Hey Guy's,I am looking to buy a boat,I am a quality nut,looking at the outlaw 26 w/ 496HO.Seems like a good all around boat for the money.Is there anything to look out for.Hull integrity,longevity,depedability?I bought an 06 Bayliner 205 last year.The wiring,trim,rigging etc...in my opinion is a bit less than I would have expected.The boat has a few seemingly cosmetic cracks in the fiberglass that I can only imagine will get worse w/ time.

Thanks in advance

PS:I am looking in the OSO classifieds for my boat if there any that you guys can refer me too.

First of all, welcome and I hope you do become a Baja owner.


I think the best recommendation of the Baja brand I could give is just the number of repeat buyers of the brand. I am now on my third and I know several people personal that are on their 2nd, 3rd and even 4th Bajas. In my opinion, they offer the best bang for the buck in the performance boat market.

I have been very happy with my Baja boats. People tend to look down their nose at a Baja because they perceive a production boat to be inferior to a custom job, but my Baja did not cost me half a million either. They have always done everything I need them to do and with the exception of a short in the wiring harness on my last 496, they have been trouble and blemish free.

I would not hesitate to buy another. I am sure other owners will give similar remarks. Find a good local dealer, take a few for a spin and see what you think.



p.s. I am not going to touch the Bayliner topic.

I'm on my 3rd Baja & will buy again if I find the right one. I have seriously looked at 40 Outlaws but I am in the minority when it comes to Baja owners. I want speed & lots of it. In all honesty, Baja's are getting better & better with the thing I want which is speed & custom options.
Bajas are precieved as entry level performance boats. You aren't going to see perfect rigging in the wiring harnesses nor are you going to see exotic paint unless Custom Touch gets ahold of it.
What you are going to find is a good boat that has a known name. You are going to get a good performing boat that will see mid 60 mph speeds safely in most water conditions.
You'll find a group of people that are dedicated to the brand & a group of people who are more family, although disfunctional at times, that will help you & give you an HONEST opinion about the brand.
You are really buying more than just a boat. You are buying a lifestyle that is not just your brand friendly, but open to invite/include others in the mix as well.
Good luck!

BTW, a few months ago Powerboat did a test on the 26 Outlaw. It had a 525, but it does speak of rigging & performance along with interior & exterior quality along with ride & other things.
I'll dig it out & send it to you if you don't have it.

I'll sale you my 2005 30' OL SST. Only has 40 hrs on it. Asking 109K but willing to take 106K. Look at the add and pics under the "Swap Shop"

Thats exactly the answers I was looking for,thanks for taking the time,the baja dealer took me and a friend out today w/ no obligation to buy,they don't even have the 26 outlaw to sell.That weighs heavily on my decision.It was a 275 Boss,went 65 roughly,handled well,did it's job so to speak.River Rat I'll look at your boat but I'm really in the 75K range,no offense.The 26 seems some what attainable at that price.

Where are you located at? What dealer?

My 2005 25' Outlaw is for sale in my signature. Bought new by me and in great shape.

for not much more you can have my 36 outlaw with hp500's!

Ditto what everyone else said. My dad owned to Baja's in the past, a '91 270 and a '97 29 Outlaw. Both were awsome, trouble free boats, especially for the money spent. Now that I'm in the market Baja's are at the top of my list.

For 75K I would be looking for a used 29 Outlaw instead of a new 26 but thats just me.

I'm on my 3rd Baja Outlaw. Loved every one of them including the current one, 29 Outlaw SST. I got mine for under your budget with 160 hours on it, like new. Would highly recommend a 29 over a 26. You get way more boat and twin power.