Hi there...I'm new on the site and in boating!!

I'm about to pick up a 97 Baja Boss Hammer with 600 hrs on the 7.4L thunderbolt 454 ( this will be my first boat purches ) It is very very clean inside and out...almost show room. Is that a lot of hrs for this motor? Apparently it's been maintained very well and looks so, no knox or ticking at all.

Is there anything else I should be looking for when we go for test run? Ive been reading up a little on Baja and the company has been in and out of business a few times over the years. Would this year of boat been made ok? I live on 1 of the great lakes in Canada " Lake Huron " and will be using it on Lake Muskoka/surrounding lakes as well for cruising around not racing. Just looking for some tips and trix if any out there? Paid 15K Canadian is that too much? like I said...it's pretty much show room condition? Boats never been in salt water as well.

Thanks

I would strongly recommend getting a survey done before purchase.

Crap...didn't know about survey? Already put money down cause of how clean boat is lol

Might contact seller and let him know you would like to do a survey before purchase, if He has a problem with you doing so there is your first red flag !

+1 with special attention to stringer, bulkhead and transom rot. Ask me how I know.

I was told there wasn't much wood in the 97? Mostly fiberglass? Boat hasn't spent anytime in water over night, been on lift or trailer...stored indoors.

Not sure who told you that...If it was the seller then the red flag is FLYING. The boat is full of wood and prone to rot.

Mine was same as you listed above never in the water, never outside...blah blah blah $5K worth of stringers and transom later when she was only 7 years old.

Just do your due diligence and remember, you CAN polish a turd.

^^^^^^ This is why a survey is a must ^^^^^^ I would still get the survey done, if there is any thing going on behind the scenes hopefully seller is a stand up guy and will return your deposit and let you keep shopping !

We are not sayin this is the case but better to know now then thousands later !

Thanks very much!!

How can you figure out if there is rot?
Why are they prone to rot?

The surveyor has a moisture meter and a "trained eye". You can do the "tap test" but that's too low tech for my money. There are several signs that lead to moisture/rot problems. Being realistic this is a 18 year old boat, chit happens.

Most of the issues are due to poor workmanship at the factory, ie holes not being sealed properly, drain holes drilled thru stringers leaving exposed wood, glassed over drain holes, leaky windshield/wind screen etc...

These are great boats and lots of bang for the buck. Mine is "as new" and has been nothing but turn key balls to the wall fun. Just don't trust ANYONE and do your own (hire) a survey. Good Luck.