Baja History "The Thread"
10-10-2006, 09:14 PM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
Greg,
The cats look at lot like the ChrisCat.
What years did Baja build the Cats, and how many different models?
Dock
The cats look at lot like the ChrisCat.
What years did Baja build the Cats, and how many different models?
Dock
10-10-2006, 10:02 PM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
Originally Posted by Dock Holiday
Greg,
The cats look at lot like the ChrisCat.
What years did Baja build the Cats, and how many different models?
Dock
The cats look at lot like the ChrisCat.
What years did Baja build the Cats, and how many different models?
Dock
How many did Baja build and where are they now?!
10-10-2006, 10:18 PM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
Originally Posted by thisistank
Here's some shots from my garage wall 
I still hold it down for Baja
I still hold it down for Baja
Sweet, oh the boats too!
Thanks Tank
10-11-2006, 08:12 AM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
Making History.....
Baja 405
Powerboat Performance Report: Baja 405 Performance
Baja goes big.
by Powerboat Test Team, January 2006
Powerboat Magazine
To come up with the design for its new 405 Performance, Baja Marine turned to its customers and dealers for a little help. Engineers used the group's ideas when sitting down at the computer to design the largest boat in the company's lineup.
The result was a sport cruiser that was an ideal balance of comfort and performance. It offered a spacious cabin with abundant amenities and was still able to run better than 60 mph during our tests in Sarasota, Fla.
Whether it's a sport-boat enthusiast seeking a larger boat or a cruiser owner looking to upgrade, the 405 Performance has a lot of appeal.
Performance
At first glance, the 40-foot boat, which weighs more than 5 tons, appeared to be underpowered with two MerCruiser 496 Mag HO engines at the transom. But nothing would be further from the case as the V-bottom made the most of the 850 horsepower.
The boat got on plane in 5.7 seconds with the tabs down, and within 20 seconds it was running 55 mph on its way to a top speed of 60.3 mph. That's a strong number considering the power involved. Buyers who want to run at higher speeds might consider upgrading to 525-hp mills from Mercury Racing.
For the boat to cruise at 50 mph, the 496 Mag HO engines were turning nearly 4,300 rpm. The upgrade would add significantly to the boat's $278,000 price tag, but it's worth the money if you want to spend most of your time going faster than 50 mph.
Still, with the MerCruiser engines, the sport cruiser was a ball to drive. With full hydraulic steering from Latham Marine, the boat went precisely where our driver pointed it during various tests. In slalom drills, the wide-beam boat received excellent marks from our tester.
In what little rough water we could find in the bay and offshore, the 405 Performance handled it with ease. The boat didn't rattle when crossing wakes and cabinet doors stayed closed-a nice touch on any boat.
Workmanship
To build the 405 Performance, Baja Marine created three major components. According to the manufacturer, it builds a deck mold, which includes the cockpit floor. The second section is a grid system that consists of the engine stringers and the final section is the bottom of the hull. Those parts are then bonded together to create a boat.
The boat's vibrant red, white and black colors were done in the gelcoat. A plastic rubrail with a stainless insert protected the boat's hullsides at the dock. Baja stocked the boat with six pull-up cleats-two on the bow, two at the rear and two more amidship-making it easier to tie up at the docks.
Other hardware included a windlass with its own locker on the bow and large docking lights. At the rear, Baja included an impressive add-on swim platform done in nonskid with a ladder in the center that was covered by a door. The boat featured the Luxury Exterior Package upgrade, which among other things included a hot and cold shower at the transom. Access to the cockpit was via a port-side walk-through.
The entire aft seat structure and padded top lifted by an electric screw jack. Our chief tester, Bob Teague, was especially impressed with the access. "There's a lot of ingenuity there," said Teague, high praise from a guy who has spent his share of time in engine compartments.
The big-blocks were mounted to the stringer grid system and the finish work was far above production standards. The compartment also housed a Kohler generator for the cabin air conditioning and a water heater.
Interior
Baja eliminated the bulkhead in the cabin and that gave designers plenty of space to work with. The cabin had a European feel to it with curved cabinets and seating areas. One of the features that caught our attention was the angled, contoured lounge in the bow area. Complete with armrests and cupholders, the spot can be used to watch the Sharp flat-screen television, which was across the cabin.
