Opinions on two different boats and motors please.?

I can only presume that you have budget restraints in order to consider either of these two boats. As old as they are, my best guess is the Formula. Despite the fact that Bayliner is one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world, they had a few problems in the late 80's like many other builders. Just for clarification, here's the truth about it. As the price of wood went up in 1985, many manufacturers were looking for a less expensive route for marine grade plywood. Enter the Taiwanese. They could beat the price, and from all tests were making quality ply at a fraction of the cost. So, Bayliner, Donzi, Four winns, and MANY other manufacturers started buying. What they didn't know until too late was that the glue was changed, and the plywood started to self-distruct. The smaller companies stood behind theirs even after the warranties ran out, however with literally tens of thousands of boats with deteriorating decks, Bayliner could not replace them all and stay in business. That is what really happened to Bayliners reputation. Now, as for the powertrain, since OMC is no longer in business, soon parts will be impossible, like a Yugo. Mercruiser and Formula are strong, dependable companies, and parts are easily found. My best advice is to keep looking however. The technology on fuel savings alone will save you enough money to buy a newer boat and use it more. With the new outboard stuff, economy is through the roof. On the IO side, the new fuel injected engines are over 33 percent more efficient than the old carbuerated stuff. Last thing you want is some old, wore out boat giving you trouble instead of fun days.

I would say go with the Formula. Its a good company and the Merc engine has plenty of parts available. I do not like the construction of Bayliner but I bet there are plenty of happy owners out there. Either way realize you are talking about machines that are 20 or more years old that are operated in a harsh environment. All engine types have their drawbacks, personally I like inboards. But remember that there are millioms of all types in operation. If you have a doubt about which boat to pick keep on looking. The right boat will grab you.

AVOID "Bayliner" in short, They're "Crap", you'll take a bath on the re-sale value, they look Pretty but, are poorly constructed.

As mentioned above, I would look for a boat with an outboard, stern drives give you both the nighmare of the automotive world, and the marine world. An outdrive changes the direction of "Power" at too many points, this creates "WEAR", and from an "Engineering" stand point, NOT A GOOD DESIGN. The seals also leak and have to be replaced like every 2-years, all you have between YOU and the bottom, is a rubber seal around that outdrive, AGAIN, A POOR DESIGN.

My buddy bought a bayliner for 12,000 and sold it for like 2,000 he is still paying off the rest what a POS. Best bet for safety and easier repairs would be to buy a boat with an outboard. With I/O if the seals/boots leak u will sink. With an outboard u wont sink and u can just unbolt the motor and replace it or move it to a workshop. Also be aware it might sound good that it was stored for years but rubber seals etc. will dry rot and need to be replaced.

Myself you couldn't give me a outdrive,there a money pit,omc means Out More Cash?? eather straight inboard or outboard. Just my thought