342 Boss speeds with 500 EFIs ??
 

Hi guys, I came across a 342 Boss that has 500 EFIs with 300 hours on them and I was wondering how fast this thing could run? I am intersted in moving up in size.
Thanks,

Mike.

I'm guessing depending on what options you have in it...Right at 80 or little shy...

Before purchasing it ask for documentation regarding the springs being replaced and download the computers...

Thanks Irish, I thought the springs issues were on the carbed 500s and not on the EFIs??
Options are air/ heat, fridge, microwave, no icemaker, no generator.
I like the sound of 80!!
The seller has a full survey available, I definately would have the engines surveyed as well with a leakdown and compression test.
Thanks,
Mike.

Top ends apply to both the carb and EFI 500.

You looking at the one with the funky painted out drives?

No, not that one....the boat is in Michigan, one owner and stock, year is 2000.

First, the 500's in that boat make a GREAT set up!

77-78 max depending on amenities, such as generator & windshield. 80 might be possible with the boat empty on fuel, no genset and no junk in the cabin but I wouldnt quibble about 1 mph. I can tell you you'd get over 1 mph just by turning the props in.

The 342 is a big boat that has good rough water capabilities and is almost as fast as the 33. If you buy it and need to know anything. I have tested about 40 different set ups, I am on my 3rd set of engines going in October this year and have put extension boxes on too. I have re-done 90% of the boat and can tell you what Baja didnt do or did wrong...

Its a good, solid boat.

Hi Keith,
There is no generator or cockpit icemaker, and the boat has a windshield. My boating buddy rides in an '01 302 boss and it seems like a nice ridding boat.
The things that Baja missed are they expensive to fix??

You'll be in the upper 77-79 range for sure if you spin the props in. No genset is good for 2 reasons, weight and the center of gravity from the fuel is further back. Does it have the sink in the cockpit? I put a sliding cooler under mine - let me know if you have it, I will send pics.

Baja is a production boat. While I had my engines out, I chose to re-wire and re-glass a few things. The windshield is a little slower than the windscreen. I would prefer either one depending on the day though...

I had a 302 before this.

Keith, no cockpit icemaker/ sink. Can you change the rotation of props without fear of damaging the drive gears as the have 300 hours?? This 342 should run with a 30' Outlaw with 496 HO's??

Is there a big difference in ride quality between the 342 and 302??

342 will be a better ride..

Will all those options like Keith said your looking at high 70's...

No fear on spinning props in, but on my setup didn't like it around the docks..Going to try it again before I put it up for the season to see if it likes my new setup better.

342 should be able to run right with a 30OL with HO's even better in rougher water.

Thanks guys, good stuff to know!!

Keith,

Is the v-birth the same size between the 302 and 342 in length and ceiling height??

how fast is a 342 with stock 502s?

69-70

In the 302 you have 1 couch and that chair thing. In the 342 you have 2 couches that are an inch or two longer. The bed is the same or an inch or two larger too. You have 4+ more feet so you gain in the cabin and about 1.5 to 2 more feet in the cockpit too. The ceiling is about the same.

Does it have the U shaped seating or the bench seat? It has the capability to be a fast boat with the 500's

Keith,
The boat has straight bench seats.
I like the height of the cuddy in my buddies 302 but I find the v-birth a tad on the short side. The height he has above the bed is great in my opinion so I was wondering if the 342 had the same size bed.
The only thing I do not like on the 302 is that the floor is really slanted towards the back of the boat and exiting the cuddy into the cockpit is very tricky, almost dangerous to a point.
I like the 1999 and 2000 342 models for the huge sunpad and engine compartment.
The 500 efi's are a good powerplant indeed.

Room in the bilge is incredible on the 99 - 00.

If any of you guys know of any 342's that have 500's in it and the owner is thinking of selling, please let me know.
I know of the 2000 with the funky painted outdrives already, but most listed on the net have 454's or 502 mpi's.
Thanks,
Mike
PS: Black, grey, silver, red colour combo would be my preference....

here's a 2000, dont see any funky painted drives tho
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o36016-en.html

Nice looking setup for sure!!!

Looks sharp. I would like to see that boat do 80 GPS though. has alot of the extras that slow the boat down just enough. But hey what is 1-2 miles per hour? The difference between being in front or wishin you were:lolhit:

That is a nice set up for sure, this is one of the three 500 EFI boats that I came across searching high and low.
The funky painted drive boat is listed on boats.com

Yea it's pretty loaded but never know...might have the right balance to it.

A guy we run with has a 342 with 454 mags and touches 70...

Verbi- thinkin bout getting away from a 34 Vyper and going to a 342 eh?

Aj, the Vyper wont fit in the garage for height, we looked at a '99 model and I have to laugh, sitting in the bolster my feet dangled, I could not touch the floor!
Talk about feeling like a little kid.....lol
The 342 is roomy enough for what we do and still looks very sporty!!
My Silencer is getting new forged engine internals as we speak- full engine rebuild and will be listed soon.
Good boat for someone that likes the 280 Silencer.

I happen to know a guy in the market for one- any idea on a price range?
On the Vyper you are right they are very big that's what I like about them very solid and bulky. I have friends with each of these boats, both great looking boats

Aj, I havent gotten that far yet....brand new CMI etops this year with brand new bimini and camper canvas, full boat cover, 230 hrs, all the good stuff....75 mph
I am still trying to come to terms with what the market says its worth.
You can research some of my posts in the Powerquest "post some picture section" and you,ve seen the video.....maybe send me a PM.

Yeah, he also shows a picture of a speedo at 78 and says IMCO boxes but they are clearly Stellings boxes.

78 MPH for that boat - Im telling ya

My 342 completely stripped (no fridge or microwave with no junk in the cuddy) with a high X (boxes at 3.75 inch) props turning in and 1/4 tank gas with about about 450HP maybe 460HP did 76-77 MPH.

67.6 (GPS app on phone) is the best I have gotten in mine but I've only had about one hour of seat time. 502s, genset, 3/4 fuel, 3 people. It's under propped. 23" 3 blade Mirages are bumping the rev limiter. With deeper X on the older Bajas I think 25 3 blades will do me good and have me flirting with 70.

Dont run so much fuel. If your genset is behind the seat, your fuel is int he middle of the boat. If you get them labbed by BBlades, he will help you get more of the hull out of the water.

Came with that much fuel in it. Just got the boat. Yes, genny is in the bilge.

Try 24's labbed or stock to find out where you are...4 blades might shave a few mph but with a heavy boat they work alot better to get the hull up faster..

Got a super clean low hour 99 342 with 502s for sale if interested.

Mike are you getting out too?

Please send me info @ [email protected] or [email protected]
I really want a 78-80 mph boat though.

Hey Irish,

I was really shocked at how fast it pops up on plane. I'm looking for both. I figure the 4 blades will give me a little better mid range. I thought I'd probably be able to find the 25" 3 blades cheaper since they're not as cool anymone.

I have a super clean 2000 342 with 454 mags for sale, priced right to move.

Baja Pete