Matt Trulio

For the good of the overall industry, http://speedonthewater.com/commentar...-comeback.html.

Too Stroked

As usual Matt, you hit the nail right on the head. I've never been a huge Baja (construction) fan, but I've always liked their styling. And they do fill a niche that almost nobody else does. I still believe the move to North Carolina addressed my major concerns and that if the economy ever improves, they're in the cat bird seat. Best of luck to them!

BBADWS6

Great read. And its very true. Most people who want to get into the boating lifestyle dont have tremendous ammounts of money to spend on a high end go-fast.

boatnt

iTrader: (1)

I wish them the best as well,,I owned a couple of Bajas in the past and had Great luck with them..

with that been said,,,a X Baja dealer told me that a new Baja 26 is close to 80k

Matt Trulio

80K. Wow.

Affordable is a relative term, especially in the high-performance world.

JoeD

Scarab would be another brand I wish someone could bring back.

VetteLT193

Yes, this is correct. And in my opinion, the real reason the new boat market totally tanked is only partially the economy... the other major part is the prices.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...utlaw-98554028

even more mind blowing is a 23 outlaw with a 6.2 is 60 grand. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...utlaw-98554045

By the time you add in trailer and some options to that 26 outlaw... tax tag and title... I'm thinking you are in it for close to 100k. And that's for a single engine, non step, mid 60 MPH boat?

I can't say that there is a 'fix' for this... materials, labor, etc. cost what they cost but seriously how can a regular working man even dream to buy?

My ideal next step for boating is that new Donzi 35 ZR Open. But it's priced in the mid 200's. With the power I want (525's) it costs what my house costs. So... not gonna happen unless they are giving some seriously huge discounts.

BlackJack58

I would agree - Matt's thoughts are totally on point...if we're ever going to get more new boaters coming in - it will be critical to have some decent entry level options. Even the 70-80k range is a lot for some people.

A few years back, when I first got in - I was looking at a new Checkmate ZT260 at the Cleveland Boat Show - it was (I think) about 70k then, maybe a little more. Subsequently, I came across a sweet '87 Formula 242LS (actual 26'LOA) with under 400 hrs - for about 20% of that amount. That's the way I went and I don't regret it.

A new boat may be in the cards at some point, but personally I like fixing up old stuff...and this boat is all I can handle right now, anyway.

five cent worth

I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Baja for many of the reasons listed in the article. I also wouldn't be looking to upgrade to something bigger and faster if it weren't for Baja either (stepping stone as rarely does someone step into a 35 ft twin blue motors boat).

Can't wait to see the new product and best of luck!!

five cent worth

Ditto!