Praetorian

I've been looking at Formula 382 or Cig Top Gun. The Baja lists at $299K. Figure boats usually sell for about 25 to 30% less than list. I agree that Formula and Cig quality is hard to beat. My 312 is built like a tank and the materials don't seem to age with time. I wouldn't have considered the Baja but this 2006 just showed up at a dealer just down the street from me and it seems to be a lot of boat for the money. Great custom paint. A Top Gun would cost almost twice the money.

Tough decisions ahead. Someone said Boating is a series of compromises (more boat for the same $, less quality - more quality, big bucks - high performance engines, less reliability). Whoever said that got it right.

Excalibur, what are the specs on your neighbor's boat? year, hours, asking price?

Dock Holiday

I have had great luck with Baja, and while many want to criticize the fit and finish, you will find that they deliver a very nice product for the money.

My 36 is our third Baja and I have MANY friends with the brand that are as happy as we are. My boat has 336 hours on it and looks BRAND NEW. There are no stress cracks and it is not falling apart as many on here would want you to think they do.

I really like Formula's and other brands, and I will be the first to admit that I wish Baja would copy them in a few design areas, however Formula looks the same to me today except for paint that it did 10 years ago. They don't seem to be bringing anything new to the market.

Baja is spending more in R & D then most brands in the business combined. From wind tunnel testing, to carbon fiber construction, to the all new series of Outlaws including the 30 & 35 which are running fast with stock power and no steps. Then the new 405 which has no bulk heads in the cuddy for a complete open and unique design. The build slots for the new 35 & the 405 are SOLD OUT this year. The very popular 25 Outlaw is being replaced by the new 26 Outlaw next month and the list goes on. They are a company on the move, and if you don't like them, you at least have to admit that they helped to bring a LOT of people to this sport!

If they did not have a good product and bring a great value to the market they would not be the number one builder.

I have had the pleasure to ride on a 40 and it rides great and carves a turn like nothing you have been on. The 33 is nice, our 36 is great and the 40 is AWESOME.

We ran beside "WillPower" up at 1000 Islands last year and they look wonderful in the water.

If you want a good looking boat with lots of room and a very smooth ride it is had to beat. If speed is important, then you will probably not be happy.

Good luck with your shopping.

Here are a few pictures.

Dock Holiday

This is a beautiful 40 with triple 600's that was at the Jacksonville Firefighters run last June that ran in the low 90's.

The styling is sweet on these boats. They have a real presence, and attract a lot of attention around the docks.

Dock Holiday

A few more of the above boat.

Fountainclimber

Pond Father is around here somewhere...

Dock Holiday

Baja's 2005 Carbon Fiber Poker Run Boat.

FeverMike

Try to find Hi Tide here on OSO. He has a 40 and has had it for years. It seemes to be a very nice boat. They do look very nice too...great classic lines.

cuda

I saw that 40 in Jax last year. It was a great looking boat.

cuda

We were in a poker run in St Pete back in '04, and the dealer that was sponsoring the run had this 40 as the pace boat.

Dock Holiday

Here's a few shots of our 36 taken just this year. It is a 2002 model.