Bayliner Vs Sea Ray 24' Cruisers

[EricFM]

I am looking for a trailerable cruiser in the 24' range. There are quite a few Bayliner 245 and Sea Ray's out there for sale, in the 2002-2007 range.

Any advice for this "newbie" as to which manufacturer is known for higher quality product, and what to look for in buying one of these used boats?

[valhalla360]

You'll get better resale out of the searay but overall quality isn't much different.

Bayliner has a reputation because they are typically bought by first time buyers and that has translated into they must be bad. Reality is they aren't much different.

[CaptTom]

I owned a 2003 Bayliner 285. The interior layout was hands-down better than comparable (and some larger) Sea Rays. At least for our purposes, which was cruising for 2-3 weeks at a time. If you're only doing day trips, then you might not care about efficient use of space for sleeping, cooking, dining, etc. In which case the Sea Rays tend to have a more stylish look.

Both are solid, mass-produced boats. Pick one that suites your needs and has been well-maintained. Those things are more important than the brand name.

[Lepke]

Bayliner does an ok job on the hull. Maybe as good as most other builders. Inside not so good. If you have no leaks or water in unexpected places it's ok. But it looks like 2 crews. One makes the hull and another, less skilled crew puts the boat together using substandard products. Open boats usually need new floors, etc., because of poor fiberglassing and cheap plywood. I had a marine repair and salvage business. I rarely got to do Bayliners because the repairs were too extensive and too expensive. Doing a proper build wouldn't have been that much more, but not Bayliner's way.

[tuffr2]

Why not consider a Regal Windows Express 2565 pocket cruiser. That boat is one I would be looking at.

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[Three Sisters]

Originally Posted by EricFM

I am looking for a trailerable cruiser in the 24' range. There are quite a few Bayliner 245 and Sea Ray's out there for sale, in the 2002-2007 range.

Any advice for this "newbie" as to which manufacturer is known for higher quality product, and what to look for in buying one of these used boats?

At some point Bayliner shifted the layup to include vinyester resin on the outer hull. The timeframe and models invoved, I do not know.

Also I'd want to know if wood coring was still being used in the stringers and transom. These structural items require a thorough evaluation.

Good Luck in your selection process.

[Cheechako]

Not sure about the newer Bayliners. My old one was very stout hull.
The engines, outdrives, stern core issues (soaking up water) etc are often the same for both boats. Not sure if SeaRay used wood core stringers or not. That's another potential issue. But most of my knowledge is old.
Not sure if either has improved the stern problem or not.
Most "bolt on " stuff is not made by either company anyway. However, you could check out what the fuel tanks are made of etc for comparison.

[tuffr2]

I am not sure of the pecking order between all the boat manufacturers. You have Bayliner, Sea Ray, Four Winns, Regal, Glastron, Rinker.

Of these I would put Bayliner at the bottom with everyone else a slight notch up from Bayliner.

Not sure if there is any difference between Four Winns and Regal for example.

I would not limit to Sea Ray and Bayliner when there are many more ootions.

Good luck

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[tuffr2]

Just curious, did you find a boat yet and if so what boat for you end up buying?