Hey all. I'm wanting to get back into boating, but on a much smaller scale this time. (had 29 beak before) So I've been looking at 20 footers and keeping the tab under 30k. This usually leaves the Baja 20 Outlaw as my only choice and I'm actually cool with the idea of those boats. I don't have any problems with Baja's in general and that boat would be something that suit my needs. 60+, more insurance friendly, low maintenance, yada...yada...

HOWEVER, I came across an 05 20 Sutphen with a 6.2 Merc in it. I believe it's still at the factory and it's in the price range I'm looking for. Now I would like to know more about those from people who have had them or know them.

Also, I don't want this to turn into a Baja bash because I understand the major difference between the "mass" produced Baja and the rarer Sutphens. I don't need to be won over on Sutphen build quality, I'm sure it's way over the Baja with no disrespect towards Baja.

I'm curious if anyone here has been in both boats and what differences did you notice? Also the Outlaw weighs 3000lb with a 21 degree deadrise and runs about 60 on the 5.0. I read the Sutphen is a 2500lb boat with a 20 degree deadrise and running a 6.2.

Curious as to the top speed and how much of a ride difference between the 2 with the Sutphen being of less weight and deadrise. A slightly rougher ride won't scare me away, remember I did have a beak.

I hope to ride in both in the coming weeks so I can make an informed decision. I have had one email exchange with Morgan and more yet to come I'm sure.

Thank you for your input.

PS:I'll make the beak joke first..........."a 29 Fountain to a 20 Sutphen??? I thought you were downsizing???"

I've driven Morgan's red 21 and was running next to the blue SS at 80+. They are both beautiful boats. Handled great.

The 20's are a great boat. I have run with all the newer 21's and driven the blue SSX. The 20 with the power your looking at will run 70 I believe. You will not be disappointed with the Sutphen. Im sure Rich Jr will also help you with any information you may seek. Everyone at Sutphen are great guys!!

I have owned 2 baja's in the past and at the time I thought they were OK. It wasnt until I got into the more custom boats (Apache, Sutphen) That I realized there was such a difference. I was at the shop when Rich was painting that 2005 20ft. I can tell you first hand he spent ALOT of time on the build and on the paint. I was also in it when it was on Lk. Hopatcong..... its a great ride and the 6.2 has great acceleration. The MPH difference between the Baja and the Sutphen is HUGH. (PM me and I'll tell you what it was.) I've always felt that Baja didnt want their customers to take those small boats over 60 MPH so that hull will only go so fast. Keep in mind, you don't have to use the extra power/performance.... but its always nice to know its there, especially if you have more people/weight in the boat.

I have always regretted not buying that Sutphen. Last I heard, the asking price was a steal. The demo ride will seal it for you.

never done the baja thing, not even for a ride so cant speak about that, but I did have a 20 sutphen and that boat was a blast.

Never really felt unsafe or anything in it, it was just a little short sided for me, so I went up to the 26. I like stand up boats.


The boat was fun as hell though, we used to launch it like a jet ski on the Ct river over large boat wakes.

It always handled well.

Mine was a much older boat than your looking at (1984) but it didnt feel old at all it was a very solid boat. I am suprised to hear it was only 2500 lbs though, felt like it was much heavier.


I know this probably wasnt much help for comparison sake but We have owned three sutphens sizes 20 26 and 30 and all were built with the same quality IMO.

Most people would assume the smaller boats didnt get the attention the larger boats got.

C if you can test drive both. Then you'll know.

Loved my 300hp 1972 Sutphen 18 Gran Sport.

The 6.2L should be a good match for that boat.

Yes the price is very good, but I would hope to get tabs on the boat (didn't see any) and a trailer for that price. I could deal w/o the swim platform. I would hope to add a single ram hydraulic assist to the steering as well. I think I can get a good discount on a Latham but I still want to keep the $$ down to a comfortable level.

I can't PM, my email is [email protected]

Thanks for all the insight and keep it coming everybody!

Gregg

The 20 will likely need tabs if you are going to run it in bigger water or loaded with people, otherwise it will not need them for lakes and rivers. From pictures I've seen, that's a great boat as is with nice power in it, plus the potential is there to go crazy if you want.

I've saw that boat at the NYC poker run yrs ago.
It was finished very nicely.
And i think it was $60k at that time? IIRC.

IMO, and i've driven neither, the Sut will be the drivers boat... and a pleasure to drive!

Thanks for the input. I had an allergic reaction to Bactrim, so my face and tongue are swelled up, meaning I can't speak clearly right now. (Sound like a drunk Elmer Fudd) I will call Rich hopefully tonight, if not, then tomorrow to come over and see the boat on Sat. I enjoyed the fact that my Fountain was very much a "driver's" boat and if this one is too, I'll be a happy camper.

I'll keep everyone updated.