342 Guys?

[pancepance]

Hey you couple of folks with 342's. I've got my asking price to trade in my boat on a choice of the following:
1. 2002 302 w/496's and most all the options avail.
2. 2001 342 w/502's and most the opts.
Both are new leftovers.
Here's my questions:
1. I know the 302 pretty well, but this boat does not have external steering. Isn't it an automatic option once you get over 350 hp? I thought so but they are telling me no.
2. Is a 2001 342 past the age of the problems you mentioned regarding laminate and fiberglass resin problems?
Any ideas on any of these would be pretty helpful, or where I can look for the right answers???
3. The 342 has a generator. I haven't seen a good photo yet but does that mean that the cockpit suffers loss of space or is it underneath the rear bench that appears to go straight across the boat rather than the "U" shape I've heard described?.
Any comments on the 342 in general would help. Ive read your last comments but for 100K I'm looking for all the insight I can get before I trek 1000mi's for a boat.
Thanks

[ckmansell]

I can answer the part on external (hydraulic) steering, but I will leave the rest with the 342 guys. Horsepower itself has nothing to do w/ it. It is the speed of the boat. Typically if a boat will push the 70-75mph mark it will have or should have latham steering.

[Baja232]

Pance,
I only WISH I had a 302 or 342!!0]

But about your lamination question - everythnig I'v ever read says that Baja changed their supplier and method of lamination effective the 2000 model year.

Personally, I have a 2000 model 232, which I have left in the water (fresh) a fair amount of time, with no ill effects yet. I wax the whole boat, including bottom, at least twice a year, and have yet to find a single bubble. So, I believe you'll be safe with either hull.

I really want a 302, myself, and like the 496's closed cooling, so unless the 342 offered ALOT more cockpit space (I think it does, in fact), and was not a huge amount more $$, I'd be looking at the 302 pretty hard. There's always something to be said for getting the shortest class available with twins; I would think it would outrun the heavier 342 any day!

Good luck, enjoy the shopping.8o

Dan Burgess, 2000 Boss 232

[DCH1]

Pance:

I believe I can answer your questions.

Steering: Curt is absolutely correct on the steering. The 342 is not automatically rigged with the external. Mine has the hydraulic steering - internal.

Blister Problem Fixes: All in place for the 2001 model year. Some fixes may have been introduced earlier, but 2001 is the safe point. This from Baja in my inquiries on Hydropel vynl ester resin use.

Genset: Baja offers several rear seat packages - not just the straight bench. I have a U-seat. The genset is under the center seat. All three seats pull out and tilt up at the front for access. The three Perko switchews are on the port side. Stereo amps are port and starboard back there.

Sometime late in the 1990's they redesigned the cockpit to put the genset under the rear seat. You loose no space having the genset, but you will find it a horror to put the bimini inside the engine compartment - even though the attachment straps are still there.

Engines: They switched from the 502's to the 496's late in 2001. Mine was built in August 2001 (you can tell from the hull serial number) and has the 502s. The 496 is rated at 425 HP and the 502 is rated at 415 HP, however I was told that the rating methodology was changed and that the 496 puts out more than 425 HP if measured the way the 502 was rated.

Speed: On our 502's, we are good for mid to high 60's bone stock. My mechanic tells me he's done 70+ on the Gaffrig GPS, but I've topped out at 68 MPH.

Price: You better get that 2001 342 leftover boat with a trailer, a bimini, cockpit cover, floating harness, life jackets, full stereo, shore power and all the cabin options for $100K!

Make sure they replace anything that isn't perfect in the deal. Look at rocker switches with worn labels, chromed pieces with wear, chips in the gelcoat, and check the cabin hatch trim rings for cracks also.

Any of us will be happy to help you any way we can! Ask Bruce about flying the 342!

