Opinions wanted on Baja Bandit boats
ma...@fyi.net
This is my first time in this newsgroup. I do not have much experience posting articles but
here goes. Basically I am looking for people who own Baja Boats for opinions on quality,
likes,dislikes, etc. I am looking for a Baja Bandit. Is this a good sport boat? Is there
something else I should be considering?
Thanks for any comments in advance
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
Jtom Gulick
Hey Matt - I have a 1992 260 Baja. I researched and tested and after
four (4) years am still convinced that this is t he best boat for the
money. My 260 has the 454 Mercruiser w/Bravo 1 outdrive. The
performance and dependibility are great. The only recommendation is to
be sure to have twin tab stabilizers when you take delivery. We knew we
wanted them from previous boats we had owned. With six on board we come
out of the hole in about 4 to 6 seconds. Top speed is about 58. We run
mostly at about 3000 RPM which gives us 32 MPH and that is a great
cruising speed.
Only maintenance has been two minor tune-ups and the lower unit service
each spring.
We like to pull out of Lake Texoma and haul to the Ark. River and run the
Ark. and the Mississippi River north. In fact planning on a trip leaving
here on July 6th, running the Ark to the Miss, north to St.Louis then
west on the Missouri River to Kansas City for a Methodist Meeting and
then on further north on the Missouri before retruning to Texas.
These are great fun. We have a 100 or more fun stories to tell.
Personal choice on model of Baja. A couple of considerations between 260
and the Bandit. Baja has a 8'6" beam compared to the Bandits 8'. The
Baja weighs 4600# to Bandits 3600# (more stability). The main difference
is cockpit room. the 260 is quite a bit larger (wider pluis depth). In
fact thie cockpit space is the same size as the 320.
What ever your choice I for one don't think you can make a better buy
than a BAJA.
Good boating, Tom Geeeee
News User
In article <4rbqfg$11...@useneta1.news.prodigy.com>
RPQ...@prodigy.com (Jtom Gulick) wrote:
Thanks Tom for the information. What you said makes alot of sense. I was first introduced to Baja when I read the
article about the Wette Vette (Baja Bandit customized to go along with a ZR1 Vette). Of all the boats I have seen,
I think Baja has the nicest styled boats for the money. The reason I asked about Baja the company was because
I understand they went into bankrupcy, and then was bought out by Sea Ray. Anytime this happens boat quality
can suffer. You say you have a 1992 260, but what about the newer models. Have you heard anything?
Thanks again
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
sco...@infinet.com
>Thanks Tom for the information. What you said makes alot of sense. I was first introduced to Baja when I read the
>article about the Wette Vette (Baja Bandit customized to go along with a ZR1 Vette). Of all the boats I have seen,
>I think Baja has the nicest styled boats for the money. The reason I asked about Baja the company was because
>I understand they went into bankrupcy, and then was bought out by Sea Ray. Anytime this happens boat quality
>can suffer. You say you have a 1992 260, but what about the newer models. Have you heard anything?
>Thanks again
>Matt
Baja has not been in bankrupcy. They have been making boats for 25
years. Brunswick wanted to buy them but passed it off to SeaRay for
antitrust reasons. Take my word for it, Baja is a healthy company
making a good product. I toured the factory this past winter and was
pleased with the operation, they had no problem admitting the areas
that they had problems in(mainly some fit issues). From what I was
shown they have a very tough quality control guy over seeing hull
production. The construction on their hulls and their gelcoat work is
what they are most proud off.
During the tour the story was told that when the SeaRay people came
through they told Baja that the boats were over built and they could
save money by changing the hull layup. Baja's answer was, our
customers keep coming back because of our construction. The Brunswick
person told SeaRay, don't fix what is not broken.
BTW I purchased a Baja 208 islander and am very happy with it. Already
have my eye on a 272 8-).
Steve
News User
In article <4rkgpl$g...@news1.infinet.com>
sco...@infinet.com wrote:
> Baja has not been in bankrupcy. They have been making boats for 25
> years. Brunswick wanted to buy them but passed it off to SeaRay for
> antitrust reasons. Take my word for it, Baja is a healthy company
> making a good product. I toured the factory this past winter and was
> pleased with the operation, they had no problem admitting the areas
> that they had problems in(mainly some fit issues). From what I was
> shown they have a very tough quality control guy over seeing hull
> production. The construction on their hulls and their gelcoat work is
> what they are most proud off.
