Let's not forget the good dealers that Baja has supporting the product line.

I have to put "Alton Blakely" high on the list of dealers!

Baja is definately moving forward.

Can someone explain the step hulls. in the sense that I have never riden in a steped hull boat. When you say unstable at what point? A 30 outlaw at 80 with steps would start getting unstable at 70,80 or 90mph?? Just in rough waters or during manuvers. I may be broad hear but I see almost all boats running steps. Welll performance that is. In looking at some of the newer wow two, three or more deep steps. Thanks.
I guess I wasnt into boating in the 90's when steps just came about.
In the latest powerboat mag. Teague mentioned steps have come a long way since the early unstable days.

Dennis

Dennis,

The steps are basically notches in the side of the hull that allow air in. The air bubbles act like ball bearings between the water and hull to break up the friction.

I have had a lot of experience with Fountains, having driven 29's, 35's a 38 and a 42.

Personally I find that they ride more flat on the water as compared to a Baja which carries the bow more. I think the Baja and other true deep vee's have a better ride, but I have not found any of the Fountains I have ridden in or driven to be unstable. Actually I am very impressed at how well they ride and have seen experienced drivers do things that they caution against with no ill effects.

You just have to learn how to drive them. First you do NOT trim the drives down in a turn. Second you really do not want to make any hard turns at speed if you can avoid it. They do react a little differently to waves hitting them from the side compared to a true deep vee, but other then that I do not see a lot of difference.

I can put anyone in my 36 and it is almost impossible for them to mess up. With a stepped hull you need to learn a few basic rules and pay closer attention to the way you drive it.

The air bubbles free up the hull from the water which give you the extra 10+ MPH in most cases. This also means the hull is a little loose and if you trim down the drives in a turn you drop the nose and the center of gravity changes. What can happed is the bow catches and the rear end being loose with the air underneath spins around (hooks). Usually most of the passengers will go for a swim, and it happens FAST.

Don't be afraid of them, just respect them.

Hope this helps a little.

Dock

Thanks dock. I had a different thought in theory. Just that the hual was out of the water more and less surface area (touching water) ment less drag=more speed. Didnt realize it was to create bubbles or actual air under the boat.
My neighbor has a 38 fountain th some hipo motors... He claims 90mph. Its a 2000 or 01 lightning. I think. I am sure he will let me drive it. To me it is a bigger class compared to my 29OL. I'll post when I finally get a ride. Its been parked for almost a year so it still may be a few months.
So this is off topic for the thread starter.

Dennis

So has anyone heard a price yet?

I like to do my research before I call the "dealer".

Makes my job easier and I find in turn their job too.

From previous experience I would say 230k or better. right?

Like I said any help is apreciated.

M

Dennis,

One last comment about steps. They are not a bad thing, they work and have been around for close to 70 years now. First introduced on the sponsons of float planes.

The problem is that no one or no company has been able to design the perfect step.

Every company does them differently, some have one, many have two and I have seen I think 6 on a special edition Sunsation. Granted some were very small and way forward.

Had a buddy with a 2001 42 Fountain. He traded for a leter model and wanted to keep his old trailer because he had custom wheels on it. The new 42 would not fit the bunks on the Myco. Fountain had resigned the steps. They are always changing them trying for more speed and I would hope better handling also.

Dock

I do not know the price, but $230K is a lot for just 30 feet.

This boat will be at the poker run but is it a full time Cumberland boat? I hope so cause it will be fun watching it dust off a few local boats.

Guys, sorry for the slow response, we have been setting up for a in-water boat show this week. I'm not going to print in a public forum what this guy paid for his boat, Hopefully you all can understand. I will say the boat was over$200k and under $250k. We tried a set of 34p 5 blades and the boat will not spin them to max rpm, will try some 32p 5 blades next. If any of you would like to ask me any questions feel free to call, thanks for the intrest. Also thanks for the kind words about our dealership Doc.
(888)585-8050 Brody

I must have missed this comment earlier. I feel the same way about AB as a dealer. My second boat was bought from them, and my third, fourth, and any after that probably will too, as long as Baja is producing great boats.

I've also heard that the owner of this boat is a returning customer to AB, so that says a lot if you ask me...