Starting my Boat Search
 

Hey guys, I was recommended to this forum by a few friends because I am starting to look at buying a boat, specifically a Baja (25 to 30ft Outlaw). Out of all the different "go fast" boats I've seen, I like them the best. I see a lot in classifieds, but some are far. I'm willing to go anywhere on the east coast to pick one up when I find what I'm looking for, but I'm curious if anyone has some insight on finding local surveyors and how loans make work in this case. It would be a waste to travel so far and then get denied a loan for some odd reason. It may be better to ask a lending company on their policy, but I figured people on here have dealt with travel time and surveyors. I've also been looking at dealers, but they may be a bit more expensive and I am looking at all options.

First, welcome to OSO.

There is a lot that goes into finding the right boat. If you plan on borrowing money, I would recommend getting pre-approved. Dealers and sellers are more willing to talk if they know you are approved for funding.

Where are you located? I was in your position about a month ago. I was looking at 29' Baja Outlaws and ended up with a Formula Fastech 292. Some of my opinions...Keep an open mind when looking at boats. Dont have your heart set on a particular brand or model especially if this is your first. Some things you should know about though inlcude: twin or single engine, trailer or no trailer, size, etc. You should sea trail and look at as many boats as possible. One brand or model might surpise you.

With regard to a surveyor. They are your best protection. Make sure you hire a certified, respected surveyor. Again they are your protection for purchasing a boat. Note: No bank will lend you money without a survey so it is required.

Good luck on your search. Let me know if you have any other questions. Again welcome to OSO

I do keep my options open. My main requirements are:

Trailer
25 to 30 foot
cabin with head
single or double engine doesn't matter
Expect to spend $60-$65k
Years 2003 to 2007

What kind of water/climate are you going to be running in? If you think you'd be comfortable in a 25' boat I would aim low if its your first boat (a 25-29' with a single screw), especially in cold winter climates. I'd rather screw up a winterizing job with one motor than two! Some people will tell you to go big because you'll outgrow it quick, but IMO its better to learn on something cheaper and smaller.

If you've driven and maintained a bunch of boats before this one, then I would agree with the "go big" crowd. I absolutely love the 33' Outlaw, I just don't like that I would have to switch marinas to get one...

I live in Maryland, so salt water during season, and stored on a trailer when not in use and during the winter. So it can be fairly cold in the winter. If winterizing isn't too much different than a jet ski, then I should be good and if not, my uncle is a boat nut and he is always willing to help. Everything I've ever owned, I upkeep myself and if I can't, I go out to learn how to. I am also keeping a close look on length as the marina I plan to store at has a pretty tight load ramp, but don't forsee that as a problem. Biggest boat that I ever got to run was a 40' cruiser.

the good news is your expectations are right for your price range...bad news is you really need to weigh the pros and cons of a single vs twin engine...this will obviously change the cost of the boat both to purchase and own...this is a major factor when buying a boat

I know the big con is more maintenance, more fuel. I think around my size, the closer to 30 I've seen will have the twin. I'm in no rush to buy (looking to finalize by next spring) and that has been a thought on my mind. Trying to figure out single vs. twin. If everything goes as I plan, I will pretty much be debt free (only my truck payment left) at the time I purchase so the extra on fuel, maintenance and other concerns may not be too bad. What else is good to gain off of a twin, other than the performance increase or am I thinking too much into it and that is the big gain?

well some pro's of a twin engine boat include...

ride (weight distribution)
performance (faster, acceleration)
reduced engine stress (twin engines dont work as hard as a single, esp a 27')
better docking manuvability (two outdrives)
less likely of being stranded (limp home on one motor)

fuel is an issue but twin engines dont consume 2x the amount of a single...twin motors dont work as hard.

Welcome...
Where on the Bay do you live and plan on boating? The Bay can be very angry at times. there are alot of guys on this forum from the Maryland area. I would recommend checking out our local club (link below) also for events,, raft ups, gatherings, Poker Runs, and our Annual Race that is in October this year.

www.cbpba.com

Thanks Pat

I think I may lean toward twins.. That is definitely some things to look at. I am a speed junkie, between the cars Ive built, bikes I race.... So the faster accel is a perk I would like to look for.

also keep in mind that baja's usually use big blocks (454, 496, or 496HO)...They tend to consume a lot more fuel than a small block...

dont qoute me on this but I think a twin 496 setup will consume around 30-35 gallons per hour (if not more)depending on conditions, speed, crew, etc...for me that was too much so i vouched for a boat with smaller motors.

another thing you should keep in mind that i forgot about mentioning is the choice between a deep v hull and a stepped hull...they have different ride charecteristics...baja obv only provides deep v. you should experience both.

Good luck with your search. I'm in MD too and "in the market" for my next boat.

Not trying to bash Bajas, but they certainly aren't the fastest boats on the water. If speed is what you want, I would do a little more homework.

They may not be the fastest, but I do like the overall boat. Like I said too, I am keeping my options open. Just want to make sure I buy what I'm really looking for in the end.

you will get differing opinions on baja's...

some say they are a low end boat (not built well) while others swear by them (best bang for the buck)...

personally when i went looking (just my opinion)...after seeing a formula fastech's build quality the baja was ehhh not that great...again thats just my opinion. im not bashing baja as they do offer a lot for the money. i just went for quality over quantity.

some examples:

1. fastech offers electric bolsters, baja doesnt
2. fastech offers sinks where most 30< baja's dont
3. formula ultra leather is some of the best i have felt, baja uses cheaper vinyl inside
4. formula offers stainless steel cup olders, bajas are plastic

just some examples...thats why i mention keep an open mind.

