Australian 30 Outlaw

[30Outlaw]

Guys and Girls

Okay the deal is done on the 30’ outlaw with details as follows:

496 Ho (the 525 was an 80,000 upgrade)
Corsa Quick and Quiet Plus
SST Pack
Gaffrig Controls with trim (Purple)
Elec drop down Bolsters
Docking Lights
Electric Nav Light
Shore Power
Carpet

Pretty much everything but the galley pack and air, as I am way over budget. It was all I could do to swing the 496 HO’s

Again I was assured that I could get the 2003 SST graphics and the cuddy would be all white with not a hint of grey. They are also looking into fitting the Dana Marine Hydraulic Hatch.

As of this post I do not have a build date or expected delivery time. But the dealer assured me that if it was longer then 4 months they would lend me a boat to use,.

In closing I would just like to thank you all for your suggestions and help.

[bajacraig]

Congratulation, she sounds kick A$$

just one question, you say 496 Ho (the 525 was an 80,000 upgrade) what about the 500 EFI's? Was that an option they had?

I don't know much about the boats down under but you will have a killer one.

[TeamBajaMarine]

30Outlaw,
I have inquired more than once at the factory regarding your boat and there still is nothing in the system, once it is in the system I hope to be able to tell you the same thing your dealer is. What I know so far is that if your paying many dollars extra for the graphics (in gel) then you will possibly be able to get them as templates need to be cut for the 30OL and they are not cheap since 2003 graphics dont exist for the 30OL. (Custom Shop can surely do the 2003 SST Graphics, but they will be painted on and clear coated) Secondly, I hope you do get the white interior liner but again, I have been told the factory has discontinued the white liner and all boats in production now have grey liners. You also mention a Dana Marine Hatch, I dont have the answer on this but I inquired about a few custom mods on my boat and the factory denied my request due to warranty issues. The thoughts in my mind regarding your boat tell me that this 30OL must be going through Custom Shop, any idea?

Here is a question for you after looking over your option list, what made you choose the $6K Electric drop down bolsters? I was going to go that route myself but many said to stick with the Baja manual aeros due to cost, comfort and maintenence.

[30Outlaw]

Bajacraig:

I did not ask what the 500 efi would cost as I wanted fresh water cooling being in a salt water environment. Good question and I will ask and get back to you.

Blake:

Man anything you can find out would certainly be appreciated. The graphics have been a nightmare. My wife thinks the 2003 graphics are stupid, she likes the 2004 graphics. We know who will win that one, and it won’t be me. No mention has been made about the custom shop. My thinking is that since it is an international order they may do things different. Also for your information they supposedly placed the order on Friday the 27th of February, so it is somewhat concerning that the factory has not acknowledge it. I have looked at my contract and there is no order number or anything, but I am almost positive that is the only 30’ OL for Australia. The Dealers name is Searay Queensland if that helps.

As for the electric bolster, well I have always liked the McLeod seats, especially the frame. I promised myself that one day… I know it seems like a ridicules price to pay, but hey they come standard in the 36 OL. hence the seats. . Speaking of quotes what does aircon cost?

Okay gang that’s all for now. And thanks for looking out for me.

[pancepance]

The electric drop downs are the best. I love mine and am very glad I got them. I did not like the manual seats. Over time the bottom seat wears at the sides from the two round latches it must pass over every time it goes up or down. Besides you only have one seat leg taking up space in the cockpit instead of the entire manual seats stainless frame. I say good call on the Mcleods.

[OUTLAW 29]

Sounds like you've got it all worked out. Kudos on the HO's. You won't regret it.

I would find out from either your dealer or from Baja the exact date when they cutover from 04 to 05. It's coming up in just a few months. That would suck to pay top dollar on a factory ordered boat and get stuck with one of the last 04's. It would be like paying for a new boat and getting one that's already a year old. A one year difference in model year will be worth about $6000-$8000 down the road at resale time - even it all other factors are equal.

[ckmansell]

I like the concept of the convenience of an electric bolster. Could come in real handy, especially as rough as it is where I boat.

But that is where I draw the line. If you have never ridden in a boat with Mcleods I suggest you do so while there is still time to make a change. Those things are terribly uncomfortable. They are hard on the lower back, they are narrow and squeeze your hips, etc...

