So why dont a BUNCH of us get together, pool our money, credit lines and knowledge to become an employee/enthusiest owned company.

Seems to me this happened a number of years ago with a different Brunswick owned subsideriery, called Harley Davidson.

Seems to have worked out for them. I personally have no problem using Mercury motors, I can sign a paper for a Corporation...

And we all certainly have the Baja passion to succeed, Just a thought, I'm Game!

Wouldn't it be cool if someone, na...........not yet.

I'm game!

I thought that was the another bowling Ball company AMF?

We can operate under - Baja by XT-Innovations LTD?

I need to post a photo of the 24 years worth of Baja pay-stubs that I have collected as proof of my passion...HELL I'm still game. DRINK!

XT:ernaehrung004:

If you guys need engineering support, Ill throw my name into the ring... :)

Okay guy's we start Monday and need to hurry the Miami show is in 6 weeks. First thing we need is a good web site and legally remove any other site using the Baja name. This is the job I want then when I am successful I will retire with a large pension of coarse. I also have enough parts to build a few Baja's but it might be like the Johnny Cash Cadillac.

That's what I was thinking!:ernaehrung004:

I'll throw my name in for test boat driver. I love abusing stuff with horsepower. especially if it's not mine.

If this is true and Fountain is done making Baja has someone stepped in and willing to continue the Baja boats? I was sorry to see Baja leave Ohio and the people that made them but I'm ok with fountain making them as long as they make the boat as great as they are or if possible even better. I think if Fountain is done with Baja and someone else is taking over that could be bad for Baja. Who would want to buy a new Baja knowing that in less then a year Baja was produced by two companies and now a possibility someone else. Who would be taking over on any warrenty work issues or get any new parts. I don't know if it was true or not but I thought when Fountain got Baja that Sea Ray was to take care of any issues but people had trouble dealing with them. I could be wrong but I am thinking I remember people complaining.

As for the two Baja's we have had I think they are great boats. The first one was a 1995 Baja 236 that we bought in 2000 and kept it for almost seven years and then July of 2007 we bought our 2005 Baja 275.

I hope the Baja line and name stay around for a long time and continue making a great boat.

I had that same thought Brian!!!!
I'm not a millionaire, but, I'd invest in that venture

OSO Members,

I spoke to Founatin this AM (Saturday Jan. 3rd 2009). The plant is alive and building both Founatins and Baja's on a Saturday. In fact, we just went over the details on a 278 with a HO for our dealer stock. Things are not great anywhere in the marine industry, but the strong are pushing through!

I have said it before and I will say it again. I am completly impressed with everyone at the Fountain plant and the way they have embraced the Baja name, its owners and dealers.

It was sad to see the OH plant and its employees go away, but sometimes change is for the best!

Lets hope for a strong 2009!!!

Brett
Premier Boating Center

I'm thinking it more and more.

Lets see how about Doug,Dean,JR,Blain,Courtney
:party-smiley-004:

Well there ya go! Just a bunch of rumors again. It is going to be tough for all the boat manufactures this year. I think Fountain will make it through along with Baja. JMO

Hey Brett since you spoke of the 278 I have a question about the hinges on the hatches on the deck. Why did Fountain go with two hinges instead of one piano hinge so you don't see the hinge like the Baja 275? Not sure if the 278 from Ohio was done that way or not but to me seeing the hinge like it is doesn't look like a clean smooth look. But that is just my opinion.

This being retired is starting to get to me already... I dont know what to do my 14 hours a day not working.

As you can tell, I need a hobby, or at least a thaw so I can enjoy my hobby.

Who knows where our lifes will take us in the next year. I know I have a few ideas for the boating world, just need to get my ducks in a row.

And if Fountain wants to bail... Well let me know! But I have to tell you, it will have to be located a bit west, LOTO! But damn could we build some great boats, and market them too...

Huh.. Huh, Oh, ya, I guess I was dreaming again....:cool:

Stuck, Hardware is IN, it is the current trend in boat building. More chrome and hardware showing the better. On the service side, our guys love it! No more hidden hinges and flimsy hardware. Not as clean No, but tougher looking I guess!

brett

Brett thanks for the answer. I could live with that if i could buy one then but I'm hoping the next boat will be in the 30 OL but my wife likes the 335 but that's a ways down the road.

Wow... :rolleyes:

I really hope your kidding.

i know the question was asked to baja when they released the 30 OL on why they switched to external hinges. response was cheaper, easier maintenance & style.

I have no idea what you mean by this, but when I asked the Baja sales people this exact question at a dealer meeting, this was the answer I received. I assure you, I am not kidding

I mean it sounds like an excuse.

What next? Oh, to hell with the pop up cleats, its "in" to have cleats that stick up all the time, and the larger and goofier looking the better.....