DCH

[Baja340SF]

For me, Id have to chose the 342. I believe that you will enjoy the extra room and the more usability of it. The Generator will offer you more options if you decide to stay overnight on the boat. Also the extra length will smooth out the ride in rougher water. (Not sure where you boat or how rough it gets) Plus.......you have a 302 already. Why get rid of your existing 302 for the duplicate with the extra cost involved with getting a new boat??
As far as speed goes it seems the other 342 owners with 502's are getting around 64-66. What does your 302 get with the power you have now?(and what is the power?)\

I guess another question is.....what is the $$ difference between the two?

[BDannecker]

I can't add much to the guys above. I can e-mail you pictures of how mine is set-up but it will only show you how a 2000 and earlier 342 is rigged. In 2001 the engine compartment was shortened, adding space to the cockpit. What that means is my genset is in the engine compartment.

From a personal standpoint, I had written a contract to buy a new 302 at the Dallas boat show in Jan. After thinking about it for a day or two, I knew I wouldn't be happy with the smaller motors (6.2L) and no air (Texas IS hot). When I add those upgrades, well. I now open up a whole new market in used boats, including 36 Outlaws. In fact, the only reason I didn't buy the 36 was the genset. There is just something about pushing the start button and having 110V to: charge the batteries, run the ice maker, power a 110 plug AND have A/C all night in the middle of the lake. :smokin

There is no comparison in ride either. A hammer is probably faster and quicker than a 25 Outlaw BUT there is no comparison in ride. So goes the 342. :|

Bruce...

[DCH1]

Pance:

That better ride is really why a lot of us went with the 342. When I was in the process of buying mine, I had reason to talk to their regional sales guys. One of them told me that the 342 is his favorite demo boat. It has creature comforts and is a good ride, performs well, and is still very manageable.

Oh, the cabin headroom is just UNDER 5 feet. This is actually just fine unless you want to stand at the stove. It has two bench seats and a take-apart round table. The seats fold forward to provide storage space for life jackets and bimini inserts (I have a full enclosure with the bimini - included in my deal). They will each seat two adults. The peak berth will allow two people over 6 feet tall to sleep comfortably. The boat sleeps two comfortably, four with the seats if the second couple are kids or midgets!

The head is built over the stringers without notching them. Therefore headroom in the head is tight!

DCH

[pancepance]

Lets see, the reason to move out of my boat is because I have an illness called "love new stuff/want to go faster"
I would do another 302 because the new one puts out 50hp per motor more, has a sink, pump out head, they offered more for my trade than I owe, and its new.
I'm looking at the 342 as well because the only complaint I really get constant on my boat now is that the ride is "kinda rough" I don't think ive ever spent an overnight on the boat or really wanted to, I always just assumed it was a stabbin cabin and that was it. 100K for a 2001 342 brand new??? Is that the right number? I was wondering about that. The 342 has a straight bench and the genny underneath the middle, no space huh? That kinda stinks. I'm doing in the low 70's now but speed like that is really not useable for very long in the ocean or the sound so mid 60's is fine. I assume the 302 will do mid 70's with the 496's. I'm torn but the info helps a ton.

[DCH1]

Pance:

Been where you are. Tough to know where your priorities are when facing these choices. You'll get there alright.

$100 is close to right IF you get all the goodies and repairs I did. Trailer, bimini, etc.

Did you say the one you are looking at has the straight bench? If you don't know, check it! Mine is a "U-Seat". They have several options.

Did you say "No space"? I think you'll have space. Just not the full amount as under a bench without the genset. I have space under both sides of my rear "U-seat". I have 200 feet of anchor line under one seat. If you have the "U-seat", you'll also have floor space for a person to stand between the bolster and the "U-seat". And you'll have space in that cabin too.

Glad we could help you!

