Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo	Clarion
Power Steering
Trim Tabs
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Canvas
Cockpit Cover	Sunbrella

= Standard = Optional

The 20 Outlaw Aims at Delivering the Ultimate Ride



“You don’t steer this boat, you aim it!” This is the marketing slogan Baja Marine came up with for their newest entry into the performance runabout market place. The 20-foot Outlaw was designed to get the speed hungry, first time buyer into the Baja family. With a list price of under $25,000, you too can experience exhilarating performance as you rocket around the lake at over 60 mph.

The Outlaw series of offshore performance boats is known for their edgy, race-ready looks, and the newest addition to the family is no different. With the classic flat deck and transom design, Baja has refined their legendary 24-degree deadrise v-bottom running surface, and incorporated it into this 20-foot speed machine.

At first glance, you’ll notice that the 20 Outlaw has a simple look. Clean lines on the hull and deck are carried over into the cockpit with smooth flowing upholstery. In front you will find comfortable bucket seats. The driver seat is adjustable fore and aft to accommodate drivers of all sizes. The passenger seat can swivel and lock 180 degrees, providing the perfect spot for the ski observer. The helm has just the right amount of gauges to keep tabs on the engine and is complimented by the Morse controls mounted on the right. Trim adjustment is handled by a toggle switch mounted on the steering wheel column, and can easily be activated with your left hand fingers while you hold on to the wheel.

You’ll find that the cockpit is spacious for a 20-foot boat and there is plenty of room in the bow to store wakeboards, skis, and other water toys. There is a wide aft bench seat with plenty of room for your speed loving friends and family to enjoy a day on the water. Underneath the bench seat is more storage space for lines and a cooler.

If it’s sun you’re looking for, then the engine hatch sun pad is for you. This manually operated hatch uses gas-assist lift struts and is large enough for two people to stretch out and soak up rays. The hatch also conceals the heart of this Outlaw: the engine.

Our boat was tested with a 260-horse power MerCruiser 5.0-liter MPI engine. Now you might think that is not enough power, but one test ride will convince you that nothing larger would be safe or sane for that matter. Coupled to an Alpha drive and turning a 14 ¼ in. Vengeance prop, we recorded a white knuckle top speed of 62.6 mph. Time to plane was a mere 4 seconds and 30 mph was only a little over 4 seconds after that. If you just feel like cruising in your 20 Outlaw, you will be rewarded with a scant 3.75 mpg and still be moving at 39 mph while turning at 3500 rpm. I should point out that we found this boat to have a flat fuel consumption curve between 3000 and 4000 rpm. This means that between 32 and 46 mph you will still achieve a great burn rate of only 3.75 mpg.

You get a lot of performance and value in the 20 Outlaw. This is a great boat for all types of water fun especially wakeboarding. The punch out of the hole is enough for big skiers or boarders to use. The true V-bottom design gives you a great wake for tricks without having to add ballast. My only real complaint is that this boat desperately needs trim tabs. Because of its light bow weight and short length, the proposing effect negatively impacts the good overall design. Spend the extra few bucks and get your dealer to install them before delivery, you’ll be glad you did.

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Test Captain