Baja History "The Thread"
 

Guys,

If you have any information on Baja, past boats, race boats, history, people, models, etc, etc PLEASE post it on this thread.

Thanks
Dock

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

1997 Baja 420

The ONLY Stepped Hull Baja ever built.

Official APBA Pace Boat

1997 420 BAJA
POKER RUN / PACEBOAT EDITION

This boat was the official APBA Baja offshore series pace boat for 2 years. One of the most recognized boats in the country. Check out the list of equipment on this high speed one of a kind mind bender.

 One of a kind custom step hull bottom
 Triple mercury 850hp sc engines
 #6 speed master drives
 CMI headers
 Mercury lab finished 4 blade props
 Mechanical drive and tab indicators
 Mercury 380c Competiton K-Planes
 Latham hydaulic steering w/priority valve system
 Custom McLeod electric bolsters
 Complete custom interior
 Three Latham speedometers
 Raytheon GPS
 VHF radio w/ intercom system
 Full driverside gauges w/ knock sensors
 Depth Finder
 Air speed indicator
 Team Baja custom paint
 3 ATL fuel cells w/ transfer pumps
 3 axle Myco trailer w/drive guard

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

The Evolution of Performance

Like all Baja® boats, our very first model was something special. In a bold display of drive and determination, four owner/employees assembled the original design in an abandoned roller skating rink in 1972. What they lacked in resources, they made up for in motivation — a single-minded mission to build the finest performance boats in the world. Over the next two years, Baja Boats was born, and a product line of 14- to 20-footers, including the classic CT 150 racing design, took shape.

We spent the 1970s perfecting our nontraditional designs, further solidifying Baja's styling and position as an innovator. That’s when Baja took the lead in exclusively pursuing the sport boat market. It was a move that paid off when our first big high-performance boat, the Carrera 240, was introduced in 1978. And the 1979 Carrera SS Bowrider earned a Powerboat Magazine "Boat of the Year" award its first year out!

In the 1980s, we successfully expanded the Baja line to include distinctively styled, world-class offshore boats like the 240 Sport and the 420. Our interest and attention slowly shifted towards creating bigger, better offshore products with improved design and structural integrity. Progressive product development has always been the core of the Baja philosophy.

As we expanded our line in the early 1990s, Baja confirmed its place as the industry leader in style, performance and quality with the .38 Special™ and the 272. We kept pushing the envelope — introducing the 20 Outlaw™ and 32 Outlaw™ with modern performance styling for the power-hungry, speed-seeking, hard-core offshore runner.

The new millennium has brought with it innovation and style unlike anything you’ve seen from Baja. The 30 Outlaw, 242 Islander and a complete retooling of our Sportfishing line are just of few examples of how “performance under control” is the driving force behind everything we do.

Over four decades of mind-blowing innovation, and Baja continues to blaze new trails and redefine the category of performance boats. We call it the evolution of performance. Now strap yourself in and get ready for a revolution in performance. . .the next generation of Baja.



Above was copied from Baja website.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Quality Inside & Out


Along with a rich tradition of innovation, a superior standard of quality has allowed Baja to maintain its position as the #1 Performance Boat in the world. To attain that level takes a long term commitment to achieving the best in design, engineering and production. . .and accepting nothing less.
It's evident in every aspect of our company — from our advanced hull designs to our constantly evolving styles and graphics and our never-ending quest to building better, faster boats. Year after year, we're striving to exceed our customers' expectations. That’s why we created our Boss™ packages and the Baja Custom Shop — to satisfy those looking for the ultimate in competitive style and design.

Testing is at the forefront of how we bring ideas to reality. Comprehensive analysis, review and evaluation combined with a myriad of industry-leading test procedures provide the pathway to breakthrough engineering. Wind tunnel testing analyzes drag and overall performance and Finite Element Analysis allows us to strengthen our hulls in high stress areas, reduce overall weight, and, subsequently, increase speed.

With the industry's broadest, most advanced product line — and a reputation for superior performance, safety and durability — it's plain to see that if you're looking for the best all-around performance boat, you’ve found it. We're still setting the standards, setting the records and setting a pace that has everyone following our lead.


We’re Just Like You



Copied from Baja Website

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

We're Just Like You


The secret of Baja's incredible success lies in nearly half a century of employee dedication, research, technology, experience and a natural flair for designing and constructing boats that surpass the highest standards.

Our engineers are a special breed. They aren't content to let nature take its course. They're driven to break speed down into its building blocks, to push every boundary of boat design, to find the perfect relationship between horsepower, weight and drag — all to produce total speed under control.

We also have a great understanding of the needs of our customers. You know why? Because we’re just like you. Over the years, we began to identify a unique characteristic that our customers shared with each other. . .we call it Baja Attitude. And there was only one way to sum up those similarities. . .Speed changes you™. You know what we mean — after your first time at the helm of a true performance boat, you never look at the world the same way again. This attitude also drives Baja engineers and craftsmen to pour their hearts and minds (and thousands upon thousands of hours) into designing, engineering and building the world's No. 1 performance boats.

