I Drove The 30 Outlaw...

[TeamBajaMarine]

Not every day someone can say that since there is only one! But I, your webmaster, founder and all around Baja Lover, got the chance on July 19th to take the prototype out for a spin. This was for the Baja Magazine Photo Shoot where I am told they want to do a story on the website as well as our New Hampshire Poker Run.

Anyways, On to the ride...This was cool as everyone was in awe as I pulled away from the docks as it was known this is the upcoming 30 Outlaw (I had my head help up high and was feeling the vibe) The boat is as every bit Baja as the other size Outlaws, the only difference I noticed was the bow top deck is more slanted down than other Outlaws and few redesigns all around the hull, again I have to use the Sonic stereotype here, cool nonetheless. The 30 was equipped with twin 496HO's for a total of 850HP, the boat came on plane exceptionally fast for a boat of this size. It felt a little loose at idle (probably because I am not used to twins) Once on plane I cruised at 40MPH so the photgrapher can get his shots and the boat handled like they say "on rails" I did hit alot of chop on the lake during the run and the boat handled that as if it were a much larger boat. While we were doing our run I tucked the 30 into a nice tight turn and again it felt like it was "on rails" mind you I was only cruising, not wide open. Unfortunately I didnt get to air out the 30 Outlaw or get her wide open due to an mechanical onging fuel pump problem that starved the port motor for much of the day, however the boat was in its glory as it was debuted for all of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Poker Run contestants as the 30 Outlaw was one of the official card stops.

The interior is all Baja with some new design work into the gunwales and rear headrests, and the cuddy is very race looking with the SIMPSON netting for the seats. All in all this boat will become a top seller in my opinion for those stuck between the 25 Outlaw and the 33 Outlaw.

Just thought I would share my experience driving a one of a kind boat that we are all anticipating will hit the production line real soon!

Photos Of The 30 Outlaw can be seen in the ULTIMATE BAJA PHOTO IMAGE GALLERY (http://www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/index.php)

[GottaHaveIt]

Dude you sure know how to stir the jealous streak in us! Man I'd be going nuts! You did get some more pics that day of the 30 right? PLEASE!
I was really hoping you'd report a top speed from your trial run but so much for wishful thinking! I'd love to hear it broke 80 MPH with just twin 496 Mag HO's. That'd be great! If that were the case, then the new 30 would be one killer economical go-fast!
Congrats on the lucky test drive. Looking forward to the next BAJA magazine and the articles!

[Baja Daze]

Blake, That's unbelievable! Congrats and good for you! :D 8)
I'm so envious. I bet the boat was as incredible and handled as well as you described!

I look forward to seeing the pics in the upcoming magazine. I can't hardly wait to get my hands on one of these!!

[OUTLAW 29]

Chris,

I would have to think that 80 is in the bag with HO's. In fact, if it did only 80-81 there would be a lot of dissapointed people. Early reports about the 30 claimed as much as 6mph faster than a 29 (I'm at 78 with HO's right now).

Now, if Baja would actaully build some instead of just dragging that prototype all over the country then we'll be in business.

[jal4sas]

Does the 30 have a stepped hull?

[TeamBajaMarine]

Guys,
It was definately a highlight in my day driving that bad boy. The 30 Outlaw does not have a stepped hull.

[BDannecker]

Blake,
Now that's a class way to break into twins! :rollin

Bruce...

[ckmansell]

Blake,
Did they happen to mention any of the changes they will be making to it before it hits production? I had heard it is still being tweaked a little by the engineers.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Update...I heard the 30 Outlaw has been tweaked as well as the cabin has been redesigned and it is quote "killer and wait till you see it" I think it is down at a dealers meeting this week and production will start in a few weeks. I dont know who is getting the first one, but I am sure it will be a volume seller, another words Baja's top producer. Hmmm, who could that be? I also am being told that it will be reasonably priced under 100K for a boat with this kind of technical testing. I am still waiting on details and will pass them on as I get them.

[HGJC]

A dealer told me she was flying to the factory today to get all of the finalized information on the 30 Outlaw (availability, pricing, options etc.). She claims to be receiving three for the upcoming '04 season, yet 15 of her existing customers have been hammering her for more information.

