Ram trucks...likely have their issues, just like all trucks do.
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I preferred Chevy trucks until 2000. Borrowed a friend's 1990 Dodge Ram, towed my 20ft lake boat with a full loaded camper to Kamloops on the Coq. Really pulled well.Cummins is hard to beat.

My 2003 Ram 6spd manual has 490k miles on it, still getting 18mpg.

2012+ Rams have a 30k lbs GCVW with the right setup.

I do wish Ram went the way of Ford with the 450-550 with an actual truck box on them. Really like those, but not sure if I want to bounce over. I'm all setup for Cummins engines.

OffshoreOnly Classifieds - Boat Classifieds - Boat Parts

OOOOOFFFF

No, I didn't. Our boat was a demo out of Hastings MN.

I put AC in my 33' .. I thought the construction was excellent, I ruined a few hole saws that`s for sure. It was tough to get thru the stringers.
Home depot 2x4`s and wood glue? I think you`re smoking some good $hit buddy. .. also never had a wet anything and the wiring was in the baja was 100% better than my Cig.. and the cig came with a new transom when I bought it and needed another one within 10 years but that was unsealed exhaust hole by the previous owner so I cant blame Cig.
Turns out silicone is not a great hole sealer.. who knew.

I would have never posted on here if I knew some many grown men would have their panties up in a wad. Holy cow.

Lets see a core sample of that stringer. Prove me wrong. If it is anything besides a piece of dimensional lumber, I will paypal you 500 bucks for your time and tell you I am wrong. Video tape it so we know you are being straight up. Assuming it is original. depending on the year, I would do the same on the transom, that they used construction adhesive and staples, not wood glue. The earlier to mid 90s models were done with glass between the layers from my experience, but still not sealed well, the 96 i have right now was glassed. We have probably done 10 97+ models that are glued and stapled.

You say I'm smoking good ****, you just compared the build quailty of a baja to a cigarette. I have never dug into a cigarette, but i have friends with them and have not heard of the issues like baja. Sure they can have rot, I can't imagine it's for build quality over neglect.

like I said before, I don't hate them, I don't like the build quality. I have owned a bunch, repaired every one I have had plus some. How many have you dug into, like really dug into and pulled apart?

I think I am done posting on here, too many people upset over facts. Go figure, internet....

Seems to me the only one with his panties in a bunch is you , everyone else is just having a discussion.
Sorry not everyone agrees with your opinion?
Not sorry.
Have a super day!

I was going to raise the point that Baja was in business long enough to have been through many eras and phases of management, construction methods, etc.

Ive seen that w/my different Checkmates.

My ‘86 Convincor is rock solid and 100% OEM constructed other than me filling the transom opening for the IO.

But the molding is sub par compared to my ‘95 Convincor which was as straight as any boat I’ve ever seen!

In fact, Jason Kunkel who is one of the top Checkmate gurus on the planet, and he and his dad have been dealers/go fast guys from day one, told me that he thought that was their best era for quality.

You would expect all the companies products quality would improve over time w/advancements in methods and materials but if the ownership of the company has a board to answer to then cost vs profit surfaces.

Study Chris Craft through the mid ‘80’s to see examples of that!

So maybe there’s been better eras than others for Baja too?

I do know that during the late ‘80’s Baja was selling factory blems out the back door to a dealer east of Cols Ohio.

I know that because I was selling new Checkmates during the same time and couldn’t compete w/their deeply discounted prices.

I think that is a pretty good statement there. I swear it seems old Fountains were better then those built in the 2000's (At least build quality or consistency).

As I think I mentioned earlier, you know exactly what you’re buying when you purchase a Baja and you adjust your driving habits and maintenance routine accordingly. It’s not a cig or similar, so I don’t beat up my Baja and drive it based on water conditions. Only go in the ocean when there’s 2 or 3’s. It works for me. I bought my first used Baja as an entry level performance boat, expecting to move up to something a little nicer. I liked it so much, I’m on my third one now. Also went partners with a buddy of mine on a larger Baja, kept mine in storage. He moved to Florida and bought me out. Point being, had 4 of them and they were fine. And I do agree with dedppl, everyone else is having a discussion except for one person. And that one person keeps on buying used Baja’s, fixing them up, selling them and I’m assuming making a profit. Not bad for a boat with poor build quality.

I am a first time Baja owner and I do love the boat but I have to say the construction of it kinda sucks!! Engine on my 96 252 took a dump and when I pulled it the port stringer was MUSH, I dug it all out with a flatblade. The engine mount is simply lagged into the stringer, the fuel cooler was dripping and got around the lag wiping out the stringer. I replaced the stringer and made motor plates so this cant happen again! Baja motto, its got rot and it is doesnt yet it will!!!!!! I don't think there is a dry one out there!