mrecolorado
New Member
Looking at a Baia 48 Aqua. Any thoughts on the Aqua and/or Baia construction would be appreciated.
Baia, any thoughts?
- Thread starter mrecolorado
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captainalex
Well-Known Member
I thought it was the Flash 48 and the Aqua 54??
mrecolorado
New Member
I stand corrected. Looked at a lot of boats in the last few days... It is the 48 Flash.
Nautical
Well-Known Member
Good boats and well made. The 48 is probably more med orientated than say a Targa or V series Princess on the other hand goes faster and of course is on surface drives so more fuel efficent.
You need to try surface drives before you jump in, while the running performance is stunning close quarter stuff can be a bit tricky if your not used to it especially going astern.
If you are looking at use for UK (and I am sure you have already) look at Fairline Targa's, Princess V series, Hunton, certain models of Sunseeeker, Sealine if space and price are a consideration, Atlantis, Sessa, Cranchi offer a bit of glamour yet are still good UK boats.
If its Med use then a whole raft of stuff to consider probably too many to mention here but the Baia would be up there and they seem to hold their value well.
One thing to consider is the drive system you want, it is now possible to get 40'+ boats on outdrives which means a big saving in fuel consumption, secondly you can get the same interior space in a 42' outdrive boat as in a 46' shaft drive so initial purchase price would be cheaper on out drives. The down side is some people feel they are a bit twitchy at high speed (although I have never it to be so) and they don't give that planted feel in the water, just as sea worthy and in some cases better but again you have to think about what you want, the more fun sporty drive of outdrives or the planted and more solid feel of shafts.
You need to try surface drives before you jump in, while the running performance is stunning close quarter stuff can be a bit tricky if your not used to it especially going astern.
If you are looking at use for UK (and I am sure you have already) look at Fairline Targa's, Princess V series, Hunton, certain models of Sunseeeker, Sealine if space and price are a consideration, Atlantis, Sessa, Cranchi offer a bit of glamour yet are still good UK boats.
If its Med use then a whole raft of stuff to consider probably too many to mention here but the Baia would be up there and they seem to hold their value well.
One thing to consider is the drive system you want, it is now possible to get 40'+ boats on outdrives which means a big saving in fuel consumption, secondly you can get the same interior space in a 42' outdrive boat as in a 46' shaft drive so initial purchase price would be cheaper on out drives. The down side is some people feel they are a bit twitchy at high speed (although I have never it to be so) and they don't give that planted feel in the water, just as sea worthy and in some cases better but again you have to think about what you want, the more fun sporty drive of outdrives or the planted and more solid feel of shafts.
tcm
...
Not had one. There are some stories of problems here and there but plenty of older ones still belt around so i dunno if they are any better made than others.
I believe you will need to be fine with less shade than on (say) a brit boat like a fairline. Also less scope for wandering to/from foredeck makes it less attractive proposition for family boating - more of an italain swish machine for a crew to take you up the coast for lunch ashore and back in the afternoon. Which is fine of course.
Is there a reason that you need the super speed? I mean - are you aware that you'll hardly be able to do a thing at 40knots+ such as have much of a conversation or a drink or read anything? You just hang on, altho the helm grins of course. 20 or 30knot boats sound slow but over 18-20 knots a newspaper or towel on foredeck will disappear. Not sure if bahia bother much with foredec cushions tho cos they'd get ripped off in the wind as well....
I believe you will need to be fine with less shade than on (say) a brit boat like a fairline. Also less scope for wandering to/from foredeck makes it less attractive proposition for family boating - more of an italain swish machine for a crew to take you up the coast for lunch ashore and back in the afternoon. Which is fine of course.
Is there a reason that you need the super speed? I mean - are you aware that you'll hardly be able to do a thing at 40knots+ such as have much of a conversation or a drink or read anything? You just hang on, altho the helm grins of course. 20 or 30knot boats sound slow but over 18-20 knots a newspaper or towel on foredeck will disappear. Not sure if bahia bother much with foredec cushions tho cos they'd get ripped off in the wind as well....
captainalex
Well-Known Member
Re: tcm 40knots too fast
I think one of the biggest advantages of having a boat capable of 50 knots is that the boat can cruise comfortably at 35-40knots. There are plenty of chances in the med to open the throttles up. I think visibility from the helm is an issue on the Flash but i think they rectified this in later models, and of course the hazards of the foredeck as tcm mentioned. You certainly have to experience surface drives before making a decision.
