fastech 292 or baja 342
 

I have heard that the 292 may have a bad/rough ride, due to being a small boat w/ two steps. I prefer the 292 eventhough the baja has shorepower and a larger cabin.

Thoughts? (I am coming out of a 2000 38' Powerquest Avenger)

I have a 292 and am very happy with the ride quality, so I'm not sure where you heard that or if it has validity. However, where you're going to be boating should be a factor when considering LOA, and your sig didn't list a location.

I spend alot of time in the California Delta and the many connecting bays, and in 2-3 foot rollers my boat is on rails with a smooth ride. I've been outside the Golden Gate in my 292 and on a small seas day it's fine, but it's not the wave crusher that a 382 is. If I were going to see 4 foot + seas on a regular basis I would go for a V-hull with a bigger LOA, no matter the brand.

IMO seas of 4 feet+ and a boat with an LOA of 30 feet or less means you're going to be pitching (bow\stern) at slower speeds and launching at high speeds. Of course length of the trough, wave pitch angle, whitecap lips, etc. mean there is no hard and fast "30-foot boat" rule, that is just what I believe.

Best way to answer this question is to drive both boats...then let us all know what you think. Good luck.

I know the 342 has lots of cockpit space, and rides a little better than my 312.

Unless I was going to some some really rough water on a regular basis, I'd personally opt for the 292.

To me they are two different boats...

The 342 is more like a sport cruiser... kinda like our .38

We have one child and bring lots of people with us when boating, so it makes since for us to have the wider bigger cockpit.

The gen is also nice, which alot of 342's have...

Thanks for the responses. I boat in the great lakes (Lake Huron can get pretty dicey w/ the north wind), so I wanted a boat that could handle it.

I guess the best advice is to drive both in 3-5 footers and choose from there.