97 322 baja boss
 

I bought a damaged '97 322 baja boss its got twin 502 mag's lathams steering and k-planes. The previous owner had just put new interior and rebuilt both engines. I am trying to decide wether to fix the boat (10k + trailer)or strip the parts and transfer them to my 260 velocity. At sea level how fast should this boat go?

The boat hit a rock which destroyed a gimble and both lowers and put a gash down the side of the boat. it was then limped to shore where the stern sunk in fresh water on the beach. The insurance paid for the engines to be flushed and checked by a merc dealership but then deemed to cost more to repair then was insured for. The glass shop told me it would be 7k to fix the hull with new decals (includes all blisters). This boat looks like it was well taken care for. I have lots of merc parts and am very mechanical.

i need to decide which boat to go with

thanks for you input
neil

Any pics of it and damage? How long did it sit in water submerged?

The 322 will run in the low 70's with those motors. It is a good boat and will be a better ride than the Velocity.
Recently an early 90's 320ES, which is basically same as your later model 322 sold for $20k on a trailer with 502's in similar condition according to your description, minus the damage.
You'd probably be in the same $$ by fixing the boat, but I think more $$ could be made by parting it out. Then again we're not in the hobby to be making rational decisions. We're boat owners.

the rear part of the boat was submerged for just over a day from what ive been told. i paid just over 10 for the boat. ill try to get some pics up of the damage

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...44_wHFTr-O.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...66_wJ2FC-O.jpg

there is also some gelcoat damage on the bottom

I'd say it's a parts boat. JMO though.

It's delaminated by looks of the pics. Definately fixable, but how much you want to put into it? Like Jason said it'll ride alot better than your velocity.

im thinking if i can fix it and get a trailer for 20 i think illl be happy. Both engines were just rebuilt with 34 hours and it has all new interior

I'd repair it.
And that's JMO becasue I know people who can work magic on fiberglass.
Get some reman drives and you're almost there!

Looks repairable and like a nice boat. Must be updated graphics also. So how did you find this thing?

Does it need drives & gimbals? Complete drives with drive shafts are $5k a copy. A used transom housing with gimbal can be as low as $1k. There's $11k right there + the $7k to fix the glass + another $1k for propellers + another $1k+ a copy for new drive couplers (with labor) on the engines...... That's not a move I'd make.

Jason,

Remember it also needs a trailer!

Start two lists - one on how much you will have to spend to make it right. (then double that) Then a list on what you can sell it for parts. (minus the cost to bury the remains)

The McLeod bolsters are a good color combo, or you might even find a buyer for a complete 322 interior? The windscreen is valuable because you can no longer find them. TEAMBAJA on OSO is looking for a good 502 engine. OSO members can help you on many items.

If it is the boat you always wanted....spend the money, if not....part it out.

You might even get some money for the bare shell overseas?

XT

If you do decide to part it out let me know on McCleod bolsters I'd be interested in them.

I think XT put it in the best perspective. If it's the boat you've always wanted fix it. If not it'll turn into a money pit for you.

Things to consider. Did the glass shop consider that there may be damage to the transom in the estimate? I would want a very firm estimate, because 'unknown' glasswork can get expensive very fast. Are the engines now in running condition or will they need additional work ($)? You have 10K in it now, and could easily put another 25-30K+ to get it on the water. This question might help, would you purchase a nice 1996 322 on a trailer for 40K+?
By the way, as you can see I like old "real bajas". But they become a money pit with no $ return.

Put it all on the velocity! sell what you dont need. Like jasonsmith said. you are gonna get nickled and dimed to death here. and like XT said, unless its your dream boat... i would part her out.

my plan was originally to put it in the velocity but now that my woman has seen it with the seperate toilet and big cuddy she's onboard to upsize.

I already have one spare drive sitting here and luckly the gimble that wasnt broken is brand new still has the tag on it. Ive rebuilt a few bravo ones with luck so im confident i can put together an upper then ill just need to buy a lower and a gimble.

the only work ill have to pay for is for someone to do the fibreglass work and the quote i have is thru the guy from the insurance company so im confident in his work. he also offered to buy the bare shell if i do part it out

the engines are in working condition the merc dealership was under the impression the boat was going to be fixed by the insurance company so they went thru both engines and are ready to go.

I heard about the boat via craigslist with one add being up spelling Baja "Baha" and it was a closed envelope auction.

I would like to do a bunch of exploring along BC coastline so im thinking the Baja would be a much nicer boat to do that

Go for it and enjoy. Sounds like you have a plan worked out. Good Luck and post some pictures as you go. Also post some pictures of the beautiful northwest area. Lived in Tacoma in the early 70s, great place.

i own a 97 322 with 500 hps that were pumped up to 600s and i love it. its not the fastest 32 foot performance boat,but tons of room,enclosed bathroom,and runs 83mph. great family boat.thinking about selling it,since i only used it once last year.

97 322
 

hi my name is gene if you are going to part out I need the wind screen and I'll take the sides .Over the summer a friend sat on mine and broke it been tring to track one down I may be interested in some other parts .give me a call I would be greatly in deat to you thanks Gene Asan 267-249-0699 215-891-8479 thanks in advance