Thrill Seeker
If you like wave action mixed with some family entertainment, Baja's new 335 Performance should be right up your alley.
By Michael Verdon
Baja has always stood apart from the crowd with its attention-grabbing performance boats, but its
new 335 Performance is more than just another Miami Vice-wannabe. Sure, it tops 63 mph with the
upgrade twin 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag H.O. engines (twin MerCruiser 350 Mags are standard), and a
recent test on the Tennessee River in choppy conditions shows it can run in big water. But, with
its 10-foot-by-6-inch beam, large cockpit and decent-sized cabin, the 335 is more “family go-fast”
than “rebel without a cause.” It’s a boat that really delivers on the promise of comfort and
performance, as you discover during a full day spent on the new Baja with four friends, getting a
taste of both its running characteristics and social graces.
The 335 Performance is for sure the boat to beat during your Saturday visit to downtown Knoxville. It’s a University of Tennessee home game, and the famed “Vol Navy” is out in full force, with hundreds of boats heading downriver to dock outside the stadium. The 335 is the lone yellow-and-white performance boat in the pack of cookie-cutter cruisers, and boy, are heads turning.
You run it upriver, against the flow of boat traffic, trying to find a clear stretch of river to do speed tests. It winds through the boats like a wolf in a flock of manila-colored sheep, reaching a top end of 63.4 mph. Acceleration is good, delivering a hold-onto-your-seat (or the custom hand-shaped grab rails) experience. The other boats, spaced about 30 seconds apart, provide decent ocean swells. With sterns dug in at half-speed, they throw up 3-foot rolling wakes that come at all angles.
The 335 takes the wakes in stride, landing off the wave tops with a solid “thud” — no hull vibrations or rattling hardware, just the running surface slapping firmly against the water. The two men standing in the helm and companion seats, protected by the drop-seat bolster design, weather the shockwaves just fine.
But the women seated in the back are white-knuckling the handles, and their spines are probably taking a beating in the seats. The front bolsters clearly aren’t just for looks.
The helm station will give any boater the sweet thrill of high performance. The split-throttle controls, easy-to-read bank of Livorsi gauges (with a dimmable red backlight for night running), and a custom carbon-fiber steering wheel with leather wrap all look exceptionally sporty. The ergonomics are also a plus, and there are even optional console vents attached to the air conditioning. The only “downside” is the walk-through windshield to the foredeck, which isn’t really a downside … but be sure the cabin door is closed, because as you almost find out, it’s quite a long drop into the cabin.
This prototype, which has 180 sea-test hours on it, performs well and doesn’t look any worse for the wear. It comes fully loaded with both the interior and exterior “Luxury” packages. Adding $4,383 to the base price, the exterior package includes a Sunbrella canvas, cockpit carpet, fender holders, fire extinguishing system, rubrail with stainless insert, and a white transom shower.
The cockpit, as you discover after the game, is an ideal place for entertaining a small crowd. The L-shaped lounge has a table in front of it, and on the starboard side is a sink with a built-in refrigerator ($1,583). There’s also enough space on the 3-foot-wide swim platform and sunpad to create a second social circle. Storage, by the way, is fairly ample across the cockpit, including the fender storage space on the stern.
You hang out in the cockpit for a bit, nibbling on wine and cheese, and head below when it gets cold. Most cabins on speedy boats are designed for contortionists, but the 335’s interior is surprisingly roomy, with good headroom. Baja is using a new deck brace system and interlocking grid stringers, so it has been able to eliminate interior bulkheads while maintaining structural integrity. Combine that sense of openness with the semicircular hatches overhead, and the interior feels airy and bathed in natural light.
The beige upholstery in the lounge is actually an elegant design, with a black circular motif after it converts into a large bed. Baja says it can sleep three, but that could be a stretch. The optional black Corian countertops on the full galley (microwave, stainless-steel sink and fridge), flat-screen TV, central-vacuuming system and upgraded stereo system all add comfort to the cabin. Everything is color-coordinated and tasteful. You can also stand up in the head, which has a telephone-style shower, VacuFlush toilet ($525 option), and small storage spaces. But there’s no vent or porthole, which could be a minor problem in the long run.
The interior luxury package is pricey at $20,100, but if you relish comfort, it’s a good idea. It includes a full AC/DC galley, 10,000-BTU air conditioner, upgraded stereo and flat-screen TV, Corian counters, and privacy curtains. The test boat also comes loaded with optionals like Corsa Quick & Quiet Plus, docking lights, windlass and an aluminum arch. While they’re sure to make life on board more pleasant, they add an extra $100,000 to the price. Either way, there’s significant value built
into this new 335 Performance, both in the construction and design.
The Verdict
Baja’s new 335
Performance is all about roominess. The spacious cabin allows for a family-focused environment,
which includes features such as a full galley, a lounge that converts into a bed, and an optional
flat-screen TV and stereo system. The 335’s swim platform and sunpad even give guests additional
space for socializing. And whenever there’s a need for speed, this performance boat won’t
disappoint.
Baja 335 Performance
LOA 31'5"
Beam 9'6"
Weight 8,000 lbs.
Fuel 190 gal.