You see, we're performance boat fans, just like you. Squeezing that extra mile per hour out of a boat, spending late nights getting our unique hull design just right, relentlessly testing and retesting everything we do until it's perfect — this isn't just a job to us. Speed changes us, too.


Copied from Baja Website

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Live Life In A Baja!

When you own a Baja you get more than just head-turning style and adrenaline-pumping speed. You become part of a lifestyle that translates into non-stop excitement, never-ending weekends and flat-out fun.

The Baja Owners Club includes a wide variety of exclusive offers including on-line Marina Reservation Services, members-only insurance rates, free emergency towing coverage and discounts on marine/non-marine related items. And there’s much more that comes your way throughout the year with special promotions and private events.

You can get up close and personal with Baja boat owners from all over the world with Baja, A Full Throttle Magazine. Three times per year, this feast-for-the-eyes lets you catch a glimpse of the hottest boats, wildest parties and most revealing Baja festivities. Each issue also contains the complete full-throttle line-up of Baja performance boats. It’s jam packed cover-to-cover with everything you need to fine-tune your Baja Attitude!

You’ll never forget your first Poker Run and you’ll keep talking about your last. These fun-filled family events attract performance boaters from all walks of life and it’s performance boating at its best — and fastest. Be a part of the next Baja Poker Run — it’s a great way to see old friends. . .and make some new ones.

This year will feature our first-ever Rendezvous — where Baja boats converge and merge for a weekend that’s an absolute blast! Special social events are planned and you’ll be surrounded with other Baja owners that all share your need for speed.


Copied from Baja Website

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Racing

There are a lot of builders out there that folks say build a better quality product then Baja, but they no NOT have a racing heritage.

I.E.
PowerQuest - GONE Out of Business
Sonic - Trying again under new ownership


I have this picture up on my office wall along with the 320 that raced the same year. The races were called off just after the F1 class finished in this race because of conditions.

No Steps, No Pads, No Beak, No Bull

That was on the back of this boat when we first saw it in Washington, NC at the APBA races in 2001.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Hey Doc, great thread. Do you have any pics of the 70's Bajas and on? Let's see some of the classics

By the way, the stepped 42 is straight SICK!! Isn't it still running after a total re-fit few years ago? Somewhere in like Ohio or something?

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

I see/talk to Doug Smith every once in a while. Ill see if he has anything you guys might be interested in :cool:

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Ohio....Idaho.....Iowa... we get that all the time ;)

It's in Low Moor Iowa :D

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

35 Years


1971 to 2006


Baja owns the largest share of the Performance Boat Market.

Pretty Impressive

Many Have gone and Many Have Gone!

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

The Famous Baja 420.

Way ahead of it's time.

If you want to know if Baja is a quality product, you need to look no further. There are a LOT of these still on the water and they have a real presence.

I'm not sure that BlackThunder was even on the drawing boat when this massive wave crushing luxury performance offshore cruiser hit the waterways.

Here is an example of a 1991 model.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

A few more shots of this beautiful 1991 Baja 420.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Brunswick

Not a bad umbrella to be under!

Baja - Mercury Marine - Hatteras Yachts - Sea Ray ++++++

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Brunswick Boat Group is the largest maker of pleasure boats in the world. 2005 net sales were $2.8 billion. The Boat Group makes Sea Ray, Bayliner, Maxum, Hatteras, Meridian and Sealine pleasure boats from 16 to 100 feet; Baja high-performance boats from 20 to 44 feet; Albemarle, Boston Whaler, Cabo, Laguna, Palmetto, Sea Boss, Sea Pro and Trophy offshore fishing boats from 11 to 52 feet; and Crestliner, HarrisKayot, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft and Triton fishing, deck and pontoon boats from 10 to 35 feet; Land ?N? Sea parts and accessories distribution; Attwood, marine parts and accessories; Kellogg Marine Supply parts and accessories distributor; Diversified Marine Products parts and accessories distributor; and Integrated Dealer Systems

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

When SKATER wanted to build their first V-Hull, who did they go to for the mold?

Baja of course.

From what I understand Baja in Ohio has the state of the art CNC machine large enough to produce a perfect mold.

This is one sweet boat and you can see the beautiful Baja lines all over it.

The cockpit looks like a cross between a 36 & 40 Baja Outlaw.

Could this be the next Baja?

Will we see a division in the future offering stepped hull boats?

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

My guess is a 399 hull with 525's runnning in the 94 mph range...........


Am I close?

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

The only one I have seen built with 525 power was "Spiderman" and it was a light layup easily running triple digits. It dominated in 2004 on the race circuit.