DCH

[pancepance]

Yeah, I just spoke with the dealer.
He's not biting at 100K for the 342. Am I way under market? He's talking 140K
I just assumed a 2 year old leftover should be 100K. Maybe I'm off. I see new ones for 140 and they are 03's with HO's

[DCH1]

Pance:

My dealer in down South was desperate. He had three Bajas (2001 302, 2001 342 and 2000 36 Outlaw) and three Donzis (26ZX, 28ZX and 33ZX) he could not sell in his market - a bass boat and runabout market. I bought my package for $110, less a rebate from Baja to the dealer of $10K, or $100 net to me. They confessed that their cost on the boat and trailer were about $118K. And they had gotten Baja to floor plan them for free and continue trying to sell. They normally retail these boat-trailer packages discounted in the high $150s new, and they list in the $170s.

Your dealer is dreaming if he thinks he can get $140K for it. He is bucking up onto the '04 model year. Drive him crazy - visit often and dangle a few thousand more in front of him regularly. He is probably trying to get you to offer above his cost, and he may have offered you a bit much on your trade-in to entice you.

If you have doubts that my experience was typical, then go on Boattrader.net. You'll see low hours 2001 342's going for a wide range of prices, down into the $90's and up to about $140. Your dealer is negotiating from a high starting number. Keep at him! Ask what his flooring cost is on that boat monthly, and how long he's been eating it!

DCH

[ckmansell]

DCH is right on! My dealer right now has a 2004 loaded w/ 496 HO's. List is 199K I bet you could buy it for about 160K. So he is crazy for a leftover at 140K

[pancepance]

I don't know what their story is.
I offered 105 for the 342 and 89K for the 302.
They didn't even call me back with a counter offer. Im mean the boats are a few years old already. They think they can get 2001 numbers today for them...
They cant be that stupid can they?
I'm confused. They just e-mailed me the exact same numbers they did the first time 140k for the biggie and 105 for the shortie.
What the hell?
I've got cash in hand and ready to go.
Oh well, like you said. Unless a complete fool stumbles into their place those boats will be there long into next year I'm sure.

[DCH1]

Pance:

You aren't nuts! But they probably are! I suggest you 'work' them a bit. Going there in person and talking always gets the juices flowing. Talking cash and proving to a sales guy that you have the cash and are prepared to go makes them very jumpy! If you keep saying "No" to $140, offering a bit more each time, walking out if they don't budge, and returning a few days later, they may crack. I've done it successfully on cars and boats before. Quit after two or three tries at this, they won't move.

Then try the net. That is exactly how I got mine. There are two (a 2001 and a 2002) currently on boattrader.net, plus a 2003 listed at $129,500.

2003 Baja 342 BoatTrader.Net (http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/2/50868492.htm)

They seem to have been there for awhile and have had the listings updated. All appear to be dealers or middlemen. I guess the less expensive offerings traded off the site. A 2002 has no price and the other is in the $140 area - high for a 2001. But one might negotiate. Don't worry about storing or shipping a boat until you know if you are in striking range on price. The dealer held the boat until I could ship - he agreed to up to 6 months but I moved it in 105 days. I paid shipping of under $1500, insurance included.

Not that I want this to become the 342 site, but I'd like to see you get what you want. And based on my experience (Yes, I have been told that I stole the boat) I don't think what you are offering for it is off the mark by much.

DCH

[1ASH]

Hey pancepance I am not sure if you are looking only at buying new, but the dealer here in Omaha has a 38 Special with 454 mags, genset, A/C, heat, ice maker, entertainment seating in cockpit, pretty much all the goodies for around that money. I am going to "guess" the hour meter is over 150 but I am not sure. He has used it as a demo for 2 years. I think it is an 01. It is on a trailer also. It would probably need a few touch ups on the inside but the outside looks brand new. I can get the speicifics if you want. I think it may be too slow for what you are used to but the goodies make it attractive to me.

