Baja Islander 212 opinions from the Crowd
 

I am speaking with a dealer in Omaha,NE , I live in GA, about the above boat.

Comes with a 6.2 MX 320 HP, 23 Mirage SS 3 blade prop, Bravo 1. Has a Heritage trailer, whatever that means, and comes with a Special option Package, which is depth finder, cd, bow filler cushion, carpet, Pop Out cleets, and full morning cover.

It is a 2002, zero hours and never used.

Price is $35,000. What are some opinions about the purchase. Good price or not?

Salesman said should run on speedo 67-70 mph. Has a 1.5 to 1 gear ratio.

Can add captain choice for around $1,200.

I have a FourWinns but would love the faster, bigger, and better boat.

Advice?

Hey Eric!
I give the boat thumbs up. I think you'll enjoy it! It's comparable to the Hammer(same hull, set-up) which I owned in 2000. It's a fast platform and is fairly comfortable in most light chop conditions(1'-2'). It's got a 21* bottom which is a little more bumpy than most of the deeper(23*-25*) vee boats. Nonetheless, it's faster for it and planes pretty quickly.

The numbers you quoted seem to be in check. 35,000 is about right for the way the boat is set-up. A quick search on www.boattraderonline.com yielded very similar numbers.

The 6.2MX is rated for an rpm range of 4800-5200rpm. So, assuming the set-up falls within that range, the boat should see about 65mph average at 5000rpm.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

HEY ERIC!

Whats up man?
not much here. just got done blueprinting the bottom of my hull getting ready to go for a spin to see how much that helped. Made a call to a buddie at baja to see how a 212isl. runs he says it should run a good 60mph with a 6.2 with thru hub exhaust. He says put the silent choice or Q and Q plus and you will see around 65 plus. I say go for it you'll love the baja.
well i'm going to go putt mine in the lake to see what happens i will post report later if i get it to run any faster than already at 98.9:D :D

I can also help with any parts you may want to buy for the baja.

Looks like you've been talking to R.C. Olsen. He's the only Baja dealer in town. He is one arrogant SOB too. A lot of people locally don't care for him, but his prices are fair. I know a lot of people locally don't buy from him because he doesn't keep a lot of new boats in stock. A lot of people buy from a dealer in Dubuque, IA.

BTW if you want to come to Omaha to buy a boat, I'll sell you my 1993 24 Outlaw for about 2/3 of that 212.

come to texas and i'll sell you a 1997 perfect 24 outlaw loaded with everything and a 502 mag with a labbed prop for the 35,000

Baja Daze,
Thanks for the information. The 6.2 is rated with 320HP, which is 200 lbs less than the 496, which is rated with 375 HP. I would figure the 6.2 may plane a little faster than the 496, but the 496 will produce a higher top end.

Thanks for the tip Paul. Had someone at Baja tell me I should see 67 -69 with the prop set up I mentioned earlier.

What kind of parts do you sell? I thought about maybe the 377 Scorpion which puts out 350HP. I wonder how that compares to the 6.2 and 496 in regards to weight.

Eric, I have a friend who has a 232 with a 7.4, drop out bolster option, cover, ss lab prop, aluminum trailer, stainless bimini top. captains call, cd player. This boat looks brand new. I doubt it has 50 hours on it. It runs in the mid 60 mph range. The boat is kept in his race shop (car guy). I sold it to him new in 99. Boat has purple graffics and was the most expensive 232 we ever sold. He would make you a hell of a deal on it. A 212 is too little of a boat, and for that kind of money I would fly down here and see this 232. Where is everyone coming up with these rediculous prices?

I really don't want to buy a boat in Omaha. I would rather get a Baja from GA, but a good friend of mine bought a 36 Outlaw from him and knows them fairly well. I spoke with Bill, who seemed really nice. I am looking at the 21 for fun, speed, and for skiing. I think a 24 Outlaw isn't really set up for watersports. I don't know though.

Do you know Tony Infantino?

I would never pay the 35,000 for the 212. That is there current asking price. You are right though, prices on boats suck. I currently have a 17 foot FW, so 21 feet seems really big to me. I want a manageable boat, not too big. What HP does the 7.4 generate? I can't remember.

310 hp at the prop. This boat has a 23 degree bottom and a swim platform, full purple bow and mooring cover.

I purchased a new 212 a year ago last month. For the type of watersports you describe, it will do a great job for you. Mine runs the speed you describe and is very comfortable. The boat handles well and is dry. Lots of storage space and room for 6 without falling all over each other. Baja does a nice job putting the boat together from what I have seen crawling all over it.

I have the same type trailer you will get and it does a great job. Easy to load/unload. I pull mine with an Excursion V-10.

Last summer I borrowed a 21' prop and the hole shot was stronger. But the 23' does well and am confident the folks setting these up know a ton more than I do about those issues. It is nice to have a little more "pop" when you are pulling a heavy skier but I don't know how much the 21" will knock the top end down.

