Looking For Starter Baja Boat
 

I am currently looking into a late 90's 232 Baja, any pros and cons anyone could suggest? This would be my first boat and looking for advice. Seen a lot of them with the 7.4L motors, are these decent motors? I like the Baja boats and would like something over 21'

Thanks!

Don't buy a project for your first boat.

And if you do want a project atleast make it worth your wile there are some really cool project boats out there. What is your total project budget and what are your boat/towing/storage limits?

No project, just a used boat around 20K, I have a F150 so towing shouldn't be problem around that length.

I upgraded from a 97 232 & we loved it. We had the 7.4l as well & i would say thats what you will find in 95% of them. My only complaint w/ ours was it didnt have the bolster seats.

Good luck!

The 7.4L is bulletproof. Had one in our 22 Scarab...no problems at all.

Make sure it has bolsters! Our 212 didnt but most 232s do. Much better with them what ever you buy.

What do you want to do with the boat? Do you need a cuddy for more than storage? And are you planning on primarily boating on the river or on Lk. Michigan?

If you're boating on Lk. Michigan I think I would look at an older 24' Carrera, Pantera or Excalibur (my preference would be one of these manufacturers regardless, but I don't know what you want to do with the boat).

They ride better in rough water and go faster with less power than a 232. I'm not trying to discourage you from buying a Baja - that's what I own. I'm just giving you my $0.02.

My friend has a 1995 26 velocity (todays 280 with a swim plat). with a 502 efi he wants to sell on a real nice trailer with new disc brakes for 20k boat runs 72-74 mph and sips fuel with 15 hrs on rebuild. plus all kinds of other goodys!!

25 Powerplay
 

I have a 1995 25 powerplay that is turn key and in excellent shape, Fresh water boat until this year! Totaly gone through this season. Needs nothing. I can send pics if you would like. Ask around and you will see these boats are great running and ridding boats. I would put it up against any Baja in its class hands down!!!!

still on my first go fast (2 1/2 years now)2000 25 outlaw with a 502 and love it great first boat! were do you boat river lakes bays ect? thats a must to know and how much are you willing to spend. that 25 powerplay would be a great buy. look for powerplay by steve1 and read!

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.