I have been in Donzi's, Checkmates, Sunsations, Skaters, Profiles, Fountain, the list goes on.

The good old factory stock Baja Areo is by far the most comfortable bolster on the market, BAR NONE!

Now I have an idea in regards....how about an electric Areo? Now that would he the cats ass.:biggrin

[BDannecker]

I very seldom sit down while driving. As such, I love the fact that I can adjust the McLeod bolster to any height/angle I wish. I am adjusting it while driving to optimize my position under the varying conditions of a poker run.

Trim tabs for the boat and the butt... :thatsfunny

Bruce...

[TeamBajaMarine]

CK<
Exactly what I was told and then I sat in the two bolsters side by side at the boat show and the electric ones seemed very hard and tight, that was the first strike, second was the cost and third was it being an electronic component with motors...just another thing to possibly go wrong.

I do love the look and styling of the electric bolsters, but the cost wasnt in the cards for me.

[30Outlaw]

I did have manual drop downs in my 25’2 Islander. Did not really like them in the fact that when they were in the down position they would clang and bang against the frame. I also did not feel that the frame was all that solid. Having said that they served me well and I didn’t have any problem with them. I guess it is just down to personal preference, and I have always liked the McLeod’s. Good point with respect to the bolster being electric and just something else to go wrong, but most of us have electric hatches and I don’t think we would be without that option. It’s just another wow factor isn’t it?

Okay now for the real stuff. I am told that the build date is going to be around the middle of June. So like Blake said I won’t being seeing the boat much before August.

Outlaw29.
Thanks for pointing out the build date thing. Another item that I did not even consider. Of course that’s nothing new. Don’t know what happen without all you guys support.

Bajacraig:
I have not forgetten about your 500 efi question, I did forget to ask the dealer, As I said earlier I will ask and get back to you. It’s funny when we were going over the order form the engines options are right at the top. I jokingly suggested to move the tick down to the 525 efi. Of course that didn’t happen. Wouldn’t it be nice if the factory just decided that all boats should have the blue motors.

[ckmansell]

496 Ho (the 525 was an 80,000 upgrade)

Somebody is trying to rip you off!!! That means they want 40K per side more?

MSRP on a 496HO with a Bravo I is $25,592. That means they want 65K for a 525.

You can buy a 575sci with a Bravo XR for $51,428. And these prices are MSRP straight from Mercury. So you know there room to negotiate.

I wouldn't think Baja would have any additional labor costs installing one motor over the other. So I cant see any costs there. Where are they getting these figures? Something is fishy here.

[bottomless pit]

Something is fishy here
Curt! How long does it take to drive a 30 Outlaw from the US to Down under???
Its a thought
:biggrin

[saleen367]

I show the 525 upgrade as being $62400 over the HO's on Baja's US option list.

[30Outlaw]

Sorry guys for not responding sooner. Prices are a little higher down here as we have a 10% goods and service tax along with a 5% import tax. That may explain the high prices for the 525 package. Even if it was half that it would still have been out of my price range. Cool thought about driving the boat down here. I liked that!

[TeamBajaMarine]

Just recieved a note on my 30OL, they are not offering the electric navigation light on this boat. Not sure why, this is just what I was told in an email.

[30Outlaw]

Thanks Blake for that information. Your boat must be getting close to coming home to you. You have to be stoked about that. Really forward to your reports. I wonder why they are not offering the power nav light?

The story on my boat is now supposed be for a May build date. I am told that if I wait for another month which would be June I would receive the 05 model. Of course this would be an additional $4000.00. Then the other thing is you should have your boat by then and I can pick your brain on what if anything you would have done different.

So again I am undecided. Do I wait an extra month or two for the 2005 model and pay an additional $4000.00? or bit the bullet and just go ahead with the 04 deal. Then the other thing is the more I look at the 2004 graphics the more I like them. Oh well gives me something to think about.

[30Outlaw]

Ok here is the latest.

As I have opted for the 05 model the build date has moved to July 15. They have said the Dana Marine Hatch should be OK. I have also asked for a checkered plated engine compartment. As I said before I will keep you all informed.

