Hey guys!

New prospective owner here and currently looking at a quick and fun cuddy and I'm looking at the Baja 232 performance. I'm pretty knowledgable in boats, have owned chaparral, Larson send Bayliner over many years.

I'm currently looking at a 2004 Baja 232 with a 496 mag, 67 hours on it. I like the 232 model specifically because I like the idea of the windshield. I just wanted to get some opinions the 232, what you guys think of them, anything to look out for? Pro's and cons of the 2004 vs 2002 or 2003 model year.

Is the 2004 the last year of the cuddy version in the 232? Can you get a Bimini top as an option for some shade? I was thinking of modifying the seat in the cuddy to make the bed a little larger and I'm not sure if snyone has done that?

Thanks very much for your thoughts and input!

Only 67 hours on the engine? Or on the entire boat? Either way that is pretty neat.

We looked at the 232 islander (open bow version) and decided it was just a little too small for us. Having said that, the 232's are fast and have a good reputation. You should be able to get a bimini no problem. If you just want something for low wind conditions (i.e. anchored) then also check out the Anchor Shade. They are easier to store if you don't want them up all the time.

Good luck.

Dan

have the ecm scanned for accuracy

Another option for shade is a simple pop up canopy, they are made in smaller sizes. I got a 5 X 5 for my 302 which extends high enough to still walk out onto the deck or sunpad without hitting my head at 6'2".

Great call on the windshield! My 302 has one as well and getting down behind it while running makes a big difference in wind noise level. I wear ear plugs as well.

Definitely have the ECM scanned to confirm hours, I thought mine was low with ~80hrs. on a 2002 when I bought. If the 2004 is as clean as it has low hours and wasn't left in the water the boat should be OK, nothing major to watch out for. Pros and Cons are dependent on what you are comparing to. Had mine since 2013, ask away...

The 232 Performance was replaced by the 245 Performance. The 232 Islander replaced by the 247 Islander.

I've considered doing the same with the bed in the cuddy, just haven't gotten around to it. I would just make one additional custom filler cushion to fill the void and create a larger bed. The factory is comfortable for one good sized adult, or OK for two skinny adults (140 & 130 lbs.). Have overnighted on my a few times now.

Not sure about the ones w cuddy- but pretty sure the 232 islander comes w pedestal or bolster seats. Make sure you get Bolsters.

yes my old 232 islander had the pedestal seats & i hated them. when sitting my line of site was right with the top if windshield frame & when standing they didnt have good support. other than that, i loved that boat & often wish i kept it.

Hey Guy's!

Thanks for the replies! Yes it's 67 original hours total on the boat. Thanks for the ideas on the bimini, that would be a must for sure and if a deal happens I will ask further about that. That said, if it had a proper bimini camper top it would be a pain when you get up to the higher speeds with it bouncing around. So I think the small pop up one is a great idea! I agree, ECM scan is a must. If the boat has been on a trailer the whole time, do you still think its worth getting a survey done? I guess there could be blisters? If I end up making a deal I would probably buy it based on the inspection and maybe get the dealer that does the inspection to do the sea trial...not sure? The boat is 1,000 miles away. I guess I could jump on a plane to go look at I, I would rather not though. Yes the boat has bolsters, yes I have seen a few that don`t have them. The bolsters are a must, it would certainly be weird without them. Not too many 04 232`s kicking around so it`s hard to establish a good deal....

The bimini/camper top will be tough at anything above about 40MPH, plus it would need to extend up above the windshield unless you are less than 5'5" tall. Pop-up is your best option, I've found there is a decent amount of storage available on the boat. I think I posted photos of my bilge setup in the past.

I personally wouldn't get a survey on the boat, as long as you know it's been kept dry. Unlikely to have blisters in this vintage of gel coat. I can give you the rundown of how I bought mine, but that is just me and every scenario is different.

Where do you plan to boat and where is the boat located?

1000 miles away, what part of the world is it in? May be someone one here close that could go glimpse it for you before you make that trip