Baja boats
01-21-2003, 08:19 AM
#33
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Originally posted by 29 OUTLAW
I'm on my second. Current boat is a 29 but looks and feels bigger. A leading competitor makes a 29 that's equally priced except you only get one engine vs. two and when put side by side with the 29 I have, it's almost unfair. I can see 78mph on gps with stock, production power.
I'm on my second. Current boat is a 29 but looks and feels bigger. A leading competitor makes a 29 that's equally priced except you only get one engine vs. two and when put side by side with the 29 I have, it's almost unfair. I can see 78mph on gps with stock, production power.
What power gets you 78???
01-21-2003, 08:28 AM
#35
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I think it really depends on what you plan on doing with the boat. I also don't have any idea of the build quality lately, but they appear to "look" pretty good. I had an '89 280 Sport with a pair of 454s. I run primarily the Atlantic Ocean, the bottom of the boat delaminated under the motors as well the bulkheads ripped from the sides and bottom. The bolsters also pulled from the floor. No doubt about it, I was hard on the boat and realize that most people don't boat the ocean almost exclusively like I do. If you're not punishing on the equipment then the Baja is a great buy. If my boating habits were to change I would definately give one a look again. I gave mine to a fiberglass repair guy and he fixed the bottom and dropped a pair of 350s into it. He is still running around here today.
01-21-2003, 09:26 AM
#37
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Someone noted earlier that the hull/deck joint is not glassed. This shouldn't be a huge factor in recreational structural integrity or value. Formula's hull/deck is assembled the same way, I believe. Those chemically bonding adhesives are very, very strong. Along with screws and bolts, I don't see how you could rip that joint apart. If it's a strong enough method for Formula....
01-21-2003, 10:03 AM
#38
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Originally posted by jb
who is the competitor ????
What power gets you 78???
who is the competitor ????
What power gets you 78???
As far as 78mph - I have twin 496HO's turning Bronson Hill 27" Mirage Plus. Best of 78.3mph on gps.
01-21-2003, 10:21 AM
#39
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Originally posted by SABER28
theres much more but even now i get so pissed about it and the way baja handled it ( try chasing baja prez. through a crowded boat show complaint list in hand, boy he was faster than O J in a airport)
theres much more but even now i get so pissed about it and the way baja handled it ( try chasing baja prez. through a crowded boat show complaint list in hand, boy he was faster than O J in a airport)
01-21-2003, 10:22 AM
#40
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Rippem,
You are correct about the structural bonding. It is a method that we frequently use here in the aerospace industry for primary structural applications. The shear strength of these bonds are incredible along running lengths of joints. Baja screws the decks along with bonding on all single-engine boats and through-bolts the decks on twin engine models.
BTW, Baja uses Plexus Adhesive, Baltek end grain Balsa and bi- and tri-axial woven cloths, all industry standards. Also, contrary to popular belief, chopped fiber is not used in any way structurally, only as an outer barrier coat for cushioning and damage tolerance. This is what you see right under the gelcoat layer, beyond that is the structural cloths.
Having said that, it is imperitive to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these joints. The bondlines are great in shear, but not in tension. The shear strength is provided by the bond, while the tensile requirements are met by the screws. The screws/bolts are simply a failsafe to prevent the joint from working loose at one end and unzipping along the length.
For simplicity's sake, take a piece of scotch tape and stick a portion of it on your desk. Pulling along the length of it, puts the adhesive in shear and it can be quite strong...Pulling straight up on it puts it into tension. It is very easy to remove like this.
This is pretty representative of most deck joints
You are correct about the structural bonding. It is a method that we frequently use here in the aerospace industry for primary structural applications. The shear strength of these bonds are incredible along running lengths of joints. Baja screws the decks along with bonding on all single-engine boats and through-bolts the decks on twin engine models.
BTW, Baja uses Plexus Adhesive, Baltek end grain Balsa and bi- and tri-axial woven cloths, all industry standards. Also, contrary to popular belief, chopped fiber is not used in any way structurally, only as an outer barrier coat for cushioning and damage tolerance. This is what you see right under the gelcoat layer, beyond that is the structural cloths.
Having said that, it is imperitive to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these joints. The bondlines are great in shear, but not in tension. The shear strength is provided by the bond, while the tensile requirements are met by the screws. The screws/bolts are simply a failsafe to prevent the joint from working loose at one end and unzipping along the length.
For simplicity's sake, take a piece of scotch tape and stick a portion of it on your desk. Pulling along the length of it, puts the adhesive in shear and it can be quite strong...Pulling straight up on it puts it into tension. It is very easy to remove like this.
This is pretty representative of most deck joints
Last edited by Baja Daze; 01-21-2003 at 11:44 AM.