>
> During the tour the story was told that when the SeaRay people came
> through they told Baja that the boats were over built and they could
> save money by changing the hull layup. Baja's answer was, our
> customers keep coming back because of our construction. The Brunswick
> person told SeaRay, don't fix what is not broken.
>
> BTW I purchased a Baja 208 islander and am very happy with it. Already
> have my eye on a 272 8-).
>
>
> Steve
>
>Thanks Steve for the reply. I thought I read Baja was now a division of Sea Ray from the back of Bajas brochure.
I was in line to purchase the Wette Vette when the boat show tour was over. The last time I called Baja, the vice
president of marketing (Bill Vanik) was gone and the Wette Vette had been sold to someone in Canada,
and then totaled. No one is talking about Bill Vanik leaving Baja boats and couple that with the bankruptcy reports,
I was unsure of Bajas status. So thats why I thought I would ask others thier experiences with Baja boats.
Thanks again for your info
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
Timothy P. Banse
Matt:
Did they ever catch the thief who stole the Wet Vette during the tour?
News User
In article <31DF43...@avalon.net>
"Timothy P. Banse" <middl...@avalon.net> wrote:
> Matt:
>
> Did they ever catch the thief who stole the Wet Vette during the tour?
Tim, Sorry Baja does not want to talk much about the Wette Vette. I guess it is a sore spot
to them. All I know is I was suppose to buy it when the show was over. GM wanted the ZR1
Vette and vette wheels from the trailer back, Mercruiser wanted the motor and the headers
back, but the bandit and trailer was available for sale. I heard all kind of stories about
the theft. First I heard that the Wette Vette was left along the highway with no damage.
Then I heard the Wette Vette was rolled down over the hill off the highway and was
badly damaged. And finally I heard It was rolled over the hill but only had minor damages.
I never heard that the Wette Vette was striped, but I guess the ZR was striped.
I tried to find out what really happened to the wette vette but kept getting
different stories depending on who I talked to at Baja.
matt
ma...@fyi.net
1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN
In article <Dty05...@fyi.net>, News User <ne...@fyi.net> wrote:
>In article <4rbqfg$11...@useneta1.news.prodigy.com>
>RPQ...@prodigy.com (Jtom Gulick) wrote:
>
>
>Thanks Tom for the information. What you said makes alot of sense. I was first introduced to Baja when I read the
>article about the Wette Vette (Baja Bandit customized to go along with a ZR1 Vette). Of all the boats I have seen,
>I think Baja has the nicest styled boats for the money. The reason I asked about Baja the company was because
>I understand they went into bankrupcy, and then was bought out by Sea Ray. Anytime this happens boat quality
>can suffer. You say you have a 1992 260, but what about the newer models. Have you heard anything?
>
>Thanks again
>Matt
>
Take a look at the 26' Velocity (by Thoroughbred). With a stock 502 EFI the
boat will run in the high 70 mph range. I've seen prices around $42K for a
26 with a stock 454 in it. I believe engine options go up to the 525SC. If
you really want to get trick opt for the S-glass AME400 race layup, engine
options with the race layup go up to anything you can fit under the hatch.
These boats have been very successful in A-class racing. In fact this past
weekend Team Thoroughbred ran 91.760 mph in the Kilos. I have yet to see a
Baja racing, why not go for a custom built boat instead of a mass produced
boat. There is at least one person on rec.boats that has been racing a 26 for
several years. This person was running a 740 hp engine in the boat. Best part
was the boat stayed together after years of racing. If you're really
interested take a look at what's on the race course. You'll be very
surprised on the price of some of the boats.
BTW. I was a Baja owner. Had a Baja Sport 280, new in '89 gave it away (free)
this past spring, hull only. Nuff said about Baja.
Garry Heon
First Stepp
ga...@holly.mt.lucent.com
My Opinions....Lucent's Network.
News User
In article <4rrbnr$2...@nntpa.cb.lucent.com>
ga...@holly.ho.att.com (1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN) wrote:
> Take a look at the 26' Velocity (by Thoroughbred). With a stock 502 EFI the
> boat will run in the high 70 mph range. I've seen prices around $42K for a
> 26 with a stock 454 in it. I believe engine options go up to the 525SC. If
> you really want to get trick opt for the S-glass AME400 race layup, engine
> options with the race layup go up to anything you can fit under the hatch.