The large lounge doubled as a sleeping area on the 405 Performance. The seat cushions were hinged together and folded out to turn the area into a bed. On the starboard side, there were some cabinets and a countertop, and an additional lounge. The cabinets housed the stereo system, DVD player and switches for the utilities.
To port was an enclosed stand-up head locker with a VacuFlush toilet, shower, vanity and sink, and cabinets. Just ahead of the compartment was a small galley that included a sink, Tappan microwave, Norco refrigerator and additional stowage.
In addition to the spotlights in the cabin, Baja installed a pair of opening deck hatches and two portholes on each hullside for added light and ventilation.
Out in the cockpit there was a sizable windshield to keep the wind from the driver and passengers. The center section opened to provide access to the deck. Seating accommodations included McLeod electric drop-down bolsters for the driver and observer, and an L-shape bench on the starboard side with a draining cooler under the cushion.
At the helm, the boat was equipped with Livorsi II gauges above the tilting Teleflex helm. Our testers felt higher-end gauges might be a better fit with the boat's style. The throttles from Livorsi were to the right of the wheel, while the shifters were on the left. Other nice additions were a Ritchie compass, a depthfinder and a VHF radio.
Behind the co-pilot's seat on the port side there was an entertainment unit with a sink, countertop and a refrigerator. The boat was also equipped with an aluminum radar arch, a $5,000 up-charge.
Overall
Too often when sport-boat owners move into the cruiser market they have to sacrifice performance. That's no longer the case with the 405 Performance. There's plenty of room to spread out and still comfortably cruise at 50 mph all day long. Baja listened to its customers and it's reflected in the final product.
Baja 405
Powerboat Performance Report: Baja 405 Performance
Baja goes big.
by Powerboat Test Team, January 2006
Powerboat Magazine
To come up with the design for its new 405 Performance, Baja Marine turned to its customers and dealers for a little help. Engineers used the group's ideas when sitting down at the computer to design the largest boat in the company's lineup.
The result was a sport cruiser that was an ideal balance of comfort and performance. It offered a spacious cabin with abundant amenities and was still able to run better than 60 mph during our tests in Sarasota, Fla.
Whether it's a sport-boat enthusiast seeking a larger boat or a cruiser owner looking to upgrade, the 405 Performance has a lot of appeal.
Performance
At first glance, the 40-foot boat, which weighs more than 5 tons, appeared to be underpowered with two MerCruiser 496 Mag HO engines at the transom. But nothing would be further from the case as the V-bottom made the most of the 850 horsepower.
The boat got on plane in 5.7 seconds with the tabs down, and within 20 seconds it was running 55 mph on its way to a top speed of 60.3 mph. That's a strong number considering the power involved. Buyers who want to run at higher speeds might consider upgrading to 525-hp mills from Mercury Racing.
For the boat to cruise at 50 mph, the 496 Mag HO engines were turning nearly 4,300 rpm. The upgrade would add significantly to the boat's $278,000 price tag, but it's worth the money if you want to spend most of your time going faster than 50 mph.
Still, with the MerCruiser engines, the sport cruiser was a ball to drive. With full hydraulic steering from Latham Marine, the boat went precisely where our driver pointed it during various tests. In slalom drills, the wide-beam boat received excellent marks from our tester.
In what little rough water we could find in the bay and offshore, the 405 Performance handled it with ease. The boat didn't rattle when crossing wakes and cabinet doors stayed closed-a nice touch on any boat.
Workmanship
To build the 405 Performance, Baja Marine created three major components. According to the manufacturer, it builds a deck mold, which includes the cockpit floor. The second section is a grid system that consists of the engine stringers and the final section is the bottom of the hull. Those parts are then bonded together to create a boat.
The boat's vibrant red, white and black colors were done in the gelcoat. A plastic rubrail with a stainless insert protected the boat's hullsides at the dock. Baja stocked the boat with six pull-up cleats-two on the bow, two at the rear and two more amidship-making it easier to tie up at the docks.
Other hardware included a windlass with its own locker on the bow and large docking lights. At the rear, Baja included an impressive add-on swim platform done in nonskid with a ladder in the center that was covered by a door. The boat featured the Luxury Exterior Package upgrade, which among other things included a hot and cold shower at the transom. Access to the cockpit was via a port-side walk-through.
