Because
Really I think I am right. the 26 is a lot of boat to go into the low 70's with 525 power. I suppose it could, but it wouldn't be 74-76 mph. That boat is pretty big in person & it weighs 4800 dry. That would mean that on any given day, with full fuel & gear the boat would be over 6000 lbs. 100 gallons of fuel would be roughly 750 lbs, 2 adults @ 180 lbs ea is 360 the cooler, anchor, life vests, & other stuff would probably add another 100 lbs. That puts you at 1210 lbs over dry weight. 6010 lbs. Figure speed @ 6000 lbs with 500 pshp & you get 72 mph. That is giving tons of credit to the bottom being better than what we know it is. So that is why I say high 60's.
Here is a good link to figuring speed. Plug in your numbers & tell me if it is right or not. I know it is really close for me.
http://www.go-fast.com/boat_speed_predictions.htm

My friend from the factory said the 26 w/525 they took to Powerboat test ran 75 for them and the magazine. Pretty impressive.

I guess we will see as soon as someone buys one, but when do we load the boat with everything we own to see what the top speed is?

You mean Baja finaly sent a single engine boat to a test with a blue motor? Someone call Guiness, it's about time.

One thing everyone needs to keep in mind is there are many variables when it comes to top speed. Weight, water, temp, power, prop, altitude, etc, etc. Granted, I can take my boat out in early March with two gallons of fuel, not eat for two days unload everything, wait for a small one foot chop and break 65, but what I care about is the fact with a full tank of gas, 80 degree days, full cooler and a boat full of ladies my boat will still go over 60. Heck, if I travel two hours west and put my boat in the water at one of the mountain lakes I drop almost 2 mph. Of course opinions are like a$$holes and this is just my opinion but regardless if it has a 525 or a 600, it won't really matter because we will still know what we always have. It takes a crap load of power to get a Baja (or any boat without steps) to show big numbers. Now where's lunch, I am hungry.

I load mine down everytime I go out. Who runs around without a cooler & stuff?
My thought is "real world" top speed. Hot, humid temperatures, moderate fuel load, 4 or 5 people on boat, coolers. How many times have you been on the water & had a hookup with another boat for a little gruge match & been light on fuel & light on people?
I stand by my estimate on speed.

I know when someone asks me how fast my boat goes- I always use the highest true number I ever got on gps- 67. and I got that number on a cool day with hardly anything in my boat!!!

Interesting conversation. I appreciate all of your responses. My situation is similar to what someone mentioned above- I'm on a a big freshwater lake in NC. Anything larger than a single motor 25-29 seems like total overkill. I test drove the new 26 with an HO496. It ran great but never got near that speed where things get exciting. I want the speed but have never been a big fan of twins. Everyone's pricing is right on. the 525 with SST, dual batteries, depth, swim platform, stero upgrade etc tops 100k (about 105k is what I am seeing now) and the 600 is about 15 more (120k). I've always loved the lines of the 25 Outlaw. My first boat was a baja. I'm considering buying a new 26 Outlaw and going for the big motor, but am also looking at a kick-butt low hours 2005 pantera 28 with a KE675 that will easily clip the 80 mark. What are the pros and cons?

Me too

Gotta love those tattle tale GPS speedo's.

And no, I don't know how to use the "reset" button

Hmm, I bet I can guess the boat. http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/3/1546083.htm

I am a huge Pantera fan. It is one of the best built, best rigged 28 footers out there. It will take a lot of nasty water and hold up better than most. There really is no substitue for length, if it were me and money was not a concern, I would take a 28 Pantera over the 26 Baja. Just my .02

That being said, I also like length and if you have enough water (and money) to justify going 80 then you have enough water to justify doing 80 in a 30 footer and I would have a hard time turning down a decent deal on a good used 30 with HO motors. I also like to travel with my boat and although my 245 is plenty for the river and local lakes here, I do get my ass kicked at larger Poker runs which is where I really wish I had more boat for better comfort.

That is a good looking boat. I'd go for that over a 26 Outlaw any day of the week. The KE engine is t!ts. No worries there. The only thing that boat needs is to loose the Pantera logo. Kinda messes up the graphics. Buy it, buy it NOW!!!!