4 Bolsters?
 

I'm "pre shopping", trying to learn about each model. Thinking a 33 or 36 OL or even a 342 to run at LOTO. I've always thought the 4 bolsters was a cool setup (seeing boats at the dock), but you don't see it much other than Baja and Sonic and the huge Black Thunders. I recently rode in my neighbors new to him 32 OL with 4 and now REALLY like the 4 bolster setup!! So much so that I'm feeling hung up on it and skipping over boats that don't have them. My assumption was that I would get in one with 4 and feel cramped, but even in the 32 it really didn't feel tight at all.

Am I making too much out of this feature!? Is it possible/economical to add a couple of bolsters to a 2 bolster boat??

It's my belief that most folks don't like the 4 bolster setup. As a result, a 4 bolster setup would factor into your resale opportunities (if that's a concern).

I like that set up too but in the end I like the extra room for coolers and stuff more.

Again, I've only been in a 32 OL with 4. Is the cockpit area any larger as you move up to a 33 or 36?

We currently have a really nice 2005 Monterey 298ss with twin 350 mags. Love the boat! But after riding in that 32 OL and experiencing the difference in ride quality in rough water, it really got me thinking. In that washing machine that is LOTO, anything over 30 mph in the Monterey gets banging around. I find myself shying away from taking the boat out on busy weekends because of it. My wife can drive the twins, but doesn't like parking it and is not comfortable taking it out by herself (girls weekends). So I'm selling my fishing rig and getting a used tritoon, so we will have a comfortable boat to put a bunch of kids on, to go cove out close by, take to dinner, etc. So the performance boat will be for running on rough weekends, longer distance at faster speeds, more than likely just the four of us OR me and some buddies. I guess having been the one that has to STAND there on a rough ride, I like the idea of 2 more passengers being comfortable. Now...that's solely if we have people down. So all that said, the REAL reality is that 75% of the rides will probably be me and my son out joyriding! Not to mention how fun it would be to get out and ENJOY one of the poker runs!

If I can get over the 4 bolster thing it sure opens up more doors. I really like the Scarab 33 AVS and the Formulas. But I keep coming back to the overall floorspace of the Baja.

I have a ride lined up in a 36 OL in the coming weekends. Can't wait!

You I'll love the ride of the 36 if you liked the 32 for sure. I wouldn't get too hung up on the 4-bolster set up because if you really like it you can always add it later on. We added them to a few 33's back in the day...it was a PITA but the kit to do it works well...only thing outside of the kit would be to have your carpet cut if you have carpet. Hit up XT as he has first hand knowledge. Man, can you even get the kit and bolsters anymore would be my question...I know XT could make them though I'm sure. Good luck in your search!!!

We just built a set for a 2007 35 Outlaw this past week but it was sheer luck that we had all four colors of vinyl to do them. Anything older than 07' is even harder to match on the vinyl because Baja always used custom colors and textures that are all obsolete now. It would be best to add them when the entire cockpit interior needs recovered.

XT

Thanks for all the info and advice...it's greatly appreciated.

What would one spend to have an interior redone?? I know this is probably a broad question. Nothing crazy custom, just say reupholstered with or without extra bolsters? I have no idea even a range of what this costs? I ask because, it appears the later year 36's are going to be pushing me up higher into the $80k range unless I go with a 98 or so? Like to be more in the $50-60k range. Just thinking if I found a good deal on a solid older boat and decided to redo some things. As for the 35's they all seem to be well over $100k at least what's on the market around LOTO.

I boat with ICDEDPPL with his 33 and my 36. We both have kids and entertain also. And neither of us bought with 4 bolsters. It's enticing but needent be a deciding factor, or you'll wait forever to find the one you want, or settle for less just because it has 4 bolsters. I have a friend with a 36 OL and 4 bolsters and several kids. They do love it, but they don't entertain much, and no room for a cooler andother stuff.
We use big coolers and they make a seat when needed quite nicely. It's more important for us to have cooler and stuff and people space then seats.

If you get over the 4 bolster set up, I have a nice 342 I am selling. It was originally a LOTO boat. I will make you a good deal.

Pete

Thanks Pete, wish you were closer. I am going to look at a 342 that's at LOTO maybe this coming weekend. It also has 2 bolsters, so that will give me a better idea.

I would work with you on delivery, I pulled it to LOTO last year for the Shootout. I can send pictures if you would like.

Pulled it to the shootout...from Spokane!!?? That's hardcore! :eekdrop:

I will PM you.

Love my quad bolster 36OL, originally a LOTO boat. Only think I wish for differently, is that the rear seat back were part of the deck lid to provide better engine access. That and maybe another foot in length for the engine compartment.

Ya, the 32 OL I was on it was a little snug in then bilge to say the least. My Monterey could house 2 more engines with the room you have to move around it!

I rode shotgun on that trip, not for the faint of heart.

Pete's boat is immaculate, I wish mine was.

Nothing like an extra 36' and 9000 lbs. "helping" you down a mountain pass eh!?