Looking at 252 Islander
 

Hi all - I posted this here instead of the Baja section to maybe get some less unbiased thoughts (not that biased thoughts aren't wanted as well!). I have a 2003 225 Crownline (350 Mag) and am looking at a 2000 Baja 252 Islander with a 454 (310 HP) engine. I'd be gaining about 3 foot in hull (22'5" vs. 25' 6") I believe. I love the Crownline but just wanted some thoughts on the Islander. I can swap boats for next to nothing as they are going for about the same. How is the 454 engine? It has about 200 hours on it. I have about 319 on my 350 Mag and it has been great. I think the Islander will gain me a little speed as the Baja has a faster hull.
Thanks

I'm a little biased, but here goes.

I bought my 252 new in March '98, and it's been great! I had a 454Mag in it, and ran the crap out of it for seven years. I'm not sure how many hours were on that motor, but I'm sure it was 7-800. The only reason I put a new 496 in it is because the salt water here ate the tongue jack off my steel trailer, and the boat sat for about a month with the plug in and the nose of the trailer on the ground.:(

Needless to say, the engine and all of the accessories didn't like being underwater, so it was just easier to put the new package in it. It's run great so far and another 350 hours are on it. Hell, I'm liable to wear this boat out!

wantingmore.... how would you compare the ride in the 252 Islander to say a H2X, 25 outlaw or Performance 275...I've ridden in and driven in all those but have not ridden in a 252.
My kids love to ski and tube as well. How is the 252 for doing those?

I can tell you that my buddy has had the same boat for years..I believe his is the same year, and around same hours..Boat runs around 60 on the speedo, used more for lakes vs ocean..pulls tube's ok, ski's ok...here's a pic of it sitting on my Nor-Tech cradle last summer. Jeff

Same boat that "dusted" your 43 Nor-Tech last spring?! :p :ernaehrung004:

I have a buddy, that has an 01, with i think right at 100 hrs on it in tulsa Oklahoma, he took the boat for a touch up on the gel coat, so there is not one little scratch to be found anywhere, he is getting out of the boating buisness for now, he is a banker.PM if interested, ill send pics.

I wanted John to feel like the big man that day..beside's I can't be #1 all the time:D

Speed won't be much different, maybe 3-5mph. The baja will ride better in the rough. If its at a dealer, you have to figure wholesale for your trade in vs retail for the baja. A dealer is in the business to make money.

We have a 1997 252 and love it. Pull the kids on the tube and ski behind it all summer. as far as ride compared to a 25 Outlaw. My freind has a 25OL and the ride in the rough stuff is a little better and a little faster but the 252 has way more cockpit room. A 25Ol is a true 25' boat. the 252 includes the swim platform.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BEACHSHOT.jpg

Thanks I will keep that in mind. I am trying to sell my Crownline right now (if I sell then I'll be looking). If I can't sell it then I'll probably keep it for now.