[pancepance]

The .38 is awesome, ive seen that boat a few times out on the water and I love it.
Problem is that around here they're real tight about the width of trailers and the that boat has over 8'6 so they would bust my chops every time I had it on trailer. The cops hang out at the launch ramps and give tickets for lights, chains, brakes, etc. I could immagine the ticket for an overisze trailer....$$$$
DCH, I think youre right Ive already put calls in to a few other places on some boats and even their asking prices are 20K lower. Buying stuff used to be so easy, you know what you have, you know what somethings worth and dealers were in business to move product (whatever little profit they made) now its an ordeal and they're looking to make a killing every time out. I figure thats why the boats been sitting for two (almost) three years. Let 'em choke on the monthly interest. I'll find anther one.

[BDannecker]

Pance,

$100 - $105 sounds like a steal to me, as I paid $113 for my 2000 this year with 82 hours. It has everything imaginable but still. DCH killed 'em on his...

I would be leary of a 38 with 454's. It would probably be a dog with only 385 hp, IMO.

Keep up the search, you'll get your deal as soon as the leaves start turning. ;)

Bruce...

[DCH1]

Bruce:

I cannot tell a lie. I stole the boat . . .

Remember that I got a $10K rebate from Baja through the dealer.

DCH

[BDannecker]

Still, a killer deal! You da man :rollin

Bruce...

[DCH1]

Pance:

You're right on. I heard a story that a dealer I won't name pulled that stunt on a cash buyer for a boat. Wouldn't budge from $158 to $154 for the customer. He walked and that boat - one of the 6 big ones I named - sat for another year. They were REALLY ready to deal a year later. That's what it takes sometimes.

We have tight cops up here too. Not quite that tight. But if they catch you they may make you stop the boat and get permits before moving it, or move in the middle of the night - in addition to giving you a whopping ticket.

DCH

[ckmansell]

FYI, .38 with 454 mags (385hp) runs about 62mph on the dream-o-meter. Slow, yes, but hardly a dog for 12,000lbs.

[BDannecker]

Sixty two on speed-o is probably 58 - 59 GPS. I would think the boat would be better mannered with the 502's (if older model) or 496 HO's (new) as far as getting on plane, cruising speed and top speed.;)

From my standpoint, when I spent over $100K for a boat, I had better be able to break 60 MPH, Seventy is more like it. In any event, that first speed number couldn't be a 5. :lol

Bruce...

[1ASH]

Right on about the speed on the 38. Mine gets out of the hole real good, cruises real good, and up to 4000 rpm feels like a muscle car. After you top the 4000 rpm barrier it does not gain much when you lean on the throttles. I dont much care about speed, the eye candy in the boat really doesnt care about speed so I am happy with a fat boat that goes 60.

[DCH1]

Bruce:

I'm not so sure. The .38 Special is wider than our 342s, but the aspect ratio is almost the same as for our 342 boats. We are 34.16 / 8.5 or a 4.02 and the .38 Special is 37.58 / 9.25 or a 4.06. If the boat planes better it would be due to some extra weight forward. But weight forward penalizes you at the top end. This jibes with what I've heard on the top-end for a .38 Special - just below 60 MPH.

I'd expect the .38 special to plane a lot like our boats, but a bit slower due to the extra weight as she is running our same powerplants. She probably will chop waves better and smoother because of the extra weight and length though.

I'd love to hear what PIT has to say on this!

DCH

[DCH1]

1ASH:

Very interesting. And you have the 502's, right? Wonder how the .38 Special runs with 575SCs?

Thanks for the info.

DCH

[BDannecker]

Interesting...... Per Curt: "FYI, .38 with 454 mags (385hp) runs about 62mph on the dream-o-meter. Slow, yes, but hardly a dog for 12,000lbs." It would seem to me the 502's would put it in the 62+ MPH range for real. Ash??? :rolleyes

Bruce...