[saleen367]

I am also considering an 05 order, but was told if I order soon I would get 04 pricing. :dancinbanana

I take it that wasn't what you were told? I'd look into it. Also, I don't know whether or not the dealer was jacking me or not, but I was told a late July delivery.

One of us is not hearing the whole truth here. I will get with my dealer today and update you.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Here is what I have been told...
There will be a price increase for 2005's, 2005's that start production in July wont be delivered till September. This is why I opted for the 2004, lower price and faster delivery.

[30Outlaw]

Hi All:

Just to fill everyone in. I have ordered the outlaw with the SST graphics on the side profile in Dark Violet, Purple and Yellow. Then for the top deck I went with the outlaw graphics package in the same colors. I was told that this would not be a problem to mix the two different styles.

I have just gotten off the new updated Baja web site and see that they are offering a GPS speedo and fender holders, so I thought what the heck and have ordered those options along with the galley pack and air-con.

I have also inquired about being able to get the new Merc 5 blade Maximus props. But have not had any conformation one way or the other. From what I gather the smallest pitch they are offering in the five blade is 30” which is probably to much with 496 HO’s , but then it seems with a 28” pitch prop guys are experiencing blow out. So………

To the best of my knowledge build date is supposed to be sometime in July so with any luck at all I will be able to finally change my signature to just 30’ outlaw.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Hello Austrailia, Where are you and whats up? Did you get the 30? I have uploaded a picture, finally of my liner...

www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?album=50&pos=39 (http://www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?album=50&pos=39)

[30Outlaw]

I am told the boat should be arriving by October 15th

[30Outlaw]

The 30’ Outlaw.

All I can say is wow, the boat arrived exactly on the date I was told. The graphics and white cuddy along with the purple accents were as I had requested. There is not a hint of grey gelcoat anywhere, even the engine bay is sparkling white. Remember this boat was shipped from the Baja Factory to Australia and who knows how many people were involved in the handling of it, my hat is off to all those who were, as the boat arrived relatively undamaged. The only damage was a gouge on the starboard side of the swim platform and a weird dent on the transom assembly which is hard to figure how it occurred.

Okay back to the boat. The McLeod boosters are worth every penny, they add to the look of the boat, and are extremely comfortable. The 496 HO also are good value as the Brovo X drives are included not the standard Brovo 1 drives which the 496 Mag comes with. The Microwave is a waste of money but as it comes with the galley back whatever. I did not order aircon has I did not see the point of having an aircon unit unless I had a geneator. The rest of the options are a yes which include a GPS speedometer and fender cleats.

Disappointments:
Prop blow out is severe and in my opinion is inexcusable. We are running a 4 blade brovo 1 with a 28” pitch. Yeah I can hear it already. Go to a five blade or a 3 blade or get the props lab finished but the point is Baja sells the boat with these props and we still have blowout. In my mind that is just not right.

Good Things
Fit and finish were excellent, we have 5 hours on the boat and everything is tight, and everything works. Once on plane the boat drives like it is on rails totally different to the 25’2 Islander. It handles big water and in the salesmen words it is point and go. I was fortunate in the people that I dealt with in particular Sea Ray Queensland who were most helpful and informative and in my opinion made it all happen exactly as we wished.

All right sorry for the long winded email all I can say is that if I had to do it all over again I would not change a thing. The 496 HO are excellent motors we just need to get the prop blow out sorted out.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Mr. Austrailia,
Your post wasnt long enough, tell us more!:party I am happy to hear your boat arrived safely and relatively in perfect working order. This is great news. I personally cant wait to see some photos, make sure you take them and get them to us.

Yes, we are all aware of the "out of the hole" blowout, but once she hooks up, the 30OL is a beast! Now you need to dial in your props and you will not only lose the blowout, you will gain some extra top speed. This is not a bad thing. I am also happy to hear you like the Mcleod bolsters as they are not for everyone, I found them tight and uncomfortable, so I wasnt going to drop that kind of coin for comsmetics, but I do admit they look awesome.

Good luck with this new boat, you will love it more and more each time out, as I have come to appreciate mine the same way, more so when I am in big water.

[ckmansell]

Prop blow out is severe and in my opinion is inexcusable.

