1996 Baja 302 Boss, or 1995 29 Scarab
 

Well, I have found that I do a lot of talking, and looking rather than buying. I just can't find a boat that I am 100% satisfied with yet I guess, I get on here and you guys talk it up and down and all around, but that's what I love. So now I am looking at a 1996 Baja 302 Boss with twin 454s, bravo outdrives and K Planes. The 29 Scarab has twin 350 MAGs with alpha outdrives and tabs. Both boats sit on triple axel trailers. Neither is in pristine condition, but they are in good shape, just dirty..... I have an F250 to pull with so pulling either isn't a problem. My main question is, which one? I personally like the looks of the Scarab better, but if the Baja handles the water better then I'd most likely be more interested in that. But if I am not mistaken the 29 Scarab is faster than the Baja? So yes I am very very lost, and would appreciate input, if anyone has a preference or an experience with either of these boats. Thanks.

Are the big blocks mags? I think I would prefer a big block boat, but that's my personality. I would be in there modifying the motors and big blocks are easier to get bigger power. But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

Agree and depending on goals.. 454 mpis will be low 60s, mags around 70.. 29 will be faster than mpis, BUT, scarab is a 27 ft boat with molded swim platform... when I was looking, I found they have a very narrow beam 7 ish where 302 is 29ft riding surface and over 8 ft beam!!
Cockpit space is not even in same ballpark. 302 will have more than most 40ft gofasts!

I have a 1997 302 Boss with mags(carbs) it runs right at 68-70mph with 23 pitch props. It rides pretty well as long as you stay on top the rough stuff and I also have K planes to help it out. Cockpit is really nice for what it is! ther is my 2cent

Your pretty much comparing two different type of boat. The Scarab is more of a performance boat. Smaller beam, less freeboard and less comfort. The 302 is far more about comfort. It will never be the fastest boat as it's a staright bottom boat. If your looking for room and comfort and enough performance while running the 302 would be the choice.

The biggest turn off on the Scarab for me is the Alpha's. You can only put so much power to those, and if you are into speed they will limit you. Then your looking at changing to the Bravo if you really want to go with power. If all you want to do is keep the boat as is then your good as the boat is pretty fast as is.

Does the 302 have the extended swim platform?

Yes it does have the bravos

Looks like an 88 cig Bullet is in the mess now salesmen said they just got it and showed it to me... I think the 31 bullet would be the way to go wouldn't it?? Its about 5 grand more (35000) but i think its the best of them all.. It has trailer, K planes, 454s and K Planes

The cig is going to end up being the slowest unless the BBC's are worked, but it will ride the best. It also has a much smaller cockpit. It all comes down to what you want out of the boat. The 29 scarab with sbc's and alpha's shouldn't be in this discussion. If you ever want to go faster you'll need a complete new re-rig. The 302 and bullet have room to grow. Both are straight bottom, but hard to get into a stepped bottom in the price range that's over 30ft. If you like having friends and are looking to blow another 10-20k in fresh motors, go Baja. If you want to boat in the biggest water and the prestige, go cig, but then of course you'll need a top gun