Baja Questons
 

Why do Baja's cost less? I am looking for maybe a 29' or a 302. I have heard that the 25's could have a hook in the bottom, what issues are there with a 29 or 302?

Cost less than what?

Cigarettes/Fountain/Formula's

By design, most true V boats will have some hook designed into them to help stability and time to plane.

Any boat can develop a pronounced hook over time by improper trailer fit or lift fit. When the bunks do not extend fully to the back of the transom, the weight of the drive and engine can cause more hook.

You will have a hard time finding a better bang for the buck in a 25 foot boat than a 25 Outlaw.

Very true statement.

In general, Baja's are more mass produced. I don't know the exact numbers but Baja builds more boats per year than any of the above. Quantity equals less $$ needed to make a profit. Baja also uses less expensive mat'l. Generally won't find much billet equipment, mcloud bolsters, livorsi gauges, ect on the Baja. Still great boats, you'll rarely find a baja owner or past owner bad mouthing them. Just my .02.

any thoughts on the 29 outlaw or 302 boss? I would like two engines.

The 29 Outlaw has been and will remain to be one of the most popular of the Outlaw line. It offers a lot of bang for the buck and a very solid ride. It is the only outlaw that has adopted more of the rounded off euro design. They hold a very good resale value and are always going to be a popular boat. The only negative that has been said about the 29 is that in early years, there were a few isolated stringer problems but after mid 1999 it is not supposed to be an issue.

The 302 shares the same basic dimensions as the 29. It will give you a little more in the way of cabin room with a bit more head room. As with the 29 is has been a popular choice by those looking for their first twin engine boat.

Both boats are a bit tight in the engine compartment and you will need to find a friend with skinny arms to change plugs but that is no different from any twin engine narrow beam offshore boat.

The 29 will be slightly faster than the 302 but the ride will be a toss up. From that point it just depends on which one you like the looks of better.

I've owned a 29 Outlaw for the last 3 months. My dad owned a 97 model so I knew it was a great boat but have still been impressed mine. No complaints at all. Rides, handles, looks and performs great. IMO theres nothing better for the money.

I had the opportunity to drive a friends 29 outlaw this last weekend and I was really impressed. I just moved up to a 25 islander from a 21 islander and there is a huge difference.

What are these so called hooks in the bottom and what do you look for when buying one of these boats to see if it has hooks or not ?? Thanks

We've been beyond impressed as far as what was spent and what we have gotten out of the '05 275. The previous boats, although in a different category, did not come close in the workmanship and durability (a 80's 27' Sea Ray, a late 90's Mariah 212Z Shabah- which had the WORST workmanship to date & a '00 Doral 230BR - which was a good boat and isn't too far behind the Baja).

As of now, we have 470 hrs running in salt and a good amount of that between spent between 3/4 WOT - to full WOT in two years, two months and we have had virtually no problems. Everything has held up well to high speed runs and even a few groundings in the Gulf and bays. No complaint's here - the only things we have had to do was replace a Livorsi speedo gauge, the trim tab gauge, get two small surface cracks by the cockpit drain filled and do all the routine up-keep which has been done religiously.

In the last two feet or so of the running surface, you will see a small downward turn in the hull as it works back to the transom. This is by design and aids in planing time and stability.

In some cases, this curve will be more pronounced due to poor trailer or lift support. In these cases, and they are going to be rare, you will see a more pronounced turn down in the last couple inches of the running surface almost like a droopy azz on a fat chick.

Once again I can't stress enough that any boat can develope a severe hook if the trailer they are on is not fully supported to the transom or on a boat lift that does not fully support the back of the hull. They are more common on twin engine boats where there is much more transom weight.

I assume the post made by Raylar in the 25 Outlaw speed thread started this new wave of hookfobia. This just shows how one person can make an uninformed post and start a nervous scare into those looking at a particular boat.

zx14,

Matt (haulinvols) is a little off on his length #'s. A 29' outlaw is not the same length as the 302 performance. The 302 is 30'6" without a platform and 31' 11" with the platform. The 29' outlaw is 28'9". Matt might have been thinking about the 30' outlaw which is indeed about the same.

My 302 has been a great boat. It has good cockpit space and the cuddy is very usable. It handles rough water very well. If you have some specific questions, send me an e-mail. [email protected].

Which platform are you talking about, the molded in one or the add on fiberglass/plastic one?

Actually, the running surface length is roughly the same. the 30'6" measurment on the 302 includes the integral platform and the 31'11" includes the additional add on platform. The 29 Outlaw measures 28'9" to the transom and about 30'11" with the platform. My point is that they share the same running surface length. If you were to be able to take a measurement of both the 302 and the 29 from the tip of the bow to the transom, they would both measure about the same. The difference from that point is just in the swim platforms.

Remember, the performance series always includes any integral platform in the overall length. The fact you could get an additional add on platform on the 302 just confuses the measurement more.

I have had three outlaws, a 24 with a 540 bulldog (handfull) a 29 with 7.4 mags and now a 36.