The entire aft seat structure and padded top lifted by an electric screw jack. Our chief tester, Bob Teague, was especially impressed with the access. "There's a lot of ingenuity there," said Teague, high praise from a guy who has spent his share of time in engine compartments.
The big-blocks were mounted to the stringer grid system and the finish work was far above production standards. The compartment also housed a Kohler generator for the cabin air conditioning and a water heater.
Interior
Baja eliminated the bulkhead in the cabin and that gave designers plenty of space to work with. The cabin had a European feel to it with curved cabinets and seating areas. One of the features that caught our attention was the angled, contoured lounge in the bow area. Complete with armrests and cupholders, the spot can be used to watch the Sharp flat-screen television, which was across the cabin.
The large lounge doubled as a sleeping area on the 405 Performance. The seat cushions were hinged together and folded out to turn the area into a bed. On the starboard side, there were some cabinets and a countertop, and an additional lounge. The cabinets housed the stereo system, DVD player and switches for the utilities.
To port was an enclosed stand-up head locker with a VacuFlush toilet, shower, vanity and sink, and cabinets. Just ahead of the compartment was a small galley that included a sink, Tappan microwave, Norco refrigerator and additional stowage.
In addition to the spotlights in the cabin, Baja installed a pair of opening deck hatches and two portholes on each hullside for added light and ventilation.
Out in the cockpit there was a sizable windshield to keep the wind from the driver and passengers. The center section opened to provide access to the deck. Seating accommodations included McLeod electric drop-down bolsters for the driver and observer, and an L-shape bench on the starboard side with a draining cooler under the cushion.
At the helm, the boat was equipped with Livorsi II gauges above the tilting Teleflex helm. Our testers felt higher-end gauges might be a better fit with the boat's style. The throttles from Livorsi were to the right of the wheel, while the shifters were on the left. Other nice additions were a Ritchie compass, a depthfinder and a VHF radio.
Behind the co-pilot's seat on the port side there was an entertainment unit with a sink, countertop and a refrigerator. The boat was also equipped with an aluminum radar arch, a $5,000 up-charge.
Overall
Too often when sport-boat owners move into the cruiser market they have to sacrifice performance. That's no longer the case with the 405 Performance. There's plenty of room to spread out and still comfortably cruise at 50 mph all day long. Baja listened to its customers and it's reflected in the final product.
10-11-2006, 08:40 AM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
How ’bout a Lift? The Baja 405 melds speed with creature comforts
George Sass, Jr
Flying down Lake Erie on the new Baja 405, I quickly ran out of room on my speed sheet. On most tests, I stop somewhere in the thirty-knot range. Well, on the 405 we blasted past forty knots, then fifty knots, and finally hit 53.1 knots. Yes indeed, the twin 425 hp MerCruisers pushed Baja’s lightening fast cruiser to a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour.
Did I say Baja and cruiser in the same sentence? You bet, and speed and comfort is what the sexy Baja 405 is all about. The model replaces the popular .38 special, which by production boat standards had a heck of a run for the past 13 years. Besides implementing a lot of the lessons learned from the 38 into the 405, Baja had a lot more technology at their disposal compared to 13 years ago.
My hand tired, trying to jot down all the technical advances and hightech thinking that went into the new design. One of the biggest design challenges of any high-speed model is managing the strain that the hull and structure will endure at these higher speeds. In order to ensure there was no adverse stress, Baja conducted a series of strain gauge tests. These hot spots are identified in computer models, allowing the designers to make compensations. Baja also worked with the ocean and marine engineering team at the University of Michigan for hydrostatic testing to optimize the hull design.
The fact that I was on hull number one and we were hitting target performance numbers is a solid indicator that this hightech approach paid off. Our test 405 even had a few optional creature comforts and weighed in at approximately 11,000 pounds. The standard model has a projected displacement of 9,800 pounds. This is light! As a matter of comparison, I recently ran a 26-foot cruiser that tipped the scale at 5,500 pounds.