We boat alot at LOTO and avoid the rush hour to the party cove as the water is big. As mentioned by others, the 212 is not a huge boat but I feel safe in it with my family. It is a very easy boat to drive and you will be surprised when you are going down the lake and the speedo says 65 MPH and the ride is smooth and effortless. (GPS who knows ??)

By the way I had thru-hull exhaust installed (paid $1500) and enjoy the sound though not sure if it does anything for the speed. Mine was a new 2000 equipped same as yours and paid $27,000.00 NOT including the Capt-call exhaust.

My dealer was not the best to deal with (St. Louis area). I had the exhaust installed at another outstanding Baja dealer in Morris IL. If I was a dealer selling a 212 I would know in the back of my mind I want to do all I could to make sure this person comes back when its time to buy the next size up.

Probably telling you more than you need to know but I want you to know I am 100% happy with my 212. No regrets whatsoever.

Good luck. :) :)

Eric1969,

If the 212 is the boat that your have decided on that is great. I don't think you need to go all the way to NE to find one. Baja makes a ton of boats, I would think you can find one closer to GA.

My .02

Dave M.

Eric
I have a 212 islander for sale its a 97 454L has all of the covers bow filler cushion inodized cup holders and bezels, drive shower, thru hull exhaust. boat is purples and a gray, runs out awesome. 65.3 on gps. asking 21.000 for it.
Mark

Eric -

there's a 2001 at Lightning Bay Marine with about 50 - 60 hours on her - I've seen it and its in absolute cherry condition - I think they are asking 27,900 or so - the boat is seriously like brand new - plus its a lot closer (and you could spend the weekend down here once you bought it).

Call Mike Flanigan (the owner) at (727) 822-4470 or check out his website www.lightningbaymarine.com

good luck in your search

My first Baja was a 232 isl w/a 7.4 310 hp. The 212 is too small, I paid 34K loaded w/trailer in 98. Mine ran 60 on GPS, the 212 should run faster w/the 6.2. The 232 is a better riding heavier boat with more deadrise I believe 23 vs 21. The extra room is worth it. Tabs are worth having. Good luck!

Dallas,

Thanks for the information. Exactly what I was looking and hoping for. I am going to shop around Atlanta for a better and closer deal.

What did yours have in it for power?

I have emailed Mike before about this boat. If my memory is accurate, it comes with a 350 , which is 260HP if I recall. I would rather have something with more power and speed.

thanks for watching out for me though!

I had to make that decision a few years ago and I went with the 232. I think the 21 is a little too small and in the end you'll want the extra room. We do a lot of water sports, skiing , tubing and the 232 is perfect. Also, for thise in the front of the boat, in the 232 you can strech your legs out, the 21 was a little too short.

just my opinion.

Thanks for the info. I am still leaning towards the 21 due to minimizing my cost.

Spoke to Atlanta dealer. Has 2 212s with the 7.4L, 310HP. Both boats I believe are new and are year 2000 models. Very good prices, but I want the most power/torque for the $$$.

I really want to get the best performing boat for the money, which is why I really want the 6.2 or more. Don't want to be under powered.

Eric
Nice talking with you today,,Have 2 New 2000 212, with 7.4L mpi,310hp..Loaded,,1. Red white, blue $27,770..2. Dark blue, light blue, dove with tabs..$28,200.
Best deal call OSO member SKY at 770-919-2628

Eric 1969


I have the 7.4MPI. Seems like all the power I need and I run a long time on a tank of fuel.

Sounds like you are getting some good offers. I assume the prices quoted include a trailer. I got cross ways with my dealer as when I made the offer it was one price. Then he asked if I want a trailer. I thought it would be easier to take to the lake so I told him yes I needed a trailer. I looked at my paper work last night and total out the door price (for a new 2000 purchased in 2001) was $28,000.00.

It sounds like you can do as well from the prices I see quoted here and have a 2 year NEWER boat!

I don't think you will be sorry with a 212 if you use it as described above.

Good luck!!:)

Dallas,

That is really funny. The boat from Omaha is with trailer, the 2 boats in Atlanta referred by toonatime are WITHOUT trailer. I don't know why they quote this size/type of boat without a trailer. He said I could get a trailer at cost, though. I agree with you, seems it may be easier for me to get the boat to the lake with a trailer unless anyone has other ideas. I could at least understand them quoting a 30+ foot boat without trailer, but not a ski boat. But, what do I know though, I am just a dumb consumer:D :D :D

Hey guys...Many Baja's are sold without trailers & go to dry stack, boat lifts, out of state etc.. Others want aluminum offshore, painted. or buy their own custom trailers..ala heritage..If you are looking for a leftover, at a great price better buy it now as the boat buyers are out in droves this time of year..Someone called today and didn't ask for me..& I can get the best deal for OSO members. Sky at 770-919-2628