[ckmansell]

I bet with 575's it still would not break the 70mph mark w/ a stock set up or if it did it wouldn't be that much over. Best I could get out of a 40 Outlaw with twin 575's was 74 on a liquid filled gaffrig speedo. Might get closer with a little work such as labbed props etc. However, I bet w/ 575's, Bravo XR drives, hydraulic steering etc, you would add a 100K to the list price of about 225K for one with 496's. My guess is there is not a real big market for a .38 that tops 325k that will barely run 70. What do you think? Hmmmm.....

[DCH1]

Curt:

Hard to argue your point! Still, maybe there are a few out there, and it would be interesting! The options are in the spec sheets, and after all, there are guys buying the big triple 442. It is also still in the Baja lineup, and it can't be cheap!

DCH

[1ASH]

I can get to 62 with my 502's. I would imagine the boat could break 70 with 575's. I am not sure what is going on with the 40 outlaw only going 74. I guess when you try to slide that much fiberglass on the water there may be a little friction created. Now that I think about it a 40 foot boat that goes 74 is amazing.

I have ridden on a 38 Donzi with that kind of power. They too are not going to break 80. No way No how. Too much drag.

[DCH1]

1Ash:

Guys that know something about this tell me that if you strip out the cabin right down to the stringers and hang a curtain behind the sliding door, you'll see 80+ out of some of these large boats without dropping in bigger motors!

Seems that once a boat is on plane, weight forward slows it down, as you are trying to reduce as much as possible the planing surface and the extra weight blocks the transfer of the center of gravity far enough rearward. Conversely, weight forward helps you get on plane faster.

I agree that as configured stock, these 38+ foot boats aren't going to go that fast. You need lots of HP to get there. Like 1400 of 'em! A pair of stock 496s pushing a rig with A/C won't get you there.

I do love this stuff!

DCH

[BDannecker]

So, will the 454's even break 60? I still feel you need the 502's to change that first number from a 5 to a 6.:lol

Bruce...

[DCH1]

Bruce:

Betcha you're right!

DCH

[firehill19]

Bruce, Curt, Ash, DCH, ya'll make my day talking about 342's and 38's. The're my favorite. But, only in my dreams|I . Keep the talk going, it makes my day go by faster.

[DCH1]

Kieth:

Helps ours go by faster too! :|

[bottomless pit]

I have 496 mag ho.s 425 a side, in my .38 and It will only go 64 on the speedo. 1/2 fuel but prob 30 gal of h2o in system. every single option except the genset. The .38 is 111 inch beam and that slows it down. Gary's 40 Outlaw will only go 72 with twin 575sci and he had the props labed and drilled out the exhaust baffles. But he added A/C.
His boat is narrower and lighter, but longer.
in 1998 I had a .38 with 454 385's and all I got out of it was 58mph. It was a bet better on the gas.:x
My boat is fast as I will ever need to go. It is very nice to stay on and like ASH I don't know where to go from here.0]

...PIT...:\

[DCH1]

Thanks Dennis! That 64 is, perhaps, 62 on a GPS?

DCH

[bottomless pit]

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[bottomless pit]

I agree that as configured stock, these 38+ foot boats aren't going to go that fast. You need lots of HP to get there. Like 1400 of 'em! A pair of stock 496s pushing a rig with A/C won't get you there. Very very TRUE.
Stock 496 mags will not get you their!!!!
neither will 454i 385's , it is way to heavy!!!!. way to FAT!!!
But I needed the width so I could get in it. I have a GPS (from my plane) But where we boat it is commonly to rough to top in.
...PIT...