The 405 blasted out of the hole and we were on plane, racing towards Detroit in 5.7 seconds. I wished we had more of a chop on the test day to determine how this lightweight speed demon handled the rough stuff. I’m going to take an editorial leap, however, and predict that she’ll do just fine. I base this on the company’s rich racing pedigree. The deep-V hull with a deadrise of 24 degrees is pure Baja. She banked and turned with precision, without slowing down. I took her over her own wake and she rose and settled gently into the trough. The standard power is a pair of 375 hp MerCruiser 496 Magnum sterndrives. I think, however, the optional 425 hp MerCruiser 496 Magnums is the way to go. Baja is also building a 405 with a pair of 315 hp Yanmar diesels for a customer.
The 405’s narrow beam of 9 feet, 6 inches means that space planning is key to allow room for the aforementioned cruising comforts. On a boat like the 405, chances are you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in the cockpit area. A big complaint of mine about “go-fast” boats is that they are often only fun for the driver. He gets to sit at the helm, driving at lightening speeds while guests cling to a piece of vinyl that’s hard as a rock. But Baja has created a lounge-like setting in the cockpit. Three of us sat around the L-Shaped settee, with plenty of drink holders, able to carry on a normal level of conversation. And this was at 45 knots. At this speed we recorded a sound reading of 85 decibels. Considering that a large part of this reading could be attributed to wind, this is darn good.
Opposite the settee is a wet bar with ice maker. Baja plans on tweaking this and a few other items for the production models. Baja employees were using the test boat in real situations with friends and family so they could fully evaluate the 405 and make adjustments on future models. One of the adjustments I would like to see is some type of gate or barrier between the cockpit and swim platform to keep kids safely in the cockpit while underway. One clever touch was the cockpit locker behind the settee.
Baja directed heat from the engineroom into the space, to dry items like wet lines and gear. The helm was nicely arranged, and gauges were in the line of sight. This becomes even more important when you’re cruising at these high speeds. Baja will offer an air conditioning vent at the helm on future models.
The cabin of the 405 reveals Baja’s goal of appealing to a buyer who is looking to do a little more cruising than just pulling up to a waterfront restaurant. One of the advantages of conducting the strain tests is that they were able to design stringers and support beams that maximize interior space. This is certainly not a boat that you’re going to spend a week or more on board, but it is fully capable of a long weekend. Or an extended cruise can be broken up by a few days at a waterfront hotel, with a few days more on board. There is a compact galley that can turn out a host of lunch fare and reheated appetizers. Leave the Butterball turkey at home. The forward settee easily converts to a large V-berth. At the head of the berth is a plush, two-person recliner. It’s the perfect perch to kick back and watch the optional flat-screen TV.
While chatting with a few folks from Baja, we started to talk about the opportunities that a boat like the Baja 405 creates. I think the speed allows you to develop some fun trips. If you’re on the Great Lakes, for instance, think about an Indians day game, then sprint over to Put-In-Bay for eats, then race over to Detroit the next morning to catch the Tigers.Then you can fly up to Lake Huron for a little scenic break. With our time becoming so precious, the 405 can open-up some real fun options. And that’s what it’s all about. See page 48 for specs and performance.
Baja Marine, www.bajamarine.com.
George Sass, Jr
Flying down Lake Erie on the new Baja 405, I quickly ran out of room on my speed sheet. On most tests, I stop somewhere in the thirty-knot range. Well, on the 405 we blasted past forty knots, then fifty knots, and finally hit 53.1 knots. Yes indeed, the twin 425 hp MerCruisers pushed Baja’s lightening fast cruiser to a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour.
Did I say Baja and cruiser in the same sentence? You bet, and speed and comfort is what the sexy Baja 405 is all about. The model replaces the popular .38 special, which by production boat standards had a heck of a run for the past 13 years. Besides implementing a lot of the lessons learned from the 38 into the 405, Baja had a lot more technology at their disposal compared to 13 years ago.
My hand tired, trying to jot down all the technical advances and hightech thinking that went into the new design. One of the biggest design challenges of any high-speed model is managing the strain that the hull and structure will endure at these higher speeds. In order to ensure there was no adverse stress, Baja conducted a series of strain gauge tests. These hot spots are identified in computer models, allowing the designers to make compensations. Baja also worked with the ocean and marine engineering team at the University of Michigan for hydrostatic testing to optimize the hull design.
