ISLANDER 277 BAJA. Baja Marine has been building high-performance powerboats

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Words by Christopher Lloyd Photography by Steven Curry WORDS BY JOSH KAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BAJA MARINE BAJA ISLANDER 277 Form and Function Combine to Make the All-New Baja an Ideal Family

1 Words by Christopher Lloyd Photography by Steven Curry WORDS BY JOSH KAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BAJA MARINE BAJA ISLANDER 277 Form and Function Combine to Make the All-New Baja an Ideal Family Cruiser Baja Marine has been building high-performance powerboats long before some present performance boat builders were born, so Baja understands what it takes to build high-performance boats that have an across-the-board appeal. Since 1972, Baja has continued to be a leader in boating versatility, and the all-new 277 Islander is a continuation along that theme. To Baja, it is the design that performance boating should follow. What Baja has accomplished is an attractively priced, greatlooking boat that combines all the elements of an ideal boat for family-and-performance-style boating. Baja began by designing the Islander as a 27-foot powerboat and then implemented the idea of recreation and enjoyment into the scenario, and Baja accomplished what it set out to do by careful engineering and design work. Construction of the 277 is impressive, since Baja begins with end-grain balsa-core construction and bi-axial, vacuum-infused hull laminates for the utmost in strength and durability. Baja uses Plexus bonding for the hull and a top-quality gelcoat to protect the 277 from the elements. After the hull is cured and ready for rigging, Baja installs stainless steel through-bolted bow and stern eyes, latches, a ski tow and 6-inch stainless steel cleats. Actually, each fastener found throughout the package is stainless steel. Navigational lights and a rub rail complete the package. There is a 101-gallon fuel cell that will help avoid those timeconsuming fuel stops. Filling the tank is a snap, thanks to the popup stainless steel fuel cap. The stainless steel three-step swim platform allows for easy trips in and out of the water, which is a great family convenience. The Islander package includes a canvas cock- 42 April 2007 FAMILY & PERFORMANCE BOATING

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Baja Islander 277 pit cover, tonneau cover, depth finder and filler cushion package.

The result of this design is a V-hull performance boat that has plenty of storage for recreational tools such as skis and wakeboards, while providing room for 10 passengers.

There is also a rear bench, which nicely accommodates four adults and features hinged cooler storage below.

The well-thought-out seating allows for 10 adults to comfortably enjoy an afternoon on the lake.

3 Baja Islander 277 pit cover, tonneau cover, depth finder and filler cushion package. The package also has a fire extinguisher system, a rub rail with stainless steel insert and the performance Clarion stereo system with Sirius Satellite radio. The result of this design is a V-hull performance boat that has plenty of storage for recreational tools such as skis and wakeboards, while providing room for 10 passengers. Depending on what you will be doing on the water, passenger headcount may vary but comfort won t. Inside the cockpit, Baja installed Aero drop-down bolsters with 34-oz. vinyl upholstery. There is also a rear bench, which nicely accommodates four adults and features hinged cooler storage below. Entering the mid-cabin or bow seating is a breeze thanks to the full-framed, walk-through windshield. Bow seating or lounging is quite comfortable, as the seat cushions fold up for recliner seating. The well-thought-out seating allows for 10 adults to comfortably enjoy an afternoon on the lake. The floor of the cockpit has a textured non-slip fiberglass finish, which allows for easy cleanup after a long weekend of heavy use. We found the cockpit and mid-cabin of the 277 to be well laid out, as there are plenty of cupholders, storage compartments and courtesy lights integrated into both the interior and the aisleway. This makes for hassle-free use while on the water. Sitting at the controls is a treat as a tilt column with a custom black wheel and satin-finished spokes controls the power steering. Baja believes in quality and performance and installs a set of Livorsi II instrumentation into every 277, along with a set of Livorsi performance controls. A set of rocker switches makes working the components a breeze, thanks to the red back-lit assemblies found throughout. The entire layout is well laid out, as the gauges are within quick view of the driver and everything is within reach. Base power for the 277, in the beautifully finished engine compartment, is a 320hp MerCruiser MX 6.2-liter powerplant, hooked to a Bravo One drive. Now, depending on how the 277 will be used, this may or may not be enough power for you, so careful consideration should be taken before you check the option boxes. 44 April 2007 FAMILY & PERFORMANCE BOATING

