Baja 202 Islander

Brief