Top Speed 63 mph (w/twin 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag H.O. engines)
Time To Plane 6.5 seconds
0-30 mph 10.9 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 74 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 85 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 95 dB-A
Base Price $169,077 (w/twin 350-hp MerCruiser Mags)
Price As Tested $270,870 (w/twin 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag H.O. engines)
Hull Warranty 5 Years
Baja Marine, 1520 Isaac Beal Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820, (877) 321-BAJA, www.bajamarine.com
The 335 Performance is for sure the boat to beat during your Saturday visit to downtown Knoxville. It’s a University of Tennessee home game, and the famed “Vol Navy” is out in full force, with hundreds of boats heading downriver to dock outside the stadium. The 335 is the lone yellow-and-white performance boat in the pack of cookie-cutter cruisers, and boy, are heads turning.
You run it upriver, against the flow of boat traffic, trying to find a clear stretch of river to do speed tests. It winds through the boats like a wolf in a flock of manila-colored sheep, reaching a top end of 63.4 mph. Acceleration is good, delivering a hold-onto-your-seat (or the custom hand-shaped grab rails) experience. The other boats, spaced about 30 seconds apart, provide decent ocean swells. With sterns dug in at half-speed, they throw up 3-foot rolling wakes that come at all angles.
The 335 takes the wakes in stride, landing off the wave tops with a solid “thud” — no hull vibrations or rattling hardware, just the running surface slapping firmly against the water. The two men standing in the helm and companion seats, protected by the drop-seat bolster design, weather the shockwaves just fine.
But the women seated in the back are white-knuckling the handles, and their spines are probably taking a beating in the seats. The front bolsters clearly aren’t just for looks.
The helm station will give any boater the sweet thrill of high performance. The split-throttle controls, easy-to-read bank of Livorsi gauges (with a dimmable red backlight for night running), and a custom carbon-fiber steering wheel with leather wrap all look exceptionally sporty. The ergonomics are also a plus, and there are even optional console vents attached to the air conditioning. The only “downside” is the walk-through windshield to the foredeck, which isn’t really a downside … but be sure the cabin door is closed, because as you almost find out, it’s quite a long drop into the cabin.
This prototype, which has 180 sea-test hours on it, performs well and doesn’t look any worse for the wear. It comes fully loaded with both the interior and exterior “Luxury” packages. Adding $4,383 to the base price, the exterior package includes a Sunbrella canvas, cockpit carpet, fender holders, fire extinguishing system, rubrail with stainless insert, and a white transom shower.
The cockpit, as you discover after the game, is an ideal place for entertaining a small crowd. The L-shaped lounge has a table in front of it, and on the starboard side is a sink with a built-in refrigerator ($1,583). There’s also enough space on the 3-foot-wide swim platform and sunpad to create a second social circle. Storage, by the way, is fairly ample across the cockpit, including the fender storage space on the stern.
You hang out in the cockpit for a bit, nibbling on wine and cheese, and head below when it gets cold. Most cabins on speedy boats are designed for contortionists, but the 335’s interior is surprisingly roomy, with good headroom. Baja is using a new deck brace system and interlocking grid stringers, so it has been able to eliminate interior bulkheads while maintaining structural integrity. Combine that sense of openness with the semicircular hatches overhead, and the interior feels airy and bathed in natural light.
The beige upholstery in the lounge is actually an elegant design, with a black circular motif after it converts into a large bed. Baja says it can sleep three, but that could be a stretch. The optional black Corian countertops on the full galley (microwave, stainless-steel sink and fridge), flat-screen TV, central-vacuuming system and upgraded stereo system all add comfort to the cabin. Everything is color-coordinated and tasteful. You can also stand up in the head, which has a telephone-style shower, VacuFlush toilet ($525 option), and small storage spaces. But there’s no vent or porthole, which could be a minor problem in the long run.
The interior luxury package is pricey at $20,100, but if you relish comfort, it’s a good idea. It includes a full AC/DC galley, 10,000-BTU air conditioner, upgraded stereo and flat-screen TV, Corian counters, and privacy curtains. The test boat also comes loaded with optionals like Corsa Quick & Quiet Plus, docking lights, windlass and an aluminum arch. While they’re sure to make life on board more pleasant, they add an extra $100,000 to the price. Either way, there’s significant value built
into this new 335 Performance, both in the construction and design.
The Verdict
Baja’s new 335
Performance is all about roominess. The spacious cabin allows for a family-focused environment,
which includes features such as a full galley, a lounge that converts into a bed, and an optional
flat-screen TV and stereo system. The 335’s swim platform and sunpad even give guests additional
space for socializing. And whenever there’s a need for speed, this performance boat won’t
disappoint.
Baja 335 Performance
LOA 31'5"
Beam 9'6"
Weight 8,000 lbs.
Fuel 190 gal.
Top Speed 63 mph (w/twin 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag H.O. engines)
Time To Plane 6.5 seconds
0-30 mph 10.9 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 74 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 85 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 95 dB-A
Base Price $169,077 (w/twin 350-hp MerCruiser Mags)
Price As Tested $270,870 (w/twin 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag H.O. engines)
Hull Warranty 5 Years
Baja Marine, 1520 Isaac Beal Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820, (877) 321-BAJA, www.bajamarine.com
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