Latham yes or no?
 

I am looking at 2 baja 29 outlaws. The only major difference between the 2 is 1 is a 1997 with 454 mag NO latham steering the other is a 1999 with latham steering Prices are at least 12 grand different. Yes I know 1 is older. Any one have any words of wisdom? Oh yea! Anyone live near Oklahoma City OK?
or Jackson, MS? Maybe you can go look at 1 for me so I don't fly in from Philly!:D

Latham is allways a great upgrade. Worth about 6K installed.

If its full hydraulic steering it will probably cost you about $3500 to put it in later so its only about a $8500 diff. I do remember reading awhile back about some 29 baja's that were popping stringers, you might want to do a search and look into it and find out what model years it affected. If it was on the older ones it will make that $8500 look like peanuts.

Stringer re-design on the 29 Outlaw was not implemented until mid 2000 model year. As a result, I would look close at any 29 prior to the redesign. I have pictures of a 29 with the afore mentioned stringer issue.

As far as the Latham steering - I recall a long thread on this board regarding rust issues with Latham's hardware due to using inferior stainless.

There was a string about that. The stuff does not last as well as others. I would buy with out and put on a nice WMP or IMCO set up.

Jon

My Lathem has been on the boat since '94. Not a sign of rust and still as shining as day one.

I don' t have Latham steerting but I do have WPM full hydraulic. I personally feel that hydraulic steering is teh way to go. As for which product is better I can't say for sure but WPM was very helpfull during the order and install process. I would use them again if I bought another boat w/o hydraulic steering.

I have latham, they do stand behind their product. I found some rust on hardware they sent me new parts. Dont let the Latham be your desicion maker. Have the surveyor do that.

I had Latham on my last two Formula's and have had NO problems at all and when I call and as question, the responce has been great! Latham seems to follow up after with drawings that are from the questions I asked...... I like that kind of service.


Vonbongo has a good point. Look at all of then, but full hydraulic steering IS the way to go:)