277 Islander, good, bad and the ugly???
 

We are relocating to Tennessee and we sold our Regal 2900 LSR open bow "which we loved" to the homebuyer as a package deal, looking at replacing it with a 277 Islander for a more sporty look and a little more speed. Was wondering if there is anything in particular to watch out for at all build quality wise or any other way since they were made in the Sea Ray ownership and economy taking a **** time frame. Any tips or opinions regarding this model in general are appreciated.

What year? What engine package? Salt water or fresh? Stored indoors? On a lift? Bravo?

I finally remembered the password for my original screenname. I am looking at freshwater lift kept 07-08 models 300 hours or less with the 496 MAG HO and a Bravo X. Our Regal we just sold has 550 hours on a 496 Mag and a duo prop which have been bulletproof. Not worried about the powertrain setup. I have had multiple boats just never a Baja.

I can only speak about my own ‘97 272 Islander, and at this date it pretty much needed a full work through as the cables were shot and wiring failing and such. But for the most part a Baja isn’t equipped much differently than other makes. They’re not prone to anything particularly bad such as a Fountain is to transom rot, etc.

The Islander does have some proprietary goodies such as the hinges on the seat cushions that I need to get repaired as they’re is no place to buy them.

The Islander is a fantastically fun boat and people love them. The 496 with an X drive is a great power train. If the survey report comes back clean you should have a decade or two of fun with basic maintenance.

Thanks!
 

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There are Bajas and then there are Bajas...the Bucyrus made boats are universally thought to be far better construction. The newer boats do boasts some more modern features over the older, and of course newer often means less hours, which is on your bucket list. Tons of good articles on the 'Net on the 277, seems to be a nice boat, good speed with the 496 Mag H.O. (around 62 MPH). I don't think you can go wrong, however just a quick search I did only found (2) available...

Good luck with your purchase!

I've been wanting/pondering upgrading my 24' Islander to a 277 but I'm picky and can never find a color scheme that I like within my price range. I'm happy with my current boat and don't want to sell it but as always a few extra feet would be nice.

Love my 02 252 Islander ...But its not the most solid boat. Decent but I admit the windshield is kinda flimsy, i had to replace all the plastic latches to stainless because they were broke. Stock stereo outdated. Seats have wood. Cheap cupholders again I changed to stainless now. Things I love are the stand up bolsters, vinyl is pretty thick,switchable exhaust, big sunpad, handling, ride, and decent speed for mine being only 310hp. I have no issues running my boat 5-6 people in the Long Island sound or CT river which has a lot of cruiser wakes. Plenty of room also being open bow.

Only big thing I would really worry about would be gimbal ring play.

I would definitely look for one with the W seating in the rear vs. the straight bench.