I would agree. I am really surprised there has not been much chatter here on this. I mentioned this back in the spring. I was the first member here to ride and drive the 30 and report on it's performance. Was really looking forward to actual owners comments on this same problem. However the few that are here just seem to glance over this in their posts. I guess it is really not a concern to them. To me though, I see it as no different than a blister problem. It is NOT right and I would be jumping up and down screaming at my dealer to correct it. Why should it be my expense to buy new props or have them labbed to fix something that should have been right in the first place. Maybe Baja is not aware they even have a problem. If they got forced into correcting the issue several times, maybe their R&D would come up with a plan to prop them out differently. I mean after all, you cant correct a problem you do not know about. JMO

This happened with the 29's back in the late 90's. The RPM's were not in the right operating range and they had several complaints and warranty issues. They next year the boats came propped out differently.

As a matter of fact, most contracts say in them somewhere, "subject to ride and drive" I personally would use that to my advantage and not take delivery until the problem was fixed. Again JMO To each his own I guess.

[GottaHaveIt]

Great to hear your new 30 Outlaw arrived on time and that you've already put some hours on it! I know what you mean about the blowout. The one I test drove did the exact same thing and it is irritating, as if there is something wrong with the boat, if you didn't know what was causing it. I don't think it's the propellers that are causing it do blow out. Either the water coming off the hull of the boat is turbulent, or the drives aren't deep enough (X dimension too high?). Usually the 4-blade Bravo 1 props are the best for hooking up and getting up on plane.
Looking forward to some pics of your new ride! Enjoy it as I'm sure you will. Isn't it the beginning of summer down in the southland?

[TeamBajaMarine]

Guys,
Keep in mind, as there is some blowout, my 30 with Mags is not severe, it hooks up quite quick and gets me on plane very fast, but I do notice it. It could be the 26P props that are on my boat are just right and a 28P would be wrong, so what is the fix as there is no 27P. I look at at is, it is what it is and on to labbing into a 27P.

[steelware]

It's good to hear that you received the boat in excellent condition. Hopefully you will get your prop issues worked out, and will be very happy with it for years to come.

Enjoy.

[thosetwins]

All new baja's get one prop change if you want to try a diffrent set Tell your dealer you want to try 26b1 or whatever you want. All my new baja's came with a prop switch if I did not like the performance of a particular set that came with the boat. Now my 2004 29 outlaw with 496mags had no need for this the 26b1 has absolutly no blowout what so ever they hook right up no mattter how hard you hit the sticks.:biggrin

[saleen367]

Congrats on finally receiving your 30! :dancinbanana

Yes, the blowout is an issue, but one I've learned to deal with. There is no such thing as getting a hole shot on someone with this boat however. I'm not sure if the 6.2's are better or not.

I've tried setting the tabs different among other things and nothing changes it. I usually bring up the RPM's to 3200 and leave them there until it hooks.

I have been told that Hydromotive makes a stock replacement for the Bravo 1 that has no blowout on the 30. But I have yet to try it or talk to anyone that has.

[steelware]

When I was testing props for the 25 after we installed the supercharger I tried one of the Hydromotive Quad IV X props. It blew out worse than the Bravo 1. It was a little faster, but it blew out a lot worse.

I'm going to test a 30 in the next couple weeks. I will see if it does the same thing. I suppose it will since 3 or 4 of you guys have had the same problem.

[TL30outlaw]

Of course I have the same blowout problem on my new 30 outlaw. I learned to deal with it this year, as has already been mentioned, by either idling along at a true slow speed or push the rpm's into the 3400 range to plane it out. I will be running labbed 28's next year to see if that helps. It's a rocket when she gets going though.

[BajaChick]

Hi guys! I know...long time, no post!

Just a quick congrats to you on FINALLY getting your 30OL! We've put a ton of hours on ours this year and all in all, still love it as much as we did when we got it in March.

Our blowout problem was never really severe but was solved completely when we got it dialed in and put labbed 26p props on it. It's never been really good taking off, but once it gets on plane, it hauls!!

We still haven't gotten the speedo or the depth finder working consistantly and the headliner in the cabin has come completely down at two seams, but other than that, no complaints from us on the performance or aesthetics of the boat.

Have fun and make sure you post some pics!

Leslie