Bayliner 32xx Buyers Guide:

NOTE: Always have a qualified Surveyor perform an out of the water survey before a purchase.

1.     Fuel Tanks, Fuel Tanks, Fuel Tanks – Enough cannot be said about the known issue with the 32xx fuel tanks.  The 32xx has to two (2) 100 gallon aluminum fuel tanks located port and starboard in the engine compartment. The Starboard (Right Side) tank is known to leak at the right lower corner. There are several reason for this issue:

a.       The 32xx has an inherent Starboard list. The list causes bilge water to accumulate under the Starboard tank creating condensation issues.

b.      A rubber strip is stapled to the horizontal lower tank holder. These staples create a dissimilar metal on metal issue causing pin holes in the tank.

Prior to purchasing a 32xx motoryacht, specific inspection should be done on both tanks paying particular attention to the lower areas behind the holders.

2.     Flybridge Water Damage – There have been documented issue of water damage to the flybridge flooring. Prior to purchasing a 32xx special attention should be taken to test the moisture levels and soft spots in the flybridge floor.

3.     Windows Frames – The widow frames are aluminum. Check for water damage and signs of leaking.

4.     Walk around all of the exterior decks looking for soft spots

5.     In the aft state room, check for softness in the floor, especially close to the engine room bulk head.

6.     Look in the engine room carefully for signs of past water intrusion. Past flooding can cause stringer Dry Rot, which is a timely and expensive repair.

7.     Stringers and Transom – Check the moister levels in both the stringers and transom. Older boats could have dry rot that will need major repairs.

8.     Engines – Look for overall appearance. A clean engine room usually means a well maintained boat. If things are dirty and rusty, then there maybe maintenance issues. If you are serious perform the checks below, but before a purchase, a complete engine survey by a qualified mechanic should be performed. Items to look for during initial inspection:

a.    Condition of Manifolds and risers

b.    On Gas engines do a Compression Check

c.     Check the oil. Look for off color or smell of fuel in the oil. Also looking for water in the oil

d.    Check the condition of the cooling water. It should be a good color anti freeze with no rust color

e.    Check the gear oil. Look for off color oil

f.      Cooling Water flow at idle out the exhaust

g.     If  this is a diesel boat with turbos, check  the turbo rotors for a smooth spin. There should be no play in the rotor

h.     Amount of Smoke at start up and color of smoke if any

i.       Amount of vibration at idle. The Hino Diesel will vibrate a lot, especially the 110hp non turbo model, but excessive vibration could indicate worn engine mounts

j.       On a sea trial make sure boat can reach max rpm. Hino diesels should reach 3000 RPMs. Most gas engines should at least hit 4000 RPM.

k.      At high RPM check the temp gauges, engines should be able to run at high RPM (2700  RPM diesel, 3600 RPM gas) for at least a few minutes without over heating. Anything over 200 degrees is of concern indicating Cooling issues

Sea Trial Check List

Prior to a purchase a sea trial should always be preformed. It is highly recommended that a mechanic familiar with the power train of the vessel be onboard during the test. They should at minimum check the following items.

1.      Checks Prior to leaving the dock:

ÿ       Prior to starting the engines perform the following fluid checks:

o       Check Oil level both engines

o       Check Cooling water level both engines (make sure engines are cool)

o       Check Gear Oil level both gears

ÿ       Start Both engines and check the following:

o       Check gages for proper oil pressure, voltage, rpm.

o       Check for adequate cooling water flow through both port and starboard exhaust outlets

o       Check for excessive engine vibration

o       While still tied to the dock engage starboard engine in forward. Observe the time it takes to engage. Listen for excessive drive train chatter and vibration. Make sure prop is spinning by observing water movement at the stern of the boat. Now engage reverse checking same as above. Performs the same test for the port side.

2.      Checks Once Underway

ÿ       While underway at idle let the engines run up to normal operating temperature. Note the temperature and oil pressure value.

ÿ*   Bring the boat up to cruise speed, something like 75% rpm. Cruise for at least 5-10 minutes checking the temperature and oil pressure values. Check for excessive vibration and sound coming from the running gear.

ÿ*   Bring the engines up to full Wide Open Throttle for at lest 90-120 seconds. Make sure boat can reach 3000 rpm for a Hino Diesel. Once again note engine temperature and oil pressure. For a Hino this should be at least 40PSI oil and nothing over 190 degree F.

ÿ*   Bring engines back to cruise for 2-3 minutes. Once again note engine temperature and oil pressure.

ÿ       Now return to idle speed. Once again note engine temperature and oil pressure.

ÿ*  When satisfied, return to the dock. Prior to engine shut down perform the following steps again while tied to the dock (very important as once the running gear is at temperature, things can change):

o       While still tied to the dock engage starboard engine in forward. Observe the time it takes to engage. Listen for excessive drive train chatter and vibration. Make sure prop is spinning by observing water movement at the stern of the boat. Now engage reverse checking same as above. Performs the same test for the port side.