[ckmansell]

Pit, couple questions. First I have never had a/c, how much weight do they add? Second, is that GPS speed on the 40 or his speedo? Reason I ask is two fold. First of all, one day I plan to have a/c and was wondering if it adds enough weight to scrubb off that much speed. Second, if not, you need to tell him there a real small window for a sweet spot on those 40s. I was able to consistently get 74mph on Carwright's boat when it was a new during demo's. However, Lino drove it several times and could not. What I found, was a little too much trim and 72, and a little to less and also 72. Play back and forth just a little and walah! 74! Now, this is speed as read on the liquid filled Graffrig speedo. I am told they are accurate to 1 mph so I don't know if GPS is + or -. You want to know the real way to go don't ya? A 40 w/ triple 500's. They are real close in price to twin 575's and will top the 80 mark. Plus I bet even with three, they are probably easier on fuel at WOT than two 575's. Those things are thirsty! We took a brand new 36 Outlaw w/ 575's, put 25 gallons in it and left the marina to give a demo to the dam and back. What is that, maybe 16 miles tops? We were running hard, I admit that, but ran out of fuel on the way back at the Gravois Arm. The next demo, put in 30 gallons and ran out as we were pulling in to the docks. Don and I took it to the new bridge and back w/ 35 gallons and were on fumes when we got back. WOW!!! Even if I could afford the boat, I could not afford to feed it. When those superchargers are work'n make sure there a fuel pump nearby. A little secret though, IT WAS ONE HELL OF A LOT FUN!!!

[GottaHaveIt]

Here's '99 342 that is set up just right!

525 SC's in a 342 (http://n5cwm.dynip.com/342-525sc-x2.jpg)

I've never ridden in it nor GPS'd it but the owner says 82 on speedo which to me means about 78-80 lightly loaded. That would work for me! :smokin
This particular 342 has extra batteries, an inverter instead of a genset, does have AC, full galley, etc.

[bajacraig]

Curt,
I was told that Lino gets taken by the 575 boy's every time. The day of the poker run he was not the fastest.

I think your 74 you saw is about the best any of them see.
I know I run 73-74 on GPS and none of them could pull away.

BTW My liquid speedo is off 4 mph vs. GPS.

[ckmansell]

Lino had just picked up his boat on Thursday after having a brand new center engine installed. My guess is he wasn't leaning on the throttles real hard until he gets it broke in. That is interesting to hear on your speedo. I have always hear those liquid filled were super accurate, but I was always skeptical. All of my speeds I am talking about are from speedo's only, I do not own a GPS so take that into consideration. Although, it has been said that I have managed to get a hold of a radar gun once in a while. If you ever think we would want one to play with on a weekend, let me know and I will bring one down.

[1ASH]

To answer the question about the weight of the A/C I am going to have to "guess" it would not add much weight at all. The generator on the other hand now that is a different story. Most of the suitcase A/C units available to drop in a hatch or have onboard weigh around 70 lbs. I would have to believe all the hoses, strainers, condensor, would have to weigh less than 100 lbs. That is all just a guess. If you think about having 220 gallons of fuel on my 38 at 7 lbs per gallon that is 1500 lbs. If you think about 40 gals fresh water at 8 lbs per gallon that is 300 lbs. If you consider batteries, bodies, coolers full of pop, 4 million floaties for my wife, a few extra pounds to stay cool in the sin bin is well worth it. And for what it is worth 80 mph on the water is HAULIN A@@ no matter if you are in a 14' bass boat or a 50+ Sunseeker. Count me out. I lost a good friend this year from a fast boat ride gone bad.

[bajacraig]

Thanks for the offer Curt,
I have one of those hand held GPS units. Any of you LOTO guys can use it any time you want to get disappointed>:

Point taken on Lino.

I enquired about an A/C and generator and was told that it was too late and could not be added. And if it could, would be $10,000

1ASH,
Welcome to TBM, and sorry for your friend

[eddie]

Lino (http://luxmanracing.com/) looks like he's got other things on his boat to keep him busy!!! :rollin

[bottomless pit]

