QUOTE(Rbatt2 @ Jun 22 2004, 08:27 AM)but it was evident how they kept costs down in areas like canvas material, cabin material, vinyls and overall fit and finish. It also lacked some "nice-to-haves" like engine synchronzer, hourmeters......
Yeah, and they do the same thing with the materials, laminating schedules, and workmanship that make up the hull.
The whole boat is designed around cutting corners.
Now that doesn't make it a bad, unsafe boat--when new. But what about 10 years from now? Anything made from inferior materials WILL wear out faster, have more problems, and hence need more maintenance.
Since bought out by Brunswick (SeaRay, Baja, Hatteras and more are owned by Brunswick), the opportunity and resources have been there to build a better quality boat. Maybe they are. But how do you explain the cost differential between a Bayliner and a same size SeaRay?