The fact that I was on hull number one and we were hitting target performance numbers is a solid indicator that this hightech approach paid off. Our test 405 even had a few optional creature comforts and weighed in at approximately 11,000 pounds. The standard model has a projected displacement of 9,800 pounds. This is light! As a matter of comparison, I recently ran a 26-foot cruiser that tipped the scale at 5,500 pounds.
The 405 blasted out of the hole and we were on plane, racing towards Detroit in 5.7 seconds. I wished we had more of a chop on the test day to determine how this lightweight speed demon handled the rough stuff. I’m going to take an editorial leap, however, and predict that she’ll do just fine. I base this on the company’s rich racing pedigree. The deep-V hull with a deadrise of 24 degrees is pure Baja. She banked and turned with precision, without slowing down. I took her over her own wake and she rose and settled gently into the trough. The standard power is a pair of 375 hp MerCruiser 496 Magnum sterndrives. I think, however, the optional 425 hp MerCruiser 496 Magnums is the way to go. Baja is also building a 405 with a pair of 315 hp Yanmar diesels for a customer.
The 405’s narrow beam of 9 feet, 6 inches means that space planning is key to allow room for the aforementioned cruising comforts. On a boat like the 405, chances are you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in the cockpit area. A big complaint of mine about “go-fast” boats is that they are often only fun for the driver. He gets to sit at the helm, driving at lightening speeds while guests cling to a piece of vinyl that’s hard as a rock. But Baja has created a lounge-like setting in the cockpit. Three of us sat around the L-Shaped settee, with plenty of drink holders, able to carry on a normal level of conversation. And this was at 45 knots. At this speed we recorded a sound reading of 85 decibels. Considering that a large part of this reading could be attributed to wind, this is darn good.
Opposite the settee is a wet bar with ice maker. Baja plans on tweaking this and a few other items for the production models. Baja employees were using the test boat in real situations with friends and family so they could fully evaluate the 405 and make adjustments on future models. One of the adjustments I would like to see is some type of gate or barrier between the cockpit and swim platform to keep kids safely in the cockpit while underway. One clever touch was the cockpit locker behind the settee.
Baja directed heat from the engineroom into the space, to dry items like wet lines and gear. The helm was nicely arranged, and gauges were in the line of sight. This becomes even more important when you’re cruising at these high speeds. Baja will offer an air conditioning vent at the helm on future models.
The cabin of the 405 reveals Baja’s goal of appealing to a buyer who is looking to do a little more cruising than just pulling up to a waterfront restaurant. One of the advantages of conducting the strain tests is that they were able to design stringers and support beams that maximize interior space. This is certainly not a boat that you’re going to spend a week or more on board, but it is fully capable of a long weekend. Or an extended cruise can be broken up by a few days at a waterfront hotel, with a few days more on board. There is a compact galley that can turn out a host of lunch fare and reheated appetizers. Leave the Butterball turkey at home. The forward settee easily converts to a large V-berth. At the head of the berth is a plush, two-person recliner. It’s the perfect perch to kick back and watch the optional flat-screen TV.
While chatting with a few folks from Baja, we started to talk about the opportunities that a boat like the Baja 405 creates. I think the speed allows you to develop some fun trips. If you’re on the Great Lakes, for instance, think about an Indians day game, then sprint over to Put-In-Bay for eats, then race over to Detroit the next morning to catch the Tigers.Then you can fly up to Lake Huron for a little scenic break. With our time becoming so precious, the 405 can open-up some real fun options. And that’s what it’s all about. See page 48 for specs and performance.
Baja Marine, www.bajamarine.com.
10-11-2006, 08:56 AM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
Baja 36 Outlaw
Powerboat Magazine Offshore Boat of the Year 2001.
No Bull
The new Baja 36 Outlaw doesn't have trendy features, such as steps, notches or pads, but given its performance numbers, it doesn't need them.
2/2001
by Staff
Powerboat Magazine
These days it seems every manufacturer is moving toward stepped-bottoms, and the designs are getting crazier-looking all the time. So when it came time to inspect the bottom on Baja's 36 Outlaw, we found a refreshing change: a conventional deep-V-bottom boat.
But that's where convention ended.
