Just got back from a great fun run in the 38 special running with bowtye8 in his new 35 outlaw. I got the 38 special as a larger version of my 272 trying to keep the family in mind. I comprimised speed for flexibility. the unfortunate part is that I find that I do not need the flexibility, genset, large cabin, etc. as my family never really ever goes out with me for the long trips that I had envsioned. Any way this leads me to my question. If I were to change over to the outlaw series what would the better choice be here keeping in mind that I really only ever run in fun runs and poker runs and don't want any of the maintenance problems or expense of the bigger power. So considering 496 HO's it would seem like the lighter 33 OL might just have an edge over the 35 but please give me your opinions

Thanks,
John

Hehe John,
The 35OL is new design. The 33OL is the late 90's design. The 35OL will actaully be a tad faster than the 33OL with the new hull design. Has a delta pad, etc...for a few extra mph..
Also the 35 has the liner system like the 30OL as well. Helps make the cabin bigger.
The 496's have been a very reliable engine..turn key. I know the luck you have had with your 502's. I feel the 35 has all the amenities of the 38. Can sleep 2 adults and a few small ones. Head, fresh water,fridge, Huge cockpit.
The next issue may be price. The 35's are fairly new(3yrs old) replaced the 36OL. Still holding in the 120-160 range used. The 33's can be had for 70-100 depending on age and engines.
The newer design also make the cockpit seem bigger were the cup holders etc are actually in the gun whales. The 29 and 33 had them on the exterior or outside the gun whales. Hard to explain. I would have to line up next to Naplesbaja for a good compraro.....which should have been yesterday.....argh...
You have plenty of time.

John,
Ditto to everything that Dennis said. You are more than welcome to give mine the once-over the next time we are out. Mine is an '03, so it has the latest hull modification.(I think the change was made in '02) I agree with Dennis, do a side by side and see what you think. I know reliability is important to you, and I will say that Its nice to run hard on our runs and not worry about anything going south. Staying on top of fluid changes and flushing seems to be the only thing the HO's need. Gas consumption isn't bad at all. The only thing I truly feel is get as big as you can, with the power you want, a foot is a mile out there and I know you've seen me catch air out there many times..........

Dennis,

As you know price is always an issue, but as I have found out this year you either pay now or pay later or in my case pay always. After talking with you at lunch a few weeks ago I am really starting to like the idea of getting something that may still have some warranty left

John, I have really gotten good at those fluid changes over the last few months I will definately be watching the two of you over the next few months to see how things stack up. I kind of like the idea of the 33 based on the market price but Baja has really pulled out all of the stops on the 35. I am definately going to be making a change just have to figure out which one works the best for me.

Another question for both of you. knowing that I am 6'6 how do you find the windscreens on the outlaws. I have ridden with Bob many times now in his 5000V and it does a great job.
just curious

Thanks
John

You cannot have mine for 100, but I agree after being in a new 35OL, that's the ticket.

I stand corrected...yes I will agree a 2006 33OL will not go under 100K
I would think more of the lines of under 2003.

Dennis

Since 35OL is the way to go, what is a real good price on a 35OL w/ 525's? Speed?

A 35 OL with 525's is around 225K Plus or minus. Speeds are low to mid 80's. Poker face was a 35OL poker run edition Baja. About 1000lbs lighter and could click 90 w/525's. I think its best was 92. Could run 89 most of the time.

I went from a 38 Special to a 36 Outlaw, and am very happy with the switch.

Aside from loosing a few amenities, and some storage space.

The ride, handling and performance of the 36 is way beyond the 38 for us on Lake Michigan.

P.S. We had a 97 272 as our first Baja also