Opinons on a Mach I please!
 

My brother is looking into purchasing a Baha Mach I boat, and I do not know all that much about them. Is there anything that he should look out for, trouble area's, years to avoid, resale? Performance is not his number 1, but it is a plus. He is just looking for a good all around boat that is not too expensive. Here is the boat that he is looking at....


http://www.happydaysboating.com/

Look at the 98 w/ the Merc drive on the tri axle trailer listed at $47,900 under the brokered listings.


BTW what would you guys think is a fair price for it?


TIA
Matt

It all depends on what you're looking for. They are real popular boats on LOTO. It fit my particular boating needs at the right price, so I bought one. I Had to compromise with the wifey. LOTO is really rough, so I wanted as big a boat as I could get and still stay with a single and tow with a half ton truck. And it had to be sporty looking. She wanted something less bumpy than the old boat, and of course a bathroom. So this was a good fit. It's 6000# with a standard tried and true 24 degree deep v hull. May be old hull design technology, but rides like a caddy. Got close to 5' of headroom in the cabin with a galley, running water, enclosed head, seats and a v-berth. So it's pretty cushy for a boat this size. Not the fastest ride around though. I'm just shy of 60 gps with a 385hp 454mag in ideal conditions. This boat needs a lot of hp to get going.

It's not a "name" brand, but digging into it's construction, it's built pretty much the same as a Baja. Not Cigarette quality, but not bayliner. For the price, I felt it was good. Uses fiberglassed XL stringers and XL boat panel for the bulkheads, transom and decks. Shouldn't rot over time. The deck is through bolted and glassed to the hull like Baja's. Wish it was bonded like Formula's but it's ok I guess.

Problem areas are the gas tank and seats. I had to remount and foam in the fuel tank to take the rough water and through bolt the bolster seats.

Had a decent custom paint job put on, and a 1000 watt stereo added. I think it came out pretty good for the dollar. Here's my baby :D

:D

Mach1Shorty,
Thank you for the quick reply. That is exactly what I was looking for. He has about the exact same requirements/restrictions as you mentioned. The half ton truck, better ride, restroom etc. I am sure he will be pleased to read your reply. Is the weight you mentioned just the boat and gear? What type of trailer are you running? I like the looks of the eagle tri-axle it is sitting on, but do not know all that much about it. Again thank you very much!


Matt

:)

No trailer, just keep it on a lift. I'm looking into an aluminum trailer for next season. A steel one would through me over my truck's tow capacity. I'd recommend disc brakes on two of the three axels if you're using a half ton to tow with.

I had the opportunity to tie up next to Shorty and the Mrs. Memorial Day weekend at LOTO. If his boat represents the rest of them out there, I say go for it. Clean, good looking boat IMO.

Buck
#183

What about the 502 with the Volvo? Trailer is not as nice but it is a 502.