Henry

[TeamBajaMarine]

If this thing is all what it is said to be, I might have to get me one also. I am waiting for that same info. I will pass it on.

[ckmansell]

Two things. First, I cannot imagine that it would be priced below 100k. MSRP on a 29 single is almost that.(90K+) Now granted, nobody pays that, (at least I hope not) but keeping apples w/apples and oranges w/ oranges, I would think MSRP on that boat will be about 140K w/ 496's. Under normal circumstances if a boat is 140K I would say you could buy it for about 100K. However, if customers are scrambling out to get one when they hit the show rooms, I would not expect dealers to be willing to work much with you.

Secondly, when you say, "I dont know who is getting the first one" are you talking about the first one out of production or the existing proto type? Not sure I would want that one unless it just had a killer price. I think I would rather have one after production is up and running that way it was built after the bugs were gone.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Curt,
I meant the first production 30, The prototype will get sold at a fire sale price, if they even sell that boat. I agree with the bugs and it being a first year boat, however its not like a car wheras there are alot of mechanioal components. It still has merc engines, drives and the like. This boats has been really tweaked and has gone through such extensive testing that even I am skeptical, but I would definately buy first year out of the gate. Pricing is what I have been told, now if you laod the boat to the hilt with SST, it will probably be over 100K, but I dont see any reason why it cant come in under 100K for a stock boat.

[bottomless pit]

piriced W/O HO'S, just 375's, :headspin
Still a bit under the Very popular 33 Outlaw.
reg rubrail, stock exhaust,
Big Thunder is Currently #1.
...PIT...

[Seize n Ticket]

I agree with Curt on the price issue. I will be totally shocked if this boat comes in under $100,000. I will be shocked if it is under 120,000. I can't wait to see it; however, no matter what the price. I still think they are making a big mistake by doing away with the 29 Outlaw...it is a very popular boat at LOTO.

[OUTLAW 29]

Here's one possible scenario in which a 30 Outlaw could be under $100,000 IMHO:

30 Outlaw with twin 6.2 - $99,000
30 Outlaw with twin 6.2, trailer, taxes, fees - $108,000

30 Outlaw with twin 496 - $106,000
30 Outlaw with twin 496, trailer, taxes, fees - $115,000

30 Outlaw with twin 496HO - $116,000
30 Outlaw with twin 496HO, trailer, taxes, fees - $125,000

The scenario on top shows how the boat could be priced under $100K but you can also see how quickly it climbs when you add decent engines. Then start thowing in options like galley, A/C, shore power and all bets are off.

[ckmansell]

While I hope Blake is right,:winkgreen I even think Outlaw 29 is optimistic. Right now, my dealer has a 2003 29 Outlaw w/ 6.2's and MSRP is over 125K. Granted it does have galley, Kplanes, SST,...etc but lets be real, everybody is going to want that.:nono

[TeamBajaMarine]

29,
Good scenario with numbers, but where are you getting your pricing from? I ahve to still ssy that I am hearing Twin 496HO's for under $100K. I could be dead wrong, but this is what I am hearing. Working on getting the right news.

[TeamBajaMarine]

I just inquired this morning and everyone is at the dealer meeting till Monday and then all the info on the 30 will be made public. I guess we will just have to wait.:beathead

[OUTLAW 29]

If they are under 100K with twin HO's then not only will I buy one, I might buy two.

Personally I don't see it but I guess we'll all have to wait. I don't see it based on what new 2003 and 2004 29's sell for.

[OUTLAW 29]

TBM,

In terms of my pricing, I was just looking for some possible scenario in which Baja could say "Under 100K". The price differences with the different engines packages is real however. That info is documented.

Also - everyone knows that a triple axle trailer costs 5-6K and taxes are at least 3%.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Ahh,
My pricing quote is coming in with no trailer, no SST pack, minimum options, just good power.

[BarnacleBills]

When we bought our 29 outlaw, it was in '97, the first year for the boat, and it was one of the first 10 out of the mold. We had ZERO problems with the boat. I think Baja does a pretty good job of working out flaws, as they wouldn't be in the drivetrain, they would be in the molds, and interior components, where 99% of all problems would be asthetic. I don't think there would be a problem with buying a 30 this year. Also on trailer pricing, we had a tandem axle Heritage trailer with drum brakes @ all four tires, and just chromed steel wheels and the trailer was right at 6 grand. I would suggest a triple axle trailer, and disc brakes. I would think it would run at least seven grand, but then again, that would depend on the brand of trailer, wouldn't it.