4 If you believe that the MX 6.2-liter isn t enough power, Baja offers a long list of power options, and since the Islander s base price is just under $77,000, excluding trailer, tax, title, registration, transportation, fuel surcharge and dealer prep, there is room for upgrading before hitting the six-figure mark. Depending on what you like in your boat, and if you feel there is no power like a screaming, high-output big block, Baja has four engine options available, starting with the MerCruiser 496 Magnum/375hp ($81,977). For the extra dough, the 496 Magnum will add around 55 hp. If you are looking for a little more power, the additional $5,269 might be the wise choice, as this should provide an ideal amount of power for such a weekend warrior. And if that still isn t enough, the next step up is the MerCruiser 496HO, which pumps out 425 hp ($89,615) and is hooked to the stout Bravo X drive. This is a great power level for a 27-foot V-hull, and allows for a speed upgrade while keeping the cost of the 277 under $100,000. It will also provide you with a little room for a few convenience options. If staying under a $100,000 budget is not a concern, then continue to look down the option list and you will find the big boys. Baja also offers the 277 with the MerCruiser 525EFI, which delivers 525 reliable horsepower with lightning-fast throttle response. Optioning up to the 525EFI ($53,077) is not cheap, but it will equip the 277 with a few more goodies beyond the engine itself. The Bravo X gets replaced with the Bravo XR drive, which is added to handle the additional horsepower, as well as K-planes and a Latham steering option. The Bravo XR is paired with a matched stainless steel prop for increased performance. What Baja has accomplished with each performance package is a balanced, complete assembly that provides the owner with a hassle-free speed experience no prop testing, no buying this and testing that. Baja has done it for you. Baja offers flat-out no-hassle performance, so you know what you are getting going in. FAMILY & PERFORMANCE BOATING April

Baja Islander 277 However, the most potent powerplant that is available as part of the Baja 277 package is the MerCruiser HP

3-liter Lysholm twin-screw-supercharger-equipped 600SCi with the Bravo XR for the ultimate in power combination and dependability.

Since Baja maintained the weight around 5,100 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is impressive for the Islander.

But only you can judge your budget and how you want your boat to perform.

quickly. This isn t meant to imply that you need the 600SCi or the 525EFI to be totally happy with the performance of the boat.

boating with unmatched performance and reliability.

5 Baja Islander 277 However, the most potent powerplant that is available as part of the Baja 277 package is the MerCruiser HP 600SCi, which pumps out 600 reliable horsepower. Again, Baja paired the power of the 3.3-liter Lysholm twin-screw-supercharger-equipped 600SCi with the Bravo XR for the ultimate in power combination and dependability. The Mercury Racing 600SCi turns the 27-foot V-hull into a rocket on the water. Since Baja maintained the weight around 5,100 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is impressive for the Islander. If you want speed, speed costs money, and the 600SCi supercharged package will add $72,308 to the package. But only you can judge your budget and how you want your boat to perform. Nonetheless, our favorite saying around the office goes something like this: Better to grow into a boat than to grow out of one quickly. This isn t meant to imply that you need the 600SCi or the 525EFI to be totally happy with the performance of the boat. We think that, for the money, the 496HO would fit nicely in anyone s backyard and would provide years of totally satisfying boating with unmatched performance and reliability. But we re all different, and that is why Baja has gone through all of the R&D work to offer this selection of optional engine and drive packages. Baja has done a spectacular job of combining a family-sized performance boat with amenities and options that can make your choice of an 277 Islander your personal blast on the water, both for recreation and for attending your local poker runs. We have lots of experience with owning Baja boats, and the 277 is a great all-around boat we would love to have in our own slip. Product Profile Baja Marine Dept. FPB 1520 Isaac Beal Rd. Bucyrus, OH / April 2007 FAMILY & PERFORMANCE BOATING

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58' Hatteras 58 Yacht Fisherman Motor Yachts Location: Stuart FL

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