> These boats have been very successful in A-class racing. In fact this past
> weekend Team Thoroughbred ran 91.760 mph in the Kilos. I have yet to see a
> Baja racing, why not go for a custom built boat instead of a mass produced
> boat. There is at least one person on rec.boats that has been racing a 26 for
> several years. This person was running a 740 hp engine in the boat. Best part
> was the boat stayed together after years of racing. If you're really
> interested take a look at what's on the race course. You'll be very
> surprised on the price of some of the boats.
>
> BTW. I was a Baja owner. Had a Baja Sport 280, new in '89 gave it away (free)
> this past spring, hull only. Nuff said about Baja.
>
> Garry Heon
> First Stepp
> ga...@holly.mt.lucent.com
> My Opinions....Lucent's Network.
Hi Garry, I have seen Thoroughbred boats but only in a magazine. Where are Thoroughbred boats built?
It sounds like you have had a tough time with your Baja. What problems have you had? Why do you
dislike Baja boats. Why did you decide on the Thoroughbred boats over the Baja ? The Thoroughbred
boats sound interesting, but I always thought custom boats were more expensive. Based on what you
have already told me custom boats do not cost much more than a comparable Baja boat. I have
to admit though I love the Wette Vette look..... 100 percent SEX appeal!!!!!!! I am going to do a
little more research on the Velocity 26.
Thanks for the information
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN
In article <Du8tJ...@fyi.net>, News User <ne...@fyi.net> wrote:
>In article <4rrbnr$2...@nntpa.cb.lucent.com>
>ga...@holly.ho.att.com (1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN) wrote:
>
>
>Hi Garry, I have seen Thoroughbred boats but only in a magazine. Where are Thoroughbred boats built?
Thoroughbred (Velocity) is custom built in Sanford FL by Steve Stepp, who btw
can be found on the factory floor everyday.
>It sounds like you have had a tough time with your Baja. What problems have
>you had? Why do you dislike Baja boats. Why did you decide on the
>Thoroughbred boats over the Baja ?
It'll be long winded but here goes.
Well, construction wise I really wasn't happy to see that the bulkheads in the
cabin area were not glassed to the upper deck. Also the hull and top are
not glassed together, when I bought the boat I didn't know any better.
I had bulkheads pull apart where they met the bottom and sides of the hull.
The area under the engines had no added support to prevent any flex in that
area. The bottom delaminated in that area $13K to repair. The stringers
also pulled away from the hull in the same area. The deck over the cabin
developed 8" cracks from each of the 4 corners of the hatch. Cracks in the
bottom at the lifting strakes that ran from the transom to about 3/4 of the
way forward. Finaly to nit pick the design, Baja put dove tails into the
lifting strakes at the transom to give the boat a little more lift in the
stern. Well with the huge K-Planes the boat came though with I can't figure
why thay would do this. At speed the boat lost about 8 mph because of the
dove tails. They were removed. Now fit and finish, the indicator cables
were brought thru the transom below the water line using a clam shell and
they leaked. The bolsters where thru bolted except there were so many washers
on the nut side that the nylon in the ny-lock nut didn't even touch the bolt.
Ofcourse they let go while I was running in rough water. The studs for the
tie down rings in the transom came through and were hitting the steel lines
for the power steering, blew that about 120 miles from home. I also looked
the same model Baja at the boat show and it had the same problems with the
washers and power steering. On the bright side, once the bottom was blue
printed the boat handled very well until it fell apart (bottom delamination).
I chose Thoroughbred over Baja and Fountain and .......the list goes on because
I wanted a custom built boat. The boat was built EXACTLY the way I wanted it.
One thing that was important what to have enough room in fron of the engines
in case I go to big power and need to drop transmissions in for SSM drives.
The factory door was always open and I did pop in unannounced to check the
progress of my boat. I always have access to Steve Stepp when I had
questions about the boat during construction and now when I have handling
questions. The boats have proven themselves on the race course over
time. I was really looking for a boat that would stay together.