[Seize n Ticket]

I still say no way on being under a $100, it seems to me all new boats are quoted without trailer...at least in our area. I don't see anyway possible for a 30' twin to be under $100. If so, then everyone who purchased a single 29' in the past couple of years were taken advantage of. The 29' Outlaw list from $95 and up and that is a single.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Don,
I hate to break the news to you , but there was a 29 leftover last winter at one of my local boat shows with a 496 non HO for $79K. This was a brand new boat, that had little options and a really bad color scheme. Onl;y a few moere days and we will get the pricing on the 30.

[BarnacleBills]

I think <100K is possible. I know they used the 20 Outlaw as test bed for new construction methods. Here's how I see it. The new 20 Outlaw has more interior space, weighs less, so it goes faster with less power and costs less than the old 20 Outlaw did. They have done the same thing with the 30. I know the construction method is partially automated now. By automating construction, they can cut costs significantly, as hulls spend less time in the mold, allowing them to produce more boats per mold, cutting the unit cost. Under 100k is not so unlikely. Granted it won't be something out of the Custom Shop, but i think you could get twin BB, non HO for under 100. HOs would be pushing it as I believe they are now going to use XZ bravos with the HOs, as well as the fact that dealers in the know, tend to order 29s (I assume 30s would be the same as they weigh less than the 29s) with Hyd. steering when loaded with HOs. Sorry I ramble

[BarnacleBills]

I guess it would also depend on what dealer you buy the boat from. A higher volume dealer would give a much better price than a lower volume dealer.

[Seize n Ticket]

Blake,
I guess I must be use to seeing the ones in our area and maybe the options are a lot more than I expected them to be. I'm curious what an identical boat would go for in diffrent regions of the states. That would be very interesting to see...I am speaking of brand new.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Don,
It does depend on what region you are in as we all know Hawkeyes prices are insane when it comes down to it. Who buys these things at those prices. At the same time, I have seen used boats that when bought the owners did some bad financing and they are trying to get rid of the boat for what they almost paid for it and I am talking high 50's on a 25 Outlaw for example so they dont get killed on the loan, this is what we call being upside down, who wants to dump a boat and have to pay out of pocket to the bank.

[ckmansell]

Blake & Don I think both of you guys are right on. You are just talking different numbers. Don is talking MSRP and Blake is talking leftover sale. While most 29 singles with the 496/375hp have a MSRP in the mid 90s the actual sell price will problably be from 75K to 85K depending upon dealer.

[Seize n Ticket]

Yeah, I was talking new list price. I am still interested in knowing how much these prices differ by region, if at all.

[hammertime]

I thought I was the only one who thinks hawkeyes prices are way up there:shocked . I guess they think you dont have A choice (or A pc) out in the great midwest.

[Seize n Ticket]

Hammertime,
If you ask me all boat prices are getting out of hand. If things continue like they have over the past 10-15 years I will get priced right out of ever being able to afford another boat.

[TeamBajaMarine]

Once again, it comes down to the region and market. They do sell alot of boats at Hawkeye at those "CRAZY EDDIE" prices.

[saleen367]

Blake,
I generally agree with the idea that Hawkeye is overpriced as a rule.
That being said, I think I got a VERY fair deal there myself. I paid $2k over driving to Texas and buying a boat with graphics I didn't care for and less options. I think i made out OK.
I'm curious to see what happens when I start talking trade for a 29 or 30 OL though.:mecry

[TeamBajaMarine]

I just uploaded 3 new photos of myself with the 30 Outlaw. These were taken for the BAJA MAGAZINE and didnt make it in the magazine, but they are still very cool!

[Baja340SF]

What no link?

[TeamBajaMarine]

Phil,:mooner

[HGJC]

Blake,

Those other photos of you in the 30 are cool.

I was wondering, did you manage to take any other shots with your own camera? I was interested in seeing how the boat looked at the dock (at rest).

