28AT vs 25OL
 

I've been kickin around the idea of a new boat next year and really like the lines of the Baja Outlaw series. The AT has caught my attention though. How would a 28 equiped with 496HO w/Raylar perform? I do understand production vs custom, but there is alot more variety and competitve pricing with the OL's. If I could find an AT that really caught my eye during the search, I would not hesitate for a second to purchase. But as the handling aspect, are these two boats similiar to anyone who has some seat time?

What kind of 496HO Raylar package are you talking about?

A late model 28AT will run 74-75mph with a 525EFI drive.
It will run about 63-65mph with a stock 496HO.

Comparing the two boats you mention is really not applicable. The 28AT is just shy of a full 28 feet of boat. Not like a 28 Nordic, 288 Sunsation, 29 Fountain, etc which all get their additional length via molded in swim platforms; but are all 26-ish foot long boats. Its like comparing a 1/2 ton Chevy/gas motor to a 3/4 ton Chevy/Duramax. One is meant to do be advantageous compared to the other, by classification of size and design.

The 28AT will handle rougher water better than a 25 Baja. The 28AT also carves turns like a go-kart, and flies/lands very well. The cabin will be bigger as well. You are also going to be DEEP in a 28AT's freeboard while in the cockpit, as opposed to any of the Baja offerings with comparatively shallower cockpits. This will also give you and your passengers a greater feeling of security in rougher water.

If you have the means to get the bigger boat, by all means do so. It will combat the onset of "4-foot-itis", and you can always add more HP to a boat, but you can't stretch its length.

Keep your eyes peeled in this forum and the OSO classifieds for a "Holiday Special" pricing on a new 28AT.

I will have to agree with Brian on all of that and I just came out of 6 yrs in a 28. :cool:

A/T verses baja :rolleyes:

Well where do I start? I had a 24 OL and I hated it, didn't feel safe or comfertable. Sold it just as fast as I could. I looked long and hard for a true offshore style boat ( I am very old school ) But wanted a single, there just isn't many out there to chose from I even tried Profile, biggest mistake I have ever made, had the look and space but it was just junk.... Then I went back to my original idea and got my 28 A.T. and never looked back, it has it all handleing, cabin, freeboard and style and you don't have to see another one every time you go out ( that was a big deal to me). Baja makes a nice boat for the mass'es the question is are you one of them? Find a 28 A.T. drive it and really look at it you won't want anything else. Besides you get to be a cult member and come on here and join the banter.

:D

Really now...a better comparison would be a 29 OL, but then you are into twins. But might as well go there. That's what happened with my 27 Baja. It got quickly traded up to a 34.

Oh hell, and I hoping Outerlimits came out with a 25...........

There is no comparison between the two. The 28 A.T. is twice the boat the 25 outlaw is, but don't take my word for it - post this in the baja forum and I gaurantee you they will all agree.

Had a Baja 272. Fun boat for the lakes/rivers and the price is right for newer models. The ride was not good in rougher water and handling got tougher as I pumped up the speed. Also, I do not feel like I got the speed increases with the Baja with extra HP like other boats respond.

Also had gelcoat blisters where the hull rested on the trailer bunks, NO help from Baja. I'll never own another one.

AT is a much better boat. Be different. Not a lot of Thunders out there, always a conversation piece.

Here, have a sip of Koolaid. Just one. Good boy.

A 28 AT is much more comparable to a 29 Outlaw. They did make 29 OL's with singles. A friend of mine had one with a 454mag/385 hp. It would top out in the 53mph range.

There was a '99 or so 29 Outlaw at LOTO with a single 7.4MPI (310 HP) for sale a few years back. Bet that baby couldn't get out of its own way. Anyway, I agree with the 28AT and 25OL not being very comparable.