While Baja does build a nice boat, I highly doubt that of ALL of the Offshore boats you've seen, this is your absolute favorite. If so, then congratulations on your first performance boat, being your dream boat! :drink:

The budget you listed, is a decent amount to shop with for your first boat in the used market right now, so stay patient in your search.

I would definitely go with twins if you can, for many of the reasons already listed, as well as not having the feeling of needing to move up in size or power too soon, as if you were to go with a single from the start. While the used market is better for buying right now, make sure you buy what you REALLY want first, because you will likely not be able to just sell what you got quickly, & move to something else, should you decide that you'd rather go another direction right after buying.

I would take the advice Spicy offered, & get to know some of the people in their boat club around Maryland as well. This can save you a LOT of time, and money, by getting the opinions of others that have boated in your area for quite awhile, before pulling the trigger on something.

Good luck in your search! When you're looking for opinions on the forums, try to make sure whoever is giving you their take on something, is someone that has an adequate amount of advance knowledge, before taking their opinion to the bank. Sometime you can be talking to someone that hasn't been boating for more than a week, or you could be talking to a 14 year old. There are a LOT of really good, knowledgable boaters on OSO, so you've definitely found a great place to discuss performance boats.

That's for sure. My comment has NOTHING to do with quality, price, features, or opinion. Just MPH.

I currently go out on the Magothy and that is where I will be storing as well. I will be boating around the Chesapeake, Servern, South Rivers etc. Sometimes across to the Redeye Dockbar. I def. agree with the bay comment. I took my ski out there and I was miserable.. Granted, that was an 11ft craft. I will def. check out your page. I'd really be interested in talking with local boaters here. I am definitely open to opinions and others experiences with particular makes.

....and BLee, you are right. I have seen others that I like even more, but the pricetag is also a lot higher too on some of them. I like the Sonics, Checkmates, Fountains, Pantera's. I don't know much about any of the other makes. Just in this thread though, I've seen a few comments on the Formulas too

buy something that will handle the water you boat all the time. when shopping for my first boat i was dead set on a 1999 Baja 25 outlaw until rode in one on Lake Michigan. The water there gets pretty snotty at times, nothing to get into 4ft of chop anyday of the week. I ended up with a Powerquest legend. liked the looks of the baja better but LOVE the ride and options in the powerquest. Rides and options of a much larger boat. A good friend of mine has a 29 outlaw and he says my boat rides better hands down. mine also has more headroom in the cabin, a freshwater system and a pumpout. not many 25ft boats have those. Sonics are sweet, agressive looking boats but are narrow. Just my 2cents but powerquests are very well built boats.

check out the 31 sonic in the classifieds for 46K boat is clean and runs like a raped ape with 1400+ HP

That is carborated, right?

That would be another question....... Carborated is more upkeep than FI.... ? What could be some arguments for Carb vs FI?

this is just me and I'm sure someone will say I am wrong but I prefer carbs. Easier to work on. Before I broke my crank my boat could sit for 2 or 3 weeks and would crank right up like i just ran it.

Not to try and steer you from a baja, but this boat is an incredible boat and well worth the $$$!!!

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o18043-en.html

^^^a lot of boat for the money...496Mag HO's too.

I def like that one. I saw that while browsing through the classifieds. I've never read to much about the Sunsations. How are they in comparison to other makes?

My last boat had a 600hp motor with a 1050 Dominator carb. To make a long story short I hated it. If I ever buy another boat it will be EFI.

If I were you I would make the call immediately if not sooner. You won't find a better boat. Go to the Sunsation owners' forum, read the threads and talk to the people who own them. That's the best way to learn.

Suns are fast, excellent-handling boats with lots of cockpit and cabin room. They run very well with 496 power and the stepped hull will get better fuel mileage than straight Vs.

Sunsation makes a better boat than Baha. This is really not even debatable.

Sunsations are nice,They do tend to chine walk above 70 from what I have seen.Other than that the one for 70g looks great.
Just my thoughts though take a hard look at the 28 Pantera its a big 28.

I wouldn't agree with that. If you have a "stockish" mild carbed motor, it can be trouble free. I'd take a carbed HP500 over a 496HO every day. More power, stronger bottom end, better motor overall.

Wild custom builds or huge power are a gamble carb or EFI.

Also, you may like Baja now, but won't like seeing "your boat" 3 times each trip out! The sunny (or lots of other options) may be a little better for you.

Chine walk ? ,my 28 at 75 is just fine. I have been in 2 different 32s one with a pad bootom and the other had a v bottom at over 90 and they are very stable but they were new model style.I no my buddys 0lder 32 ran right at 90 with 500s in it and was also good.

Never driven one but I have been next to them.Maybe it was driver, just what I saw.

Well, the guy just left with my jet ski so I'm one step closer to my boat haha

Driver error to much trim would cause that

In my search, this thread came up and I had to laugh about being set on Baja, but after all the opinions I got from you guys, ended up with my AT lol

Hey Sleev-les,

Congrats on the AT. If you haven't already, check out www.cbpba.com. A bunch of go-fasters here on the bay. I'm up on the Bodkin, but alas (sniff):picard1: my Sonic and Pantera are now gone. Just a slow ole' Sea Ray now.

Hope to see ya around the bay.

Bill