The Outlaw was delivered to our Captiva Island, Fla., round of trials fresh from Baja's Custom Shop, a new program that the company hopes will allow it to offer products as unique as the smaller builders. At $279,600, the boat came fitted with such niceties as Mercury 280S K-planes, Teague Custom Marine ST450 switchable exhaust tips and a triple-bolster rear bench seat. In addition, the optional Clarion Performance Plus entertainment system enhanced the boat's interior as did the Team Baja package, an option group that included cool Simpson racing-net-style cabin seating and overhead stowage and a full Deco-Lite stringer system. Very trick stuff, indeed, and there would be more surprises as we spent more time with the 36.
Performance
For starters, this boat measured every bit of its 35'7"-length—with no integral swim platform or elongated bow—and was no lightweight at 8,300 pounds. Even so, the 36 delivered a top speed of 82.4 mph on the radar gun and proved itself capable of handling every last mile per hour.
For example, the Gulf of Mexico had kicked up 3- to 4-foot seas, which didn't trouble the Outlaw a bit. Testers were able to fly the boat, dragging a hint of tab to keep it straight, and actually could run near top speed—about 80 mph—in those conditions. The Outlaw tracked perfectly at those speeds. In fact, it tracked precisely at all speeds. It also turned well, scorching through slalom tests at 30, 40, 50 and even 60 mph.
During acceleration drills, it leaped on plane in less than four seconds, at which point it was traveling at 30 mph, and by the time 20 seconds had passed, it was knocking on the door of 71 mph. Roll-on acceleration tests revealed that the Outlaw still had gobs of torque in reserve—perfect for those poker-run drag races that always occur. Going from 30 to 50 mph took a scant 4.9 seconds.
This kind of performance didn't come cheap, though. The 36 was outfitted with Mercury Racing's HP575SCi blower motors with inward-rotating Bravo One XR drives—a $117,106 option. For props, Baja installed lab-finished Bravo One 15 1/4" x 30" wheels. Directional changes were handled utilizing IMCO full-hydraulic steering and stabilized with the aforementioned Mercury 280S K-planes.
Workmanship
For a boat built by what you could consider a "production builder," the 36 Outlaw exhibited excellent build quality, earning the highest marks possible from testers. Gelcoat and paint were expertly applied, and shined with the best. Equally impressive was the rubrail installation, which featured a plastic extrusion with a stainless-steel insert and aligned screw heads.
Five Accon Pop-Upý cleats, one at the bow, two amidships and two at the stern kept the deck clean and uncluttered as did the flush-mount fuel and water fills, and the fuel and bilge vents.
Under the engine hatch, the custom theme continued. Baja painted the single electric screw jack and mounting hardware a matching purple and installed diamond-plate caps over the tops of the stringers. In addition, the company used chrome oil filter covers on the HP575 SCi mills and installed braided-steel plumbing in place of the stock rubber hoses that run between the thermostat housing and headers.
Interior
There was a lot of detail to the cabin but the most obvious—and coolest—feature in the interior were the Simpson racing-net-style facing lounges and overhead stowage. Realizing that most people don't use the cabin when the boat is underway, Baja went with the removable nets that were in fact comfortable to sit on when at the dock. That they were removable—as were the yellow canvas berth cushions—would make this boat appealing to the poker-run junkie.
That's not to say the cabin was devoid of creature comforts. For starters, the Clarion Performance Plus system featured twin video screens mounted on the forward wall with a VCR tucked underneath the berth feeding images to each. There also was cool indirect mood lighting, a six-disc CD changer and a booming sound system with amplifiers and subwoofers tucked underneath the berth.
In the cockpit, the helm was replete with Gaffrig Monster gauges, including a 100-mph liquid-filled speedometer. The instruments drew rave reviews from testers for their arrangement and readability. And, yes, the Custom Shop had its hand in here, too, adding trick yellow bezels, a custom-painted "water-spot" dash panel and powder-painted Gaffrig levers.
McLeod supplied the electric bolsters, the model with the "pistol-grip" handles for rear passengers who stand while the boat is running. Seated passengers were treated to a triple-bolster rear bench, which featured grab handles on each coaming panel and T-shape grab handles for the center seat occupant—you know, the one who is usually bouncing around in rough water because he has nothing to hold onto. The T-handles also made it a snap to lift the cushion for access to under-seat storage.
