I know it always goes this way but I just sold a 95, 27.2 Baja for $6,500 it needed a drive…..witch I sold the buyer for 2,500.It also needed a lot of TLC. I have had 6 or 7 Baja’s and a few other miscellanies smaller boats. I would say look for something with a deep vee and I would try to find something without a 7.4 unless it’s a MAG not a MPI. You will be happier with the horsepower. The MPI is a real good motor you can not hurt but it’s a little slower. If you look for a Baja look for a 25 outlaw or a 25.2 or 27.2. They ride a little better then the H2X or a 20ft outlaw.

Good luck and welcome…..Hope this helps a little.

Where will you be using the boat? What are you looking for in the boat? These types of questions need to be answered before we can give any advice. 454's are great motors. As long as routine maintenance was performed, you should be in good shape for 800-1,000 hrs.

I'm gonna be killed for this, but stay away from the Baja's.
Pretty good hull fro speed, won't take tha abuse the Lake will get yaa'
If you just boating around the Chain of lakes, it's ok. YOu go out on the Mich, (I used to live in Chicago) one of these days you'l end up with broken stringers. Unless you get some "bigger" Baja, You won't be happy with it on the lake.
I mean the "big" lake, they are ok on "small" lake.
for 20K you can find a better hull that will take the chlt water on the Michigan.

PS.. if you are dealing with Grand Sport Ctr,, run like heII

Larry Goldman has a 28' Apache/ Cherokee that MIGHT be available at 20k...

I would be using it on inland lakes, river, possibly Lake Michigan, Green Bay

I introduced my wife to boating in a 272/502MPI and she loved it....

you can find a 25 outlaw for around 20k-22k

Be wary, any boat in that price range WILL be somewhat of a project. You will likely need manifolds/risers, water pump, circ pump and may have electrical corrosion issues.
I 2nd the opinion of no Baja. Look for Active thunder, formula, scarab, sunsation - the late 90's / early '00 Bajas had some lamination issues. If you do go Baja, the Outlaw series are better riding.
I would also look for a 502mag engine. While the 7.4 and 502's are great motors, the 502 has more options available for HP parts.

Take your time and look everywhere in the boat for issues.

WTF? he said in the low $20's. I think i paid $23k for my 97 232 back in 06. Only thing i had to do to it was put gas in. No project what so ever. Considering my Cig took a dump in value over the last 2 years i would have to think a 25' & under good Baja can be found for that range that is turn key.