Lets Build The Perfect Baja
 

Guys,

Lets all post a list of changes that you would like to see Baja make to have a product that better serves your needs.

Baja is doing more than many of the other manufactures to improve their product. I know they look at this board and it is a good way for the buyer "US" to be heard.

If you have ideas that would make your boat better, please post them on this thread. Also list your year model and size for reference.

2002 Baja 36 Outlaw

1) I am willing to give up cockpit room for more engine room.
Would like to see one foot of more room in front of the
engines. Would also like to see a nice place to be able to
step on like Formula does.
In my 36 there is too much cockpit room already.
2) Cleaner Rigging in the engine compartment.
3) Move all batteries to the engine compartment.
4) Hinge dash panel for quick access like Formula without
having to remove 20 screws.
5) Make space on dash for flush mounting of GPS (Average Size)
6) Put sliding doors over the gunwall storage areas.

I would echo Dock Holiday plus:
1. Would like to see a better way to get up onto the front of my 2000 33 Outlaw from the cockpit.
2. Better cockpit lighting for those of us who boat after dark- I added street glow white light up under gunwale.
3. Better finish on the cabinetry below deck
4. Cup holder for the passenger-which I have added-boat only came with three in the cockpit
5. Put a strap support on the back of the radio-which I have added

How about a warranty that is transferalbe no matter how many times the boat is sold during its warranty period. I think that is a good one. I am the third owner of a 1999 Outlaw, but I have no warranty because it is not third party transferable.

Take a look at a '98 sales brochure. Talk about engine room on the 36'. You could build a small garage on that sun deck.
It looks like they just use the same engine/sun deck (now) on all their models. Now there is too much cockpit room (after they removed the second set of bolsters). They should find a happy medium. Would be more functional, and look better as well. Easy too say when I only have a 25' footer.

1998 25' Outlaw

-No complaints. It is tight in the cockpit, but I doubt Baja would redesign the entire boat for that. They would just say, come on Joe, buy a 29.:D

I would like to see the performance series look more like Outlaws. I like windshields if they are "hard lined", not curvy and "Euro-ish." There is no sense in having a bad ass boat if it looks like a Four Winns or a Regal. Until then, I'll trade a little wind for the awesome look and performance of the Outlaw hulls.

I agree with the suggestions. My top ones (based on my 33) are:

1) room somewhere on the dash for a fixed mount GPS
2) move batteries to engine compartment
3) anchor storage (bow)
4) easier dash access
5) dual rams for sundeck
6) grab handle (centered) for swim platform
7) storage for the bimini top

I agree on the excess cockpit space. Our friends refer to ours as "the dance floor"

All in all, pretty small stuff.

Yeah Joe (Sacandaga),

Just go buy the 29"!!;) :D It is looking possible for this weekend.


Bajadude,

I was wondering what year your 33 is. Some of the things you mentioned (center grab handle for the swim platform, anchor storage in the bow) I have on my 29. ( I have a 2002 29 Outlaw) I don't know if they just added these recently on the 29 or not. I was just wondering.

Great ideas, everyone!
Like many of you, I would gladly forfeit a little cockpit room in the larger models for more room in the engine compartment.

A 'flat spot' for mounting a GPS, etc would also be a great benefit. I fought long and hard trying to decide where to mount my chartplotter...I finally decided to mount it to the left of my helm area on the flat landing on top of the cabin doorway.

Other than that, there's not a whole lot I would change.

Yeah Evil, the snow is flying. Let's hope for a good Saturday.

I forgot, I like the anchor locker in the bows on the 29's and larger. I want that too! While I'm at it, more cuddy storage below deck and the cockpit for fenders, lines, life jackets, etc. in the 25.

Like everyone else has been
saying, engine room space.

I have never been thrilled
with their wiring ( connection
issues, lack of schematics, tidyness)

thats about it

Oh, 1 more,
price increases need to be on
par with cost of living increases :eureka:

Keep the input coming.

Looks like more engine compartment room and the area for a GPS/Chartplotter are at the top of the want list.

I do not have an anchor locker on the bow of the 36 either, and frankly do not want one anymore! Notice I did not llist that. You need a fair sided anchor for a 33 and up and since I have found it easier to throw it over the side and walk the line to the front, and then retrieve it from the swim platform, I cannot imagine carrying the big thing accross the bow. Just my opinion.

The warranty really does SUCK. Either you warranty a product or you don't. All authorized dealers should also handle all warranty issues whether you purchased the boat from them or not.

Doc,
I'm with you on the anchor storage,
first of all, it's not big enough for the
anchor I carry.

Secondly, I really don't want an
anchor bouncing around up there
when your in rough water.
The lid and latch doesn't appear
that strong.

just my .02
jt

Good point about the anchor locker up front...

I hate bow anchor lockers...I wouldn't want one on the bow!!!

I think they're dangerous. Boat telemetry analysis has shown that most offshore boats in moderate to heavy sea conditions experience upwards of 8G's positive and negative inertial forces....

Now imagine an 11, 13, 18 pound anchors experiencing those forces up front in the bow...We're talking 88, 104 to 144 of repetitive oscillating loading on an item of mass.....Surely, the results of an anchor coming loose in the bow is obvious.

Secondly, it really is easier to anchor from the side or stern and walk up the line to the bow. :cool:

How do you do that anchor walk thing in a current when retrieving the anchor?

......... teach your old lady how to
drive the boat.


Thats what I did:D:D

First, assuming you're already anchored and the line is tied to the bow, take the excess line that leads down from your bow and temporarily tie it to the side or stern cleats, making a somewhat tight run from the bow to the temporary cleat. Now walk up to the bow, release the line from the bow cleat and quickly get back into the cockpit. The boat will now swing around of course, but if you have room it won't be a problem. Now you can hoist up the anchor from inside the safety of the cockpit.

I use this technique all the time in some good 4-5 knot currents. Works like a charm.

There's nothing worse than walking a heavy anchor, rode and line on a slippery deck.

Baja Daze- I'll try that sometime when no one is watching first. My problem is the river bottom here on the Mississippi is sand and mud and the anchor is set so good that you have to pull upstream to break loose. Maybe I can break loose and then do what you talked about.

jt29olhp500s- ok last time my wife drove was my 272 and she was backing out of a slip and I told her from the dock to put it in neutral, well she put the wrong "stick" in neutral which is of course the throttle halfway. Luckly she decided that was wrong and idled down quickly but not before getting up alot of steam. I had 25' of dock line tied to the front cleat and I was quick enough to make a couple of wraps at the end roof support to catch the boat from hitting the next dock. Sure are some good cleats. That was 5 years ago, I guess I'm ready to give her another chance.

Engine room space would be nice for maintenance, but I really like my dance floor and so do the gals at the docks when the tunes are thumpin! There are always tradeoffs. The low capacity of the fresh water system and filling the fresh water tank are my main gripes.