Overall
With its tastefully stunning Level II package from the Baja Custom Shop and its outstanding performance, the 36 Outlaw was one of the standouts at our Captiva Island round of Performance Trials. It's fast and comfortable and sported some of the neatest ideas we've seen in an offshore boat.
Powerboat Magazine Offshore Boat of the Year 2001.
No Bull
The new Baja 36 Outlaw doesn't have trendy features, such as steps, notches or pads, but given its performance numbers, it doesn't need them.
2/2001
by Staff
Powerboat Magazine
These days it seems every manufacturer is moving toward stepped-bottoms, and the designs are getting crazier-looking all the time. So when it came time to inspect the bottom on Baja's 36 Outlaw, we found a refreshing change: a conventional deep-V-bottom boat.
But that's where convention ended.
The Outlaw was delivered to our Captiva Island, Fla., round of trials fresh from Baja's Custom Shop, a new program that the company hopes will allow it to offer products as unique as the smaller builders. At $279,600, the boat came fitted with such niceties as Mercury 280S K-planes, Teague Custom Marine ST450 switchable exhaust tips and a triple-bolster rear bench seat. In addition, the optional Clarion Performance Plus entertainment system enhanced the boat's interior as did the Team Baja package, an option group that included cool Simpson racing-net-style cabin seating and overhead stowage and a full Deco-Lite stringer system. Very trick stuff, indeed, and there would be more surprises as we spent more time with the 36.
Performance
For starters, this boat measured every bit of its 35'7"-length—with no integral swim platform or elongated bow—and was no lightweight at 8,300 pounds. Even so, the 36 delivered a top speed of 82.4 mph on the radar gun and proved itself capable of handling every last mile per hour.
For example, the Gulf of Mexico had kicked up 3- to 4-foot seas, which didn't trouble the Outlaw a bit. Testers were able to fly the boat, dragging a hint of tab to keep it straight, and actually could run near top speed—about 80 mph—in those conditions. The Outlaw tracked perfectly at those speeds. In fact, it tracked precisely at all speeds. It also turned well, scorching through slalom tests at 30, 40, 50 and even 60 mph.
During acceleration drills, it leaped on plane in less than four seconds, at which point it was traveling at 30 mph, and by the time 20 seconds had passed, it was knocking on the door of 71 mph. Roll-on acceleration tests revealed that the Outlaw still had gobs of torque in reserve—perfect for those poker-run drag races that always occur. Going from 30 to 50 mph took a scant 4.9 seconds.
This kind of performance didn't come cheap, though. The 36 was outfitted with Mercury Racing's HP575SCi blower motors with inward-rotating Bravo One XR drives—a $117,106 option. For props, Baja installed lab-finished Bravo One 15 1/4" x 30" wheels. Directional changes were handled utilizing IMCO full-hydraulic steering and stabilized with the aforementioned Mercury 280S K-planes.
Workmanship
For a boat built by what you could consider a "production builder," the 36 Outlaw exhibited excellent build quality, earning the highest marks possible from testers. Gelcoat and paint were expertly applied, and shined with the best. Equally impressive was the rubrail installation, which featured a plastic extrusion with a stainless-steel insert and aligned screw heads.
Five Accon Pop-Upý cleats, one at the bow, two amidships and two at the stern kept the deck clean and uncluttered as did the flush-mount fuel and water fills, and the fuel and bilge vents.
Under the engine hatch, the custom theme continued. Baja painted the single electric screw jack and mounting hardware a matching purple and installed diamond-plate caps over the tops of the stringers. In addition, the company used chrome oil filter covers on the HP575 SCi mills and installed braided-steel plumbing in place of the stock rubber hoses that run between the thermostat housing and headers.
Interior
There was a lot of detail to the cabin but the most obvious—and coolest—feature in the interior were the Simpson racing-net-style facing lounges and overhead stowage. Realizing that most people don't use the cabin when the boat is underway, Baja went with the removable nets that were in fact comfortable to sit on when at the dock. That they were removable—as were the yellow canvas berth cushions—would make this boat appealing to the poker-run junkie.
That's not to say the cabin was devoid of creature comforts. For starters, the Clarion Performance Plus system featured twin video screens mounted on the forward wall with a VCR tucked underneath the berth feeding images to each. There also was cool indirect mood lighting, a six-disc CD changer and a booming sound system with amplifiers and subwoofers tucked underneath the berth.
