28AT vs 25OL
12-02-2007 | 05:16 AM
#55
Registered
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,951
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse N.Y.
Contact Spiiman on the board I think he is in N.C. somewhere. His is one of only 2 twin small block 28s built, but you can get a very good idea of what they are like by looking at his. I'm sure he would be happy to show it.
12-03-2007 | 08:53 AM
#56
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,024
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From: Raleigh,NC & 1000 Islands,NY
Baja Man, I am in N Raleigh/WF area and would be glad to give you a showing anytime. If you are still working here in March, we can go for a ride. I just winterized 2 weeks ago. Plus, the lake is EMPTY!! Worst drought in recorded history.
12-03-2007 | 09:31 AM
#57
Forum Regulator
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 24,210
Likes: 1,603
From: Worldwide
The boat was previously owned by another OSO member, who put the custom paint on it. It had similar coloring to the 2005 28AT in the classifieds. Its an original 525EFI boat. There are some old threads about it during the paint stages; about 18-24 months go. I think the previous owner is/was Suncoastdave or similar. You will have to pony up to OSO to view the pics in the thread though.
Is there anything else I can answer for you? Let me know.
12-04-2007 | 08:53 AM
#59
the Flightmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Stuttgart, Germany
I rarely see custom v-hulls in front of my Baja for long, and certainly none with only 525 power!
However, although I rave about the qualities of the 25OL, which is designed to tick as many of the boxes of fast boat customers looking for a dealer supported brand, I too have looked admiringly at the AT28.
It does look like an offshoreboat should, and the extra length in this single engined weight class is a big bonus.
A 29 single Baja isnīt a good comparison because it is alot bulkier (but has alot more space in the cabin) and wouldnīt see much above 70 mph with one 525.
One of the features of the 25OL that Iīve really come to appreciate is the driving position. Whether seated or standing, the relationship from bolster to wheel, throttles and footrest is well thought out and helps to make handling the boat driven fast in rough conditions a joy. Many older Cigs and Apaches appear to have the wheel in the same low, but vertical postion as the AT28, but I still canīt follow the logic of it.
I take it you donīt drive sitting down at all. I always sit when driving fast as I feel that I have more "seat of pants" contact with the boat and my hands can more freely control steering throttles and trims.
Iīm sure youīll admit that 75 mph + in a sub 5000 pound boat calls for active driving, whether it is an AT or a Baja.
However, although I rave about the qualities of the 25OL, which is designed to tick as many of the boxes of fast boat customers looking for a dealer supported brand, I too have looked admiringly at the AT28.
It does look like an offshoreboat should, and the extra length in this single engined weight class is a big bonus.
A 29 single Baja isnīt a good comparison because it is alot bulkier (but has alot more space in the cabin) and wouldnīt see much above 70 mph with one 525.
One of the features of the 25OL that Iīve really come to appreciate is the driving position. Whether seated or standing, the relationship from bolster to wheel, throttles and footrest is well thought out and helps to make handling the boat driven fast in rough conditions a joy. Many older Cigs and Apaches appear to have the wheel in the same low, but vertical postion as the AT28, but I still canīt follow the logic of it.
I take it you donīt drive sitting down at all. I always sit when driving fast as I feel that I have more "seat of pants" contact with the boat and my hands can more freely control steering throttles and trims.
Iīm sure youīll admit that 75 mph + in a sub 5000 pound boat calls for active driving, whether it is an AT or a Baja.
12-04-2007 | 09:55 AM
#60
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,951
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse N.Y.
I agree the 29 isn't really a good comparison, but it is closer to the 28 A.T. than the 25. You are correct a single 29 would not be much of a performance boat. Hence my point that there really is nothing out there to compare it to, it really is a stand alone boat and that in it self is a great thing. As I have said before you won't have to see another one at every place you go. I always sit when driving and was very happy with the way the helm was on my A.T.s. The only time I stood up was to dock or when I wanted wind in my face because the faring and screen worked a little to good,and my knees are shot from standing up to much in other brands and getting beat the death. Never had to worry about trim, for the drive it was on my thumb and when it was set it pretty much stayed that way and I never needed the tabs, only if I had to many or to heavy people on one side or the other. Active driveing? well I really don't know what you mean by that. If messing with trim and tab or have to constantly correct steering, well that tells me you are in the wrong boat. Every Baja I have driven has been a handful and not at all enjoyable. I said it before and stand by it, Baja builds a nice boat for the masses and for the price. Some of us just know better.