THE A/C Unit itself weighs 47.5 lbs without the fittings,
Their is 36 feet of water hose filled with water plus all of the brass fittings, It is a very nice setup.8)
Curt and Don you guys are where I dock ,Don't be strangers. This is the site of the air, I have the 7 ton unit , But Gary put the 10 ton unit in the 40.:smokin They told him Don't put a genset in that boat!!!! Period.Gary will not let me in his boat with the GPS. {yet}.
...PIT
www.genairsystems.com/fsspecials.htm (http://www.genairsystems.com/fsspecials.htm) ,
You can save $5000.00 If you can install it by yourself. and It is not hard to do.8o
My .38 has 4 batteries, Ice maker, hot water heater. another 7 gal of h20. The Vacuflush with holding tank, is much heavier than the other toilet. Entertainment seating, #13 anchor, Heck Nancy's makup bag weighs over 1/2 ton. But I love all of this stuff.
If you really want to go fast 33 Outlaw 900 SC's.:
Baja craigs boat is very fast and He can jump from 40 MPH.
Craig the 40 Outlaw guys are having a hard time with this.
....PIT...:D

[ckmansell]

Pit, I love to go fast, do not get me wrong. But I think if somebody showed up on a 33 w/ 900SC's and offered me a ride, ahhhh, I believe I would pass. I am starting to get old enough now to realize I am not invincible. Now, 10 years ago, I might have been young and dumb enough to hop in w/o a second thought. Then again, if Bob Morgan was the driver, I would probably hop right in. Although, the thought would cross my mind, "Ya know, I know my folks raised me with more sense than this!"

[pancepance]

You speed freaks are cracking me up.
Speed is definately dangerous. My uncle (speed freak) has a 10meter fountain with 600's custom SC by Ferrara marine in NY. It does 92mph. He runs offshore NJ in the atlantic and will do 80 all day running over five and six footers. His back is shot now BTW.
Two years ago he was running on the atlantic full bore and mistimed the rollers, stuffed the bow, wound up in traction for a few months did 30K damage to the boat. Wore a neck brace for weeks after. A few weeks ago he wanted to take me out for a speed trial cause the motors were just redone again. I'm happy in the mid 60's lower 70's but I must say, 92 mph really brings tears to your eyes:eek Sense goes out the window past 85

[bajacraig]

I can't see doing 80-90mph in open water:eek


That's what's great about LOTO, 10min. from our place and I can be on water that looks like glass and now big boats for miles.:b

[bottomless pit]

go to live chat!
:eek

[BDannecker]

Pance,
I agree, anything over 80 is "on the edge" in the ocean. I launched my 24 Outlaw on Lake Travis, which is glass compared to the Atlantic while going 56mph. Was pinned in the seat so hard I couldn't grab the throttle. Saw nothing but sky.:eek

The girls in the back seat were thrown all over the place. Just a roller coming out of nowhere in the morning's flat light.

On the otherhand, I do drive a Winston Cup car at the Texas Motorspeedway once a year. Heading 175+ into a turn looks like your going to nail the wall head-on. That takes a little getting used to.;)

Anyway, my comparisons above are merely to clarify what power is required for a 38' boat to run 60+ mph. I personally won't spend $100+ for a 50's MPH boat, no matter how big it is. :D

Cheers,
Bruce...

[DCH1]

Hey guys:

Seems I missed the parade on SPEED today! A common addiction. Shame I can't see the discussions on my work PC any longer. Some SEC and NASD rules are being applied at work much more strictly now - no b-boards or instant messaging allowed.

I'm not a really serious speed freak, or I'd be up to my eyeballs in debt - or in a cat. I just like the idea of having it available once in a while. LOVE the pic of the 342 with the hot engines!

But the idea of flipping a boat and ending up in traction is definitely NOT appealing. I'm not even as adventurous as Bruce. I hope that you won't ever catch me in the ends up situation he described. I'm with the crew that feels 80 MPH on rough ocean water is the limit of sanity. I'll take 70 ALONE on light chop, thanks! I bought the 342 to coax my reluctant wife back onto the water. She's had it with getting pounded in a 20 foot bowrider. The 342 isn't perfect to her - it is acceptable.

