good luck with your quest; I hope you find what you are looking for, but don't hold your breath.

Old is for losers. 60, still play basketball in a league; softball in a league even after a few bypasses and some stents. Each day is a blessing; enjoy it or croak in front of the tv; your choice.

Did you remember to activate the kill switch??

And there you have the number one reason to continue doing in-the-water-warm-weather boat shows; and to he__ with the cost eh? Dang the expense and full speed ahead!!

No, I don't own a boat; but have owned plenty over the years. I do, however, run a demo and that is one way for a dealer to stay on top of his product lines--using what he or she sells. It is very heartening to hear all the positive responses about shows and reminds me why we do them all in the first place!!

Just looking for opinions here. Are you still attending shows? Are they still viable? Do they still have something to offer the buying public; or is the internet the best way to gather information? As a long time industry person; I'm curious as to the input we might get from dealers and buyers alike. Let's hear it!!

If you had rotted bulkheads, I hope you looked at stringers and especially the transom as well. Good luck with her; very good hull design.

He ran this by the THT crowd as well with no better reception. Would love to have someone else pay for our inventory as well!

Let me try this again. You are trying to get a large heavy boat, for the power it has, on plane with a Volvo 125--actually at the prop 117hp--engine that was not meant for this boat to begin with. Bayliner did this for a reason, the reason was to sell lots of Capris at a very low price. It will plane if you put people in the cabin and run it full tilt like I said before. I have sold many of these in the past, used, and I always forewarn people about them. 2 people in the boat, propped right and it will perform, poorly, but perform. Your wide open rpms should be 4800-5200 if memory serves on this one if propped right; any Volvo dealer should be able to tell you. If you are ok with the rebuild, and the compression is good; you only need to find the right prop. Standard from the factory, this had to have been a left hand prop. Get to the rpm's I mention and you'll at least be able to get her on plane with a light load. You bought an underpowered boat and unfortunately I'm the one who has to tell you after you have owned it for a while. The good news is it sounds like you bought it right enough to do some changes. A V-6 would be perfect, but you'll need to completely change the stringer system. Some of the others may have a point about wet wood in the hull making it heavier; but until you prop it right, you won't know. At best, it'll always be a slow boat to China with the engine you have.

Hate to rain on your parade, but this is probably a four cylinder engine--you didn't mention, but I am assuming since most of them were--and this boat is notoriously underpowered with that engine. The seller may have forgotten to mention that to you. With the perfect prop and full rpms, you'll still probably have to ask people to go into the front of the cabin to get her to plane and then you'll have to run her in the kitchen, probably at least 38 or 900 rpms to keep her on plane. Just the nature of the beast and one in a long line of underpowered boats by Bayliner. If it should happen to be a v-8, you have a simple prop problem.

Hello Wiley: Sales in northern Ohio are brisk and the good news is that new boats have picked up significantly in the first quarter. Cruisers in particular have started to sell much better up to about 35' for us. Fish boats are always strong here and no exception this year. Our fishing year has started nicely and that is always good for sales as well. Not record setting, but ahead of the last two years which is very good news. Thanks for asking!

Ok, posting. Snow is melting on Lake Erie, the rivers are flowing and the walleye are getting horney--spring has sprung!!

I agree, this one will go nowhere which is where it is going on the other site. It's time we let it run its course through the system and get on to the fact it's March and time to start thinking of launching boats and going fishing.

Wiley, you may be able to teach a class on the impact of the internet...but you can't teach stupid! Or fix it for that matter!!