[TeamBajaMarine]

HG,
I dont have any photos of the boat at rest but if you go to the BAJA website and click on SHOWROOM and then select 30 OUTLAW in there is a gallery with a ton of photos and one where it is resting, I think.

[REHOV]

Webmaster/ Blake,
I heard from another dealer that Ocean outboard will not be carrying Bajas anymore. Is this true? I went on to the Ocean Outboard website and they did not have Baja as part of the new inventory of boats. Do you know whats going on?

[TeamBajaMarine]

Correct, Ocean Outboard is no longer a Baja dealer in Lobg Island / New York.

[baja275]

this leaves just 1 dealer in the ny nj area????????:rollin :rollin :lol

[TeamBajaMarine]

I am sure someone in the New York / Long Island area would love to represent Baja and probably will very soon.

[HGJC]

This matter of Ocean Outboard no longer being a dealer has really frustrated me. I think Baja should have reached out to all of O.O.'s customers to let them know what was going on. When the decision was final, they should have also let us know who we could talk to in their own main office until a new dealer was found.

As a Baja owner currently looking to upgrade, I feel as though I have no support, and that I am a victim of a dispute. Just writing this has aggravated me even more. So, today I will be calling Baja for an explanation...:skull

[ckmansell]

Dispute? Fill us in. We all could use a little good gosip.;)

[HGJC]

From what I am being told, Baja wanted Ocean Outboard to agree to buy 100 boats this year. However, O.O. only wanted 50.

Believe it or not, this is what they say. Regardless, time to pick up the phone.........

[TeamBajaMarine]

I do not know the scoop on why Ocean Outboard is no longer a dealer, but I wouldnt sweat it, another New York dealer is surely on the horizon. I have seen Baja leave Surfside 3 and now Ocean Outboard, and these dealers sold other brand boats, specifically Sea Ray and Formula for the latter. My speculation is the dealers are huge in the push of those 2 brands as there is a huge market for them in my neck of the woods, so maybe Baja doesnt want to take a backseat, they want an equal push. What we need is a true performance dealer in New York, but the conditions here warrant the need for other boats in their inventory to survive.

[REHOV]

Blake,
Maybe you should consider opening a dealership in the NY area. I bet local sales will go up with you at the helm. This could be your next big project....what do you think,time to call BAJA....:rocker

[TeamBajaMarine]

The thought crossed my mind, but that would end my career at what I really also love doing. Unfortunately I have no background in the selling of boats and I see places come and go around here. I dont think I want to become a possible statistic, but it does sound tempting to try. A Team Baja Marine factory outlet.

[HGJC]

The new Baja dealer is located on Hudson Drive in Stonypoint New York (zip is 10980). I did not get the name.

For me, it is approximately 50 miles away!

These dealer changes eliminate relationships. We get hurt enough just trying to upgrade our boats into newer or larger ones. Would it be too much to ask if we could at least have a relationship with our Dealer/Salesman so we have a fighting chance when we walk back into their doors?

:guns Baja
:guns Ocean Outboard

[TeamBajaMarine]

Stony Point is a hike, it is just off the Palisades Parkway about 45 minutes away from the Geroge Washington Bridge.

I wouldnt blame Baja unless you know the facts, maybe these dealers dropped Baja for some reason. I am not sure but I do hear you about the relationship thing, makes sense.

[pancepance]

The dealer is Willow Cove Marine.
I've done bus. w/ them years past. I won't say just yet what I think of them but I definitely don't recommend leaving your boat there. I had three stereo's, my dinghy, radar, and various other things stolen off the boat while tied at the docks near this place. The area itself is real lousy. You would never think driving there, that there could possibly be millions in boat inventory located in this neighborhood . They sell Donzi I think, and maybe some other brands..
Driving there is a major pain w/boat in tow because you have to take local rt 9 all the way up from the tappan zee bridge. Forget it on a weekend, can take hours...

[pancepance]

BTW,
did pricing for the 30 ol come out?
list price on a 302 is way over 100k even w/6.2's so I'm curious..

[TeamBajaMarine]

Pance,
30 Outlaw pricing thread right here.

pub47.ezboard.com/fteambajamarinefrm7.showMessage?topicID=1036.topic (http://pub47.ezboard.com/fteambajamarinefrm7.showMessage?topicID=1036.topic)