>The Thoroughbred boats sound interesting, but I always thought custom boats
>were more expensive. Based on what you have already told me custom boats do
>not cost much more than a comparable Baja boat. I have
>to admit though I love the Wette Vette look..... 100 percent SEX appeal!!!!!!! I am going to do a
>little more research on the Velocity 26.
I've been around hot boats for a long time although until now I had the
boat with the least amount of "sex appeal". I run with a pack that
includes Apaches, Cigarettes, Fountains, Sonics, and Skaters with sizes
running from 28' to 41' and some with wild graphics. When we pull into
marinas the Thoroughbred always seems to draw a crowd. I think it's because
my boat is all white hull with white interior, no graphics just Thoroughbred
and First Stepp on the fairing. Even the folks with the 50+' fishing /
cruisers at some of the local yatch clubs come and take a look. Personally
I have yet to find a better ego boost. One thing for sure there aren't
alot of Velocities or Thoroughbreds around. In my area it's me and one 26'
Velocity. Considering that Steve would like to max out at 100 or so boats
a year there will never be alot of them around.
To clarify the issue of Thoroughbred and Velocity. The name of the company
is Thoroughbred Power Boats. Steve Stepp is well know for his Velocity line
of boats back in the 80s. Then he had some deal that didn't seem to work out
with Regal and now Steve is back on his own with his comapny Thoroughbred.
The standard boat is called a Velocity, the boats that are laid up using
S-Glass and AME400 resin are called Thoroughbreds. The power options on
the Velocities are very impressive and the Thoroughbreds will take whatever
power you can fit under the hatch. There are very few people in the
industry that I trust, after talking to Frank Palmer, the national sales rep,
and to Steve Stepp I really felt good and I do trust them. It's the same
feeling I got after talking to Bob Teague.
>Thanks for the information
>Matt
>ma...@fyi.net
>
Garry Heon
Matthew R. Foreman
In article <4rtuhb$9...@nntpa.cb.lucent.com>
ga...@holly.ho.att.com (1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN) wrote:
Garry,
Thanks for all the information, this is exactly what I was looking for. I am not very
experienced with "hot" boats yet and appreciate this kind of detail. I am going to
look more closely at Thoroughbred Power Boats now that I am better informed
to make a decision.
Thanks again
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
acss...@acs.eku.edu
In article <4rkgpl$g...@news1.infinet.com>, sco...@infinet.com writes:
> Baja has not been in bankrupcy. They have been making boats for 25
If Baja wasn't in Bankrupcy... they came very close. They were closed
for about 2 or 3 week in Februrary? 1994 because they had no financing.
> shown they have a very tough quality control guy over seeing hull
> production. The construction on their hulls and their gelcoat work is
> what they are most proud off.
I don't think much of the boats they built in 1994. I've seen many of
them for sale in the local rags starting in mid to late 1994. I have a
friend that had many problems with a 1994 Baja 208 ranging from gelcoat blems
to a screwed up bottom that was damned dangerous until they returned it
to the factory a second time to have it worked over. On the first return
they didn't fix it. To Baja's credit they did finally get it fixed. To
their discredit, they should have given him a brand new boat. He did not
get what he paid for and he was without the use of his mid $20K boat
for several weeks the first year he owned it. This is not the Baja of
pre 1994 and I hope that the post 1994 Baja is making better boats and
doing better business.
We are very pleased with our 1993 Baja 196 Sunsport. We have had zero
problems so far.
>
> During the tour the story was told that when the SeaRay people came
> through they told Baja that the boats were over built and they could
> save money by changing the hull layup. Baja's answer was, our
> customers keep coming back because of our construction. The Brunswick
> person told SeaRay, don't fix what is not broken.
Amen to that.
>
> BTW I purchased a Baja 208 islander and am very happy with it. Already
> have my eye on a 272 8-).