Great compromise too. THAT was what I wanted. I did want a machine that would top 70 MPH if possible. I'm not QUITE there. I wanted a smooth ride. I'm there, based on my usage. I wanted a boat that could handle the routine towing. I've got that. And like most of us, I can't afford a triple 575SC 44 footer! Still, it would be very interesting to see if I could use one the way I use the 342 (the towing & slow speed stuff), and my wife would LOVE the space in a 38 Special or the big 44. But I couldn't take one with me on vacation without a new truck, permits, etc.!

On weight up front from adding A/C units, water tanks, etc. It is cumulative. If you take apart and remove the entire cabin, you'll pull 800 pounds or more out of the front. That WILL make a difference! Adding A/C to your cabin won't make a significant difference by itself. Now that water tank - THAT could make a difference if it is too far forward and full.

On speedos, I took out my liquid filled not because IT was horribly inaccurate, but because it clogs EVERY time I go out. And I could not tell when the cops were about to ticket me. The GPS unit fixed that, and gave me the added bonus of really accurate readings.

Thanks for the fun discussion guys!

DCH

[Seize n Ticket]

Pit,
Barb and I stopped by to see you and Nancy Friday night; however, you guys were not down. Hopefully, we can catch up with you next weekend.

[bottomless pit]

Don:
We show up sat afternoon.
We would Love for you guys to come and hang with Us on Sat nights.:D
We watched the Horrable Chiefs game from the boat last sat.>:
...PIT...:D

[BDannecker]

Pit,
How do you get reception on your boat? Antenna, satellite or cable:lol ?

Bruce...

[Seize n Ticket]

Sorry we missed you guys. Maybe we will see you this weekend. I think we may run up the lake Saturday afternoon. Maybe we can hunt Craig down for that drink he owes us.0]

[bajacraig]

You make the run,
I'll have the beer.:D

[Seize n Ticket]

Sounds like a good plan to me. Let's pick a place and time to meet and we will be there. Curt and I were going to try and meet Eric up your way this weekend (Fish Market); however, we never confirmed plans so we ended up at the cove. Did you find anything out on your prop?

[bajacraig]

I ended up buying a used one last weekend. With all the people down I was under the gun and didn’t have time to get a new one from FL.

This weekend is open to this point, any time, any place.

[Seize n Ticket]

Lets meet at Quackers Saturday around 12:00 PM. If that is good with you guys. I will try and get a few others together. Maybe we can talk Pit into going as well. I still have not met Eric and I think he is up your way. I will also check with Curt to make sure he is going to be down.

[bajacraig]

Don,

Sounds good to me.

Eric, I think is at the 21.

Pit, if you want to come over by road I can send you directions. I am 8 min. by road from BTM.

Chad, If I'm buying ONE for Don, Eric, Pit, probably Curt, you might as well come too:o 0]

[MXBAJA421]

after this last boat repair i'am in for free beer:smokin

(quick-e-nuff) 29 outlaw l.o.t.o.
chad

[Seize n Ticket]

Hey Chad, I feel your pain. We will be up towards your end of the lake...can you come down and meet us?

[Seize n Ticket]

Sounds like a good weekend. To bad it's only Tuesday! I need to find Eric's comments on this site and see if he can hook up with all of us. Should be a good time. In keeping with some of the earlier comments about launching boats...I have a quick story form last weekend or rather a lesson learned. A bunch of us were heading over to "Bayou Bills" on Saturday afternoon running in four foot waves from every direction and an occasional roller. We were running around 50 MPH having a blast when I heard my phone ring...I took my hand off the throttle to reach for the phone from the cup holder. Next thing I know we launch the boat :eek I dropped the phone grabbed the throttle, pulled it back and it was dead calm. What felt like eternity...probably just a second or two we touched back down and back in the throttle.:p Talk about making you pucker a bit. Oh yeah, it was Curt on the other end of the phone...imagine that.

[bottomless pit]

I work saturday till noon.:x
BD: I am using the power antenna that came with the boat.:eek
...PIT...:|