In the cockpit, the helm was replete with Gaffrig Monster gauges, including a 100-mph liquid-filled speedometer. The instruments drew rave reviews from testers for their arrangement and readability. And, yes, the Custom Shop had its hand in here, too, adding trick yellow bezels, a custom-painted "water-spot" dash panel and powder-painted Gaffrig levers.
McLeod supplied the electric bolsters, the model with the "pistol-grip" handles for rear passengers who stand while the boat is running. Seated passengers were treated to a triple-bolster rear bench, which featured grab handles on each coaming panel and T-shape grab handles for the center seat occupant—you know, the one who is usually bouncing around in rough water because he has nothing to hold onto. The T-handles also made it a snap to lift the cushion for access to under-seat storage.
Overall
With its tastefully stunning Level II package from the Baja Custom Shop and its outstanding performance, the 36 Outlaw was one of the standouts at our Captiva Island round of Performance Trials. It's fast and comfortable and sported some of the neatest ideas we've seen in an offshore boat.
10-11-2006, 09:37 AM
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Re: Baja History "The Thread"
This is the actual 36 they tested that won the Offshore Powerboat of The Year Award.
Factory/dealer showpiece, custom built by Baja.
http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/2001tests/feb1.php
This is THE boat that won the Outstanding Offshore Performance award, issued by Powerboat Magazine. Run in fresh water only after the day of testing. View additional pictures on boats.com.
Also after the test, PFM Products SuperChillers, gauges (fuel pressure, boost), and the necessary scoops were installed. Horsepower increased to 700 (maximum) per engine, using 91 octane fuel. Acceleration was increased using Maximus 5-blade 15 1/4 X 32 lab-finished props. This boat is capable of running 90+ mph top speeds. The HP575Sci is a very reliable motor. Options on this boat are the Mercury Racing HP575SCi engines, with inward-rotating Bravo One XR drives, Level Two Custom Shop Pak, 3D paint job (must see to appreciate), Team Baja package, Teague Custom Marine exhaust tips, Mercury 280 S K-planes, triple bolster rear bench, through hull exhaust with flappers, fresh water flush, transom shower, Lowrance depthfinder, electric navigation light, Sunbrella cockpit cover with Baja logos, Clarion/Bose stereo system, 6-disc CD changer, fire extinguisher system. Many other options/add-ons including shorepower, electric bolsters, monster gauges, Bimini top, etc. Standard belts and pulleys included. Bravo One 4-blade 30P lab-finished props included.
Also included is a totally custom Dorsey tri-axle trailer; featuring an Ausco electric/hydraulic brake system, cut-out and illuminated Baja logos, custom painted to match the boat, etc.
Factory/dealer showpiece, custom built by Baja.
http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/2001tests/feb1.php
This is THE boat that won the Outstanding Offshore Performance award, issued by Powerboat Magazine. Run in fresh water only after the day of testing. View additional pictures on boats.com.
Also after the test, PFM Products SuperChillers, gauges (fuel pressure, boost), and the necessary scoops were installed. Horsepower increased to 700 (maximum) per engine, using 91 octane fuel. Acceleration was increased using Maximus 5-blade 15 1/4 X 32 lab-finished props. This boat is capable of running 90+ mph top speeds. The HP575Sci is a very reliable motor. Options on this boat are the Mercury Racing HP575SCi engines, with inward-rotating Bravo One XR drives, Level Two Custom Shop Pak, 3D paint job (must see to appreciate), Team Baja package, Teague Custom Marine exhaust tips, Mercury 280 S K-planes, triple bolster rear bench, through hull exhaust with flappers, fresh water flush, transom shower, Lowrance depthfinder, electric navigation light, Sunbrella cockpit cover with Baja logos, Clarion/Bose stereo system, 6-disc CD changer, fire extinguisher system. Many other options/add-ons including shorepower, electric bolsters, monster gauges, Bimini top, etc. Standard belts and pulleys included. Bravo One 4-blade 30P lab-finished props included.
Also included is a totally custom Dorsey tri-axle trailer; featuring an Ausco electric/hydraulic brake system, cut-out and illuminated Baja logos, custom painted to match the boat, etc.