Dudley Cornman
Systems Programmer
Academic Computing Services - EKU
ACSS...@ACS.EKU.EDU
********************************************************************
*** When it comes to boats... ***
*** I'd rather have a new boat than a used boat... ***
*** I'd rather have a Baja than a Bayliner... ***
*** I'd rather have a used Bayliner than no boat at all... ***
********************************************************************
Matthew R. Foreman
In article <1996Jul10....@acs.eku.edu>
acss...@acs.eku.edu wrote:
Thanks Dudley for your input. I am getting a better feel for Baja and the boats they build.
thanks again
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
haydenn
News User wrote:
>
> In article <4rrbnr$2...@nntpa.cb.lucent.com>
> ga...@holly.ho.att.com (1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN) wrote:
>
> > boat will run in the high 70 mph range. I've seen prices around $42K for a
> > 26 with a stock 454 in it. I believe engine options go up to the 525SC. If
> > you really want to get trick opt for the S-glass AME400 race layup, engine
> > These boats have been very successful in A-class racing. In fact this past
> > weekend Team Thoroughbred ran 91.760 mph in the Kilos. I have yet to see a
> > Baja racing, why not go for a custom built boat instead of a mass produced
> > boat. There is at least one person on rec.boats that has been racing a 26 for
> > several years. This person was running a 740 hp engine in the boat. Best part
> > was the boat stayed together after years of racing. If you're really
> > interested take a look at what's on the race course. You'll be very
> > surprised on the price of some of the boats.
> >
> > BTW. I was a Baja owner. Had a Baja Sport 280, new in '89 gave it away (free)
> > this past spring, hull only. Nuff said about Baja.
> >
> boats sound interesting, but I always thought custom boats were more expensive. Based on what you
> have already told me custom boats do not cost much more than a comparable Baja boat. I have
> to admit though I love the Wette Vette look..... 100 percent SEX appeal!!!!!!! I am going to do a
> little more research on the Velocity 26.
Matt,
I have 4 friends who own velocity/thoroughbred's 2 of which race A and
B class offshore. I am extremly Impressed with thoroughbred's hull and
workmanship. Steve Stepp owns and engineers the process. He is in my
opinion one of the most knowledgeable people in offshore. I believe he
was the father of the "PAD BOATS". He used to work for Regal/velocity
then went his own way. The 22's, 26's and 30's are very forgiving and
smooth. You just have to get used to driving a PAD boat rather than a
"V" bottom. I believe the thoroughbred shop is near daytona or new
smyrna. Look up and call Mr. stepp and tell him the New Port Richey, Fla
gang sent you...
Guy
Matthew Foreman
In article <31E752...@telops.gte.com.com>
haydenn <hayde...@telops.gte.com.com> wrote:
Thanks Guy, I will call Mr. Stepp Monday. Do you by chance know the
number for Thoroughbred Boats? What is a PAD Boat and how
does it differ from a V bottom boat?
Thanks again
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN
In article <DuIL8...@fyi.net>, Matthew Foreman <ma...@fyi.net> wrote:
>In article <31E752...@telops.gte.com.com>
>haydenn <hayde...@telops.gte.com.com> wrote:
>
>
>Thanks Guy, I will call Mr. Stepp Monday. Do you by chance know the
>number for Thoroughbred Boats? What is a PAD Boat and how
>does it differ from a V bottom boat?
>Thanks again
>Matt
>ma...@fyi.net
>
The number for Thoroughbred is (407)328-8882 but you should really start
off by talking to Frank Palmer (national sales rep) at (904)533-2605.
Frank is able to answer all your questions and get you the lit. I really
hate bothering Steve, although he will take the calls I feel really bad using
up is valuable time when I could talk to some one else. As I said in an
earlier post Frank and Steve are wonderful to deal with. As far as PAD boats,
the pad keel is used on many boats today. Manufacturers like Velocity or
Fountain use a V pad while others like Baja use a flat pad. I don't know if
Steve Stepp is the father of the pad. Steve is the father of the notched
or Stepped transom. This feature allows "cleaner" water to the prop which is
necessary with the high X that most performance boats are setup with. Steve
had a really long explaination and I really can't remember the whole thing. I
strongly recommend finding a Velocity/Thoroughbred and go out for a ride.
If anyone is in the NY/NJ area and would like to go out on a 41' Thoroughbred
than send me e-mail and let's go.
Matthew R. Foreman
In article <4se2re$4...@nntpa.cb.lucent.com>
ga...@holly.ho.att.com (1329C1000-Garry Heon(MT4084)NOBIN) wrote:
Thanks Garry,
I just called Thoroughbred Boats and left a message to have a brochure sent.
Thanks again
Matt
ma...@fyi.net
PS I have not seen any Thoroughbred boats in the Pittsburgh PA area
and I do not know any dealer who carries them.