Looking at a 1989 280 sport, What are your thoughts about build quality
 

To all BAJA owners,

I want to start by saying I don't want to see this thread turn into a baja bashing frenzy so please keep the comments honest and as factual as possible.

I am looking at picking up my first Baja, A 1989 280 sport. What have you guys heard or experienced about the build quality of the late 80's boats. I know the stringers were replaced because of some rot, but what about fiberglass strength and quality? How about thickness and resistance to stress cracks. I plan to use the boat only in lake water but it can get choppy so it will experience some pounding!

Thanks in advance for you input.

Well I have an 88. I go out and pound it in Lake Michigan all the time. I have not found a stress crack in it yet. The boat does have a few rattles here and there. Things like the cabin door,and windshield will make some noise when pounding in the waves.

Other than little things that need fixing here and there, just like any other boat, it's been good to us.

Thanks Nightlife, That's the type of comments I am looking for.

Keep them coming!

THERES A POST HERE FROM ANOTHER GUY ASKING THE SAME Qs. as I told him a friend owned a dealership back in the 80s to 90s selling Bajas thats where mine came from:cool-smiley-011: he had a demo 280 365hp mags and it ran 74 on speedo back then.I like the boats mine has some cracks but I raced it, and run ocean only and went from 330hp to now 670hp:cool-smiley-011: . I am adding some extra bulkheads this winter and maybe paint if I am keeping it, not sure its been 17yrs:p so I was thinking going longer. mine runs in the 80s. there glass is good, gel great,the new ones meaning 07 and up are extra strong with carbin fiber I think in high stress areas
:cool-smiley-011: so if its the black one theres pic here somewhere good luck and enjoy. I have art