Baja Bandit 223

Description

Up for sale is an absolutely beautiful, high performance boat in excellent condition. This is a 1991 Baja Bandit 223, a 24.5' boat with a 385hp Mercruiser 454 Magnum engine mated to a Bravo 1 outdrive, and an Eagle trailer.Overview: I purchased this boat from a close boating friend in 2008, who had purchased it from a boat dealer in Celina, Ohio in 2002. He was as a meticulous owner as we are, so we know the boat’s history for the last 12 years. This watercraft was produced at the Baja plant in Bucyrus, Ohio, with hull being made by Sunsation. This boat is in awesome condition and has probably 90%+ of its original paint, interior and components.....a rare and true survivor. This boat will turn heads everywhere you go, whether trailering on the road, on the water, or at the dock. It will spark conversation everywhere you go because of its great condition, classic but classy styling, and the rumble of a big block magnum carbureted engine going by at 70mph. It is the perfect size to navigate small waterways as well as tackle the rollers of the Great Lakes, and accomplishes both with confidence. Okay, let’s get on with it......Hull Specifications:~Length Overall- 24' 6"~Beam (max.)- 8'~Weight- 3600# (dry)~Draft- 33" w/outdrive down~Deadrise @ transom- 15 degrees~Fuel capacity- 45gal.~Passenger capacity- 6~Sleeping capacity- 2Propulsion:~Mercruiser Magnum 454 Big Block 385 Horsepower engine w/Holley 770 Carburetor~Bravo 1 Outdrive w/Bravo 3 blade 23p Stainless Propeller (Baja Embossed) Special Features:~Bennett dual ram trim tabs with modern led indicators~AutoMeter GPS Speedometer~Garmin 431s GPS~Sony Explode stereo system w/remote and MP3/phone input, Audiobahn subwoofer w/amp~Cabin ventilation fan~Cobra handheld marine radio (not pictured)~2 Bravo stainless propellers, 23p 3 blade (70mph), 24p 4 blade (60mph, hole shot/cruising prop)~Cockpit snap-on cover~Full length storage cover~Lanyard kill switchOther features:~Custom opaque black windscreen (2010), made from American cast acrylic (craze resistant, $1k)~Dual 900amp batteries w/Perko selector switch~Interior, cabin, and engine compartment lighting~Halon engine compartment fire extinguishing system w/dash indicator~Cabin privacy flap~Comes with original carb/air cleaner, windscreen side shades, extra new starter and new impeller~Integrated swim platformRecent updates:~2011, outdrive rebuild, new gimbal ring, new trim pump reservoir, new trim tabs~2014, lifted boat from trailer, had bottom buffed and waxed~2014, hull moisture readings taken, 5%-10% max~2012, new engine hatch lift cylinder~2013, new wood and hinges on engine hatch/sunpad, new wood on seat cushionsTrailer:~1988 Eagle Trailer dual axle, complete boat-off refurb in 2011~Surge brake~Led lighting~Newer tires~Aluminum rimsThe Hull Truth:I truly believe this boat is one of the finest Bandits in existence today. This boat is only left in the water 1-2 nights a year and is always stored indoors, and is freshwater only (NE Indiana, NW Ohio and Lake Erie). This boat is watertight. We put an average of 10-20 running hours a year on this boat (as did the previous owner). There is no hour meter, but I think the pictures and great condition speak volumes of how little this boat has been used. This boat is RARELY run at WOT, most of the run time is cruising just above plane. I can’t say enough of how truly impressive this boat really is. Are there flaws? Sure there are, the boat is from 1991, but none I would consider significant. So why would I sell such an awesome machine that we cherish and care for so much? One simple answer.....BBS.....bigger boat syndrome. I’ve been infected with the disease to some degree for several years, and now my wife has a high fever from it. Once you’ve gotten into a cigarette boat, it ain’t ever big enough or fast enough. We’re looking for 28-32ft., but we’re not in a hurry nor do we have to sell this boat at any time.This boat is located just South of Defiance, Ohio, and can be viewed with appointment. Regional delivery may be possible if the purchase price is right. Sea trial may be available if: the roads are salt free, it’s not snowing or raining, my local reservoir isn’t iced over, and you bring your own snow mobile suit (this was written in a very cold November.)Please contact me with any questions, and I thank you for looking!!!!!!PLEASE NOTE I HAVE NO TIMELINE TO SELL THIS BOAT, SO I BE LISTING/RE-LISTING UNTIL AN OFFER IS SATISFACTORY, THANK YOU. Also published on eBay.