Originally posted by LMW:
I want to hear from owners of Bajas, Eliminators, Laveys and other similarly styled boats. What's your honest opinion of the quality and performance of these boats?
Take a look at Essex as well, www.essexboats.com. (http://www.essexboats.com.) They make a great boat and the customer service is excellent! Everyone is very friendly from the top on down. They truly make you feel like one of the family.
I have a 2000 21 ft Sterling with a 350 mag/bravo 3. I've gotten it up to 64 mph at Mohave with 7 people on board. It's my first boat and I have had no problems with it.
That's not to say that Lavey, Hallett, Eliminator, Howard, bascially any of the customs, are worse than an Essex. It just comes down to the way the boat is made, and where, and the lines/look of the boat.
The production process, the looks, and the warm and fuzzy feeling are what did it for me.
Also, look at what comes standard between the different custom manufacturers. You may be surprised. Another plus for Essex in that area.