Never had any problems or issues with quality. However, be prepared for the "haters" out there that do not know what they are talking about. I get the guys talking down about Baja all the time. There are al,ot out there in all years, shapes and sizes.

Keep in mind Baja makes inexpensive small crafts, but also makes outlaws and large craft. But they all have the same name.

The looks of my 36 seems to draw comparisons to Cigs, Fountians, and other off shore racers. And I have been told mine is an "entry level" boat. Burns my ass and pisses me off. I did not buy it to be compared to a 700K cig. I bought it because I like the lines, resale, quality, creature comforts.

I don't think he off at all the 302 and the 29OL share the same hull design other than the integrated swim platform on the 302. Only difference on the 29 and 302 is the top deck. Both running surfaces are identical from bow to stern.

Exactly where I was heading. Same running surface.

Matt,

I missed your point on the running surface......sorry! I was trying to point out that the 302 has more usable space because of the platform/platforms. Regardless, the 29' and the 302 are two very different style boats IMO. zx14 really needs to decide exactly the features he wants. I have kids, so the platform that covers the 29 pitch labbed props (razor blades) is a must.

No worries,:D

By the way, my buddy did end up buying that 242 at the dealer in Chattanooga.

Right on Brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ernaehrung004:

I'm sure he is enjoying it. Craig (owner of TRC) is really trying to push the brand locally. Should help with resale.

I am liking the Boss, I like to get behind a windshield at times. I am looking into a 1998, does this have the stringer issues I read in another post? where do you look for it?

I don't know that the 302s ever had any stringer issues. It was pretty much isolated to the 29 Outlaw and only in limited cases.

If you want a clean 302 you need to contact Irishtornado here on OSO and take a look at his. I have seen this boat in person and it is a very nice ride. Lots of extras.

His is the 2003 brochure boat. http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=165803

it is a nice boat, and nice power, but I found a 1998 with 7.4 mpi's with 160 hours for 61k. we will see.

Be honest with what your goals are for the boat. With only MPI motors, you best speeds are going to be very low 60's and the MPI motors will not handle much in the way of power upgrades since the internals are not that great. I would suggest finding a boat with at least 454mag motors.

Not trying to sway your decision, but my boat is a clean 302 always stored indoors and is 74 on GPS boat all day long. Boat cruises at 65 around 4000 rpms and doesn't miss a beat. Only reason I'm even pondering selling it as work direction has changed and I have no time to use it. I've had it out once this year for about 10hrs the rest of the time its sat under cover in my polebarn. I'll entertain reasonable offers, but refuse to give it away. If your interested email me and I'll send you somemore pics as well as specifics on the boat.

[email protected]

what is the HP rating of the mags? or the 7.4 standard?

The 496 mag is 375hp

The standard 454 mpi is only 310

The 454mag is 385hp

the ad list it at 750 hp, so he thinks it has the mags, but I forgot to ask. The ad does not say 7.4 mags just 7.4 mpi. If he is correct on the HP things sound even better. no? Is ther such a thing as a 7.4 mpi mag? I think not, although I have engine pics comming. I guess I can not post a pic, it says 7.4 mpi right on top, the air cleaners are cones ,kinda to the right side front of motor.chrome riser elbows on the exhaust.

One more to say take a hard look at Irishtornado's boat. Super clean and has one kick azz stereo in it.

I took a look at the pic you sent me and it definately has 7.4LMPI's in it. Which are 310hp each so the boat is only 620hp and like haulinvols said will only push that boat in the low 60's.

I would think you could find a late '90s 302 with 7.4s in the 50s if thats what you decide you want. Ditto what everyone else said, I would try to find one with 454 mags. I little more money now but you'll get it back on resale.

I assume the chrome elbow risers come with the captains choice exhaust on the 7.4 mpi?
I have to say, there is not much af far as boats with mags and low hours out here in the west.

If you limit your search to boats on the west coast its going to be slim pickings. I'd expand out a little bit. Plane tickets are cheap and you can get delivery for $2/mile or less. Or just take a weekend and go pick it up. A lot of sellers are willing to meet you halfway or pay half of the delivery fee.

I have, there is not much out there with the higher HP engines.

That should tell you something. What is out there with the MPI motors has been for sale for a long time. If you will be happy with 60-62mph and would not have the desire to go faster or build the motors up then go for the MPI. If you would not be happy with that don't waste your time or money.

Even if you started with the cheaper MPI boat and built engines, added full hydraulic steering, larger tabs and other necessities, you will end up spending more than if you just purchased Dave's boat and it is newer.

zx14,

How about my '04 302 Boss with twin 496 Mag. HO's==850HP.....less than 100 hours!!!

There will always be someone faster. I am changing boats for comfort and freeboard. If I want to be the fastest, I could keep what I have and wax about everybody on this board. I am going to have to stay within my budget and get a sound reliable boat. Dont get me wrong, I thank you all for the advice. But my budget wont support the HO motors.

21' Daytona W/300X outboard 31" labbed.
111MPH GPS on 2" chop. slight headwind.