I think one of the biggest advantages of having a boat capable of 50 knots is that the boat can cruise comfortably at 35-40knots. There are plenty of chances in the med to open the throttles up. I think visibility from the helm is an issue on the Flash but i think they rectified this in later models, and of course the hazards of the foredeck as tcm mentioned. You certainly have to experience surface drives before making a decision.
Nautical
Well-Known Member
Totally agree, it is more of a med dash about boat and if that is what appeals, hunky dory. Not sure what is required here so just offer my thoughts, if its speed and trills top boat for the job, if its cruising and loafing about a more conservative boat would appeal.
The speed thing I agree with, having said that I bought a 50+ knt thing on a whim end of last season just cus we only go out to Italy for a couple days at a time so we just want some fun, lash in and out and not to bothered about cruising or accomodation, if we want that we have access to a 45' twin cabin twin en-suite sports cruiser that does the cruisey thing really well but we might only do that twice a year.
Have to say though the grin factor when you put pedal to metal at 30knts and leave everything trailing in your wake is awesome, yes I know cheap thrills and all that and everyone is hanging on for dear life but as I am paying the bills I reckon I get to be a bit selfish, flash, a tear away or 'look at that idiot' whatever! I am having the time of me life, maybe that's a bit Clarkson'y but its hellish fun if a bit enviromentally unfriendly.
Each to his own I suppose, the baia is reasonably well built but as you say some issues but no more than anything else around.
The speed thing I agree with, having said that I bought a 50+ knt thing on a whim end of last season just cus we only go out to Italy for a couple days at a time so we just want some fun, lash in and out and not to bothered about cruising or accomodation, if we want that we have access to a 45' twin cabin twin en-suite sports cruiser that does the cruisey thing really well but we might only do that twice a year.
Have to say though the grin factor when you put pedal to metal at 30knts and leave everything trailing in your wake is awesome, yes I know cheap thrills and all that and everyone is hanging on for dear life but as I am paying the bills I reckon I get to be a bit selfish, flash, a tear away or 'look at that idiot' whatever! I am having the time of me life, maybe that's a bit Clarkson'y but its hellish fun if a bit enviromentally unfriendly.
Each to his own I suppose, the baia is reasonably well built but as you say some issues but no more than anything else around.
tcm
...
yep
I spose i wd want the stern area especially to be in good condition: stern-to mooring, most supplied with blue hulls that don't reflect heat so well, together with a big swim platform must mean this has to be nice and sorted, imho.
I spose i wd want the stern area especially to be in good condition: stern-to mooring, most supplied with blue hulls that don't reflect heat so well, together with a big swim platform must mean this has to be nice and sorted, imho.
mrecolorado
New Member
Thanks to all who have provided thoughts/opinions/info, its much appreciated. It will primarily be used around south FL and the Bahamas...day trip type stuff.
Some of you mentioned reports of isolated problems, could you elaborate?
Thanks again!
Some of you mentioned reports of isolated problems, could you elaborate?
Thanks again!
EME
Well-Known Member
There are a few stories about poor build quality on the early 48. The issue was around the saloon flooring and how it was connected to the hull. I know zilch more than that . I was (allegedly) interested in one once and a broker told me the story.
If you are going to buy from new that is not of course a problem but some of the 'indivualistic' saloon styling on some might leave something to be desired.
Its layout makes it very much a Med boat and hiding from the heat of the midday sun is very much a downstairs job ( although I'm sure some bespoke biminis would do the trick.
Didn't realise they were still making the 48
If you are going to buy from new that is not of course a problem but some of the 'indivualistic' saloon styling on some might leave something to be desired.
Its layout makes it very much a Med boat and hiding from the heat of the midday sun is very much a downstairs job ( although I'm sure some bespoke biminis would do the trick.
Didn't realise they were still making the 48
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