I sold John Tiger's old 16 Baja

[David]

I sold my contact with sort of fame. Mr Tiger is famous here, but not so much in the bigger world.

I bought his Baja in the spring of 2007. The boat was restored by John Spaeth, nicely rigged by John Tiger, and powered by a Tiger rebuilt Johnson 100 GT.

It served family boat duty like that for a few years. 4 years ago my brothers and I repowered it with a 115 HO Etec. It's easier to buy power than lose weight if you want to pull out on one ski. My brothers weigh more than me.

I have not had anything on it but a ski prop for at least 2 years. When we first got the 115, I saw 64 with a Hoss copy, not bad for a little 115. 60+ and a good ride in rough water for a 16'. It was a surprise what a nice boat the Baja was.

Thanks John.

[JWTjr.]

That was a good boat, David. Glad you enjoyed it. Guy who sold it to me (Ben Lerew of PA) used it as a drag boat with a Mercury 200 on it.

[Ktmracer428428]

i have the same baja 1984 baja with the same gel coat colors. i purchased it from the origional owner in PA Looking to re-power with a new etec g2 any thoughts?

[David]

The lightest G2 is 496 lb. I think that's too heavy for the 16 Baja.

The 115 HO Etec weighs 390 lb and it was on the edge of OK. There was just a bit of porpoise with 4 people in the boat at 25 mph. It would flatten out at 30 or above and ride fine. At 60+ mph with single steering and no foot throttle it was a bit too loose.

There was no porpoise anywhere with the original 300 lb 100 HP crossflow. It had just a trace of chinewalk at full throttle. The 115 HO was a beast in comparison. Much more power from idle to full speed. If it was me, I would not use a heavier motor than the 115 HO

If you are set on a 150 or 200, the smallblock G1 weighs 418 lb. My 395 lb motor was on a 4" setback. 418 lb flat on the transom might work fine.

My advice is to get a 115 HO. I love that motor. I was going to say you could buy mine, it's posted here, but while I was typing this I got a tentative offer.

[FMP]

Would like to try that hull with an xflow I'm building.
At about 325lbs would be a good match.
Would you know the weight of the boat ?

[David]

Baja claimed 650 lb. Mine was completely rebuilt by John Spaeth for John Tiger (core, transom, interior, floor) so it could have gained or lost weight.

[FMP]

I spoke with him a few years ago, believe we briefly chatted about that boat. Looks good.

[flabum1017]

My 16 did real well with a Merc 175..... high 60's with 2 people........
402022
402021

[David]

The old carbed Merc 175 and 200 would have weighed about 400 lb, similar to my 115 HO.

[flabum1017]

The old carbed Merc 175 and 200 would have weighed about 400 lb, similar to my 115 HO.

I took a lot of weight out of the boat when I rebuilt it, you can see how high she floats with the V-6