All the others I have seen built have BIG power and are easily in triple digits.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

The spiderman boat was supposed to BE a Baja NOT a Skater but Baja backed out. too bad. The original drawings of the boat the way it was going to look in pleasure form were interesting. It had four seperated seats with a solid piece of fiberglass running down the center of them. When Baja decided not to go forward with the project Skater swooped up the hull added thier own deck and whoola, the 399 Vee Skater was born. Nice boat with a little Baja heritage. But dont bring this topic up to the haters, it puts them in a tail spin. :drink:

Doc, you have those original drawings?

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

By the way, anyone know if they ever built any 40 Outlaws with staggared twin set up instead of the tripples?

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Sorry :D do you have any recent pics? I love that boat.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

An interesting Fact.

Guess who still OWNS the mold?

Baja

There is a rummor that next years poker run boat could be....?

Sorry that is a secret.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

A sit down boat similar to the Fountain Poker Run style.... :eek:

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

The only one I know for sure was last years 40 Poker Run boat with 850's.

Let's face it, a true deep ve hull does not work with staggered engines. With it needing a lot of bow lift the staggered setup works against you.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

There was a 36 with staggers...

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

That is correct. I have heard a lot about it, but never seen any pictures.

I hear it did not work well either.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

:drink:


I was told the boat was one of the first built 97 model year. 24OL cockpit... 40OL sunpad

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Our very own OSO buddy "High Tide" owns Baja 40 Outlaw hull #2.

Actually some could argue that it is hull #1 since the first one did not work and went to the shredder.

He has triple 500 EFI's that have been worked some and is running in the 90's.

VERY nice boat that you will see in the Tampa area.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

SinkorSwim, where is that boat now, do you know?

Any other pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

A little history regarding the Baja 36 Outlaw.

Do you know what #1 company built the mold that the 36 came from?

CIGARETTE

Yes, Cigarette built the mold and from what I understand never went into production with a 36. Then the mold was purchased by Force 10. Shortly after the plant burnt down and the mold was outside and survived the fire.

It was sold to Baja and the 36 Outlaw was born!

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Was for sale on Ebay about a year or so ago... Thats all I really know.. I posted some stuff on MWBP about the boat and the information I supplied is what I was told..

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

It's in the Des Moines/ Ankeny Ia. area.

I know the guy that owns it.....doesn't use it much.

It originally had 600SC's in it.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Somewhere in a barn in Texas is a 36 Outlaw called "B36" that was built in 1997 or 1998 as a race boat.

Anyone have any additional information or pictures of this boat?

______________________________________

Okay UPDATE:

Jeff Aker has the scoop....

It was built as a race boat. No cabin and only stand up bolsters. I have all the specification sheets at home. I also have the original build sheet that was supplied by BAJA and this boat was specified as a race boat. It has staggered 510 C.I. Hawk naturally aspirated engines running to SSM IV drives.

I also have some photos taken of this boat. It ran in the high 80's and crushed the waves and it was extremely competitive on the turns. It was built for and competed in the former APBA "B" class. It was advertised at one time in Powerboat magazine along with the Poker Run boat with the triple 800SC Mercruisers. Both boats shared the same paint scheme.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

PLease get us some more pictures.

Thank you

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

I remember when that boat was on the used market a few years ago. #6's and a sweet paint job. Nice boat!

Ref. the 40 Outlaws with taggard motors.....Any built with non staggard but only twins?

Like I said on the other thread....I have the PBM ad on my wall in the garage showing the B36 boat racing next to the 420 stepped pace boat....cool ad. I'll try to snap a pic of it when I'm home.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Here's a pic. of it running with the pace boat
at the 97' Hawkeye poker run

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Yes LOTS.

There are several on the market now including a very nice one on FastBoats.Com for sale with 575's.

I've seen them with twin 500 EFI's and twin 525's. Those packages are a little slow in my opinion.

Lots of storage space in the engine compartment! :D

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Another Plus from BAJA.

Full two year warranty including Engine & Outdrive.

Baja Marine is IQ certified by Mercury MerCruiser®

What does this mean?

This propulsion-installation quality certification program brings a new standard of excellence in customer service and product quality to Baja owners. It is the first and only comprehensive manufacturer-installation certification program in the boating industry. To become certified, Baja Marine worked with Mercury engineers to review Baja’s design and installation processes and implement Lean Six Sigma processes and training programs for increased manufacturing efficiency and world-class process control on the boat plant floor.

And what does this mean to you?

All new Baja owners who purchase after the certification date will receive a two-year Mercury limited engine warranty on their new MerCruiser-powered Bajas. So you can go faster, farther and longer with extra confidence!

http://bajamarine.com/index.asp?display=iq&tab=4&

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

This boat( the 36 staggered) has Bravo's on Stellings boxes.

But, I remember seeing the one your talking about
( the one w/6's) for sale somewhere recently.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Here's a couple for you....not that recent though.

Re: Baja History "The Thread"
 

Here's a real nice 40 w/575's,
( the guy that owns it used to own my current ride)

The other pic. is of the only 32 outlaw
built with a notched transom.