Hidden hardware and hinges cost more, and more often than not its a cost savings attempt to get rid of them. This might not be the case in this instance, especially if the old hardware was indeed flimsy. But it still sounds like an excuse.

The only thing that is "in" right now in the boat industry is bankrupcy and leftover inventory. :)

Do you really not like the exposed higes on the newer Bajas. I personally like all the hardware. It just looks beffier to me. JMO

I can see your point with them saying that as an excuse, but that was their response.

While working boat shows in the last 2-3 years we receive a ton of complements on the new powerboats. People are always stating that they like the chrome shifters, gauge bezels, big engine hatch hinges etc... Like I said earlier, it seems to be the trend.

As for bankrupcy and leftovers, it might be the case for some, we for one are realitively clean on hold overs and are far from bankrupt. In fact we are preparing and rigging boats today for our Open House in a few weeks. Over 50 new and used boats inside on display ready for new homes. (and a big party!!!)

Oh, I meant no offense by anything I said to you, sorry if it appeared that way. It was intended more for their words, or as I call them, excuses.

I dont like the chrome, sorry. I believe a clean, no nonsense look (example: white grab handles as opposed to chrome) is better, but thats personal opinion. The more chrome, the gaudier it looks to me. I feel the same way about cars, and I know there are plenty of others who disagree.

From what I have seen, no sir I dont like it. Do you have any other pics of them?

Again, just my personal opinion.

No-offense taken, at all.

I like the chrome and other custom gadgets, but that is me! If it was a daily driver, I might want something more blan. But when it comes to boating, the more chrome/colors and the smaller the bikini's the better!:drink:

What's the old saying " Chrome won't get you home, but It will get you laid"

Just my opinion:

I like the new ones on the outside.

If the chrome will stick to it, then chrome it.

Just checked the mailbox, I dont see an invitation?:confused:

Ok, so maybe Im not looking to buy a new boat, but it sounds like a good reason to throw a party! :drink:

I like everything Baja did with motorlid hinges except the pull-apart style of the late 80s, & early 90s. Oh, by the way the (2) custom hinges on the outside cost more than the (3) consealed hinges.

XT:rolleyes:

Excuses...huh?

External hinges. This was an engineering driven initiative that sales, production and customer service supported fully. As XT noted, they added cost. With external hinges, the motor lid could be installed and adjusted so the alignment was square in the closed position with equal gaps between the padding and the receiver in the deck. With hidden hinges, you have to get alignment, then lift the lid, hold it in place, drill holes, and screw and bolt the hinge all without the lid moving. Lots of room for error in production and a b!tch for the service guys in the dealer network.

All in all, I do not recall making ANY excuses for our product. It was what it was. A damn nice boat that was less expensive than most (if not all) of the competition. Everyone is entitled to their respective opinion and I am all for everyone expressing that opinion. That is what we are here for. Sometimes acquisition of the facts change opinions, sometimes they don't.

Very well put. I totally agree with you.... Damn nice boat for the money... "Dollar for dollar, bang for the buck you cannot beat a Baja"...that's how I used to sell'em....

MR BAJA!

Its my fault for percieving the hidden hardware to be more costly. To me, the hidden stuff looks cleaner, and usually when flush or hidden hardware takes a back seat to more clunky, obvious parts and the comment is made "thats where the industry us heading," it sounds like an excuse.

I will admit I have never worked for a boat company, but have many hours in the design industry as an engineer, and most of the time flush mount or hidden hardware is the expensive alternative.

Sorry for the comment, the last thing I wanted was to get former and current employees and dealers in an uproar. It was more about questioning the PR comment about why the chrome and exposed hardware was really added. I can easily respect and understad the reasoning explained in regards to service and ease of fitment.

I'll have to agree after having the pull-apart style on my FORCE. Those were a pain.

I liked the external ones we were using on the Outlaws. Didnt Greg H. come up with that design?

Anyone have any close ups of the new hardware compared to the old styles?

Invatation not needed, just show up!

I got a spare bedroom at the house for you and Billy to sunggle!

I've never been to Nebraska.

Who wants to go?

I went to the St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale shows last year which were two firsts and need to do something different this year.

What are the dates?

So wouldnt the 2 external hinges end up being cheaper in total production cost? I would think the 2+ people labor time to install hidden hinges ends up being higher than the cost of the external solution.

The Open House is next Friday and Saturday Jan 16th and 17th. Nothing too crazy. We rent out 25000sq ft at a local Event Center, Open the doors (free admission).

Last year I took over 48 boats. 10-12 New Baja's 4-5 Used other power boats, a bunch of new fishing boats and other family boats (Larsons). I will have a couple custom boats on display, might break the HP700-35 Outlaw out.

Probably not worth the drive if you are not in the near area, but we have fun and it, hey....its free!

What town is the show in and what city would you fly into?