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Baja 277 Islander
1 x 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO
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Brief Summary
The new Islander 277 is the flagship of the Islander line and will certainly be a hit. She has room for 10 people and comfort for the whole family. She had the performance you expect from Baja and is a pleasure to drive.
Key Features
- Fiberglass dash console with non-glare
- Infused fiberglass head
- Drop down aero bolster seating
- Clarion AM/FM/CD performance stereo system
- Padded sundeck
- 25 quart cooler
- Livorsi gauges
- Power steering
- Stainless steel hardware throughout
- Seating for 10 passengers
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
650 | 5.6 | 4.9 | 1.6 | 3.5 | 3.04 | 318 | 277 | 77 |
1000 | 7.4 | 6.4 | 2.7 | 2.79 | 2.43 | 254 | 221 | 80 |
1500 | 9.6 | 8.3 | 4.4 | 2.2 | 1.91 | 200 | 174 | 81 |
2000 | 11.2 | 9.7 | 7.3 | 1.54 | 1.34 | 140 | 122 | 83 |
2500 | 14.5 | 12.6 | 12.5 | 1.16 | 1.01 | 106 | 92 | 85 |
3000 | 28.4 | 24.7 | 15.5 | 1.84 | 1.6 | 167 | 145 | 90 |
3500 | 38.8 | 33.7 | 16.6 | 2.34 | 2.04 | 213 | 185 | 89 |
4000 | 43.9 | 38.1 | 19.3 | 2.28 | 1.98 | 207 | 180 | 90 |
4500 | 50.2 | 43.7 | 24.2 | 2.08 | 1.81 | 189 | 164 | 95 |
5000 | 60.2 | 52.3 | 33.2 | 1.81 | 1.58 | 165 | 143 | 94 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 29' 2'' w/ swim platform |
---|---|
Beam | 8' 6'' |
Dry Weight | 5,100 lbs. |
Draft | 38'' |
Deadrise/Transom | 24 deg. |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Fuel Capacity | 101 gal. |
Water Capacity | None |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | 4.6 sec. |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 9.3 sec. |
Ratio | 1.36:1 |
Props | 21'' Revolution 4-Blade |
Load | 3 persons, 3/4 fuel, no water, minimal gear |
Climate | 84 deg., 51% humidity, winds: 5 mph, seas: calm |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
1 x 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 320-hp MerCruiser MX 6.2L |
Opt. Power |
1 x 375-hp MerCruiser 496 Magnum 1 x 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Magnum 1 x 525-hp MerCruiser HP 525 1 x 600-hp MerCruiser HP 600 SCI |
Warranty
Deck Warranty Extended | 5-year Limited Warranty |
---|---|
Engine Warranty Extended | None |
Gelcoat Warranty Extended | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
Hull Warranty Extended | 5-year Limited Warranty |
Captain's Report
Baja 277 Islander: Comfortable but QuickBy Capt. Bob Smith
The new Baja 277 Islander will be a hit with go-fast families that enjoy the power and the fun of a performance boat.
The 277 is the flagship of the Islander series and comes in two designs. The key difference is the seating arrangement in the aft cockpit. You can choose a traditional single-bench design or two V-shaped seats with a centerline walkthrough separating them.
She is 27’5” overall, with a beam of 8’6”. The Islander weighs 5,100 lbs. and has a 101-gallon fuel capacity. This model draws 38” and has a 24-degree deadrise at the transom. Engine options include single 320-hp MerCruiser MX 6.2L Bravo I, 375-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag Bravo I, 425-hp MerCruiser Mag HO, 500-hp MerCruiser 525 EFI and the 575-hp MerCruiser 600SCI.
On Deck
In addition to the V-shaped stern seats, another thoughtful topside design is the corner-mounted head compartment which makes it easy for even a large fellow (yours truly) to get inside. Usually I have to fold into a pretzel and crawl inside. Higher gunwales improve safety, especially with the little ones onboard. The open design encourages conversation and camaraderie.
The Islander sports a full page of optional features and a double-column page of standard equipment. Six-inch pull-up cleats are standard along with a flush- mount stainless steel ski tow. An additional bolt-on swim platform with 3-step stainless steel ladder is also standard.
I thought the 34 oz. vinyl upholstered cockpit seating was especially comfortable. The aft bench doubles as a 25 qt. cooler storage. Drop-down Aero bolster seats are also standard at the helm and companion station. Peppered around the layout are jumbo cup holders. Across the top of the electrically powered engine hatch is a large sunpad.
At the Helm
The helm station is arranged so that all important gauges are easy to view while underway. Livorsi performance controls have the trim on the handle. Livorsi II gauges are set in a custom panel and have red backlights for easy night viewing. The custom tilt wheel has a black satin finish. The full-framed windshield has a centerline walk-through.
In the head, the port-a-potti is standard as well as 12-volt lighting. The comfort of the seating in the open bow matches any Lazy Boy I’ve parked in. A large storage compartment is on the starboard side for big items.
Performance
For our test on the Intracoastal Waterway, I had three people on board and ¾ of a tank of fuel. The 277 Islander reached a top speed of 60.2 mph and had a cruising speed of 38.8 mph for a range of 213 miles on a full tank. She leapt on plane in 4.6 seconds and hit 30 mph in 9.3 seconds. While still having the throaty roar you expect from a Baja, she only produced a sound reading of 94 decibels at the helm at top speed. We would have expected 100 decibels or higher.
Baja’s original concept drawings and the final product were amazingly close. I believe they have the design phase down to a fine art. If you are looking for performance, design and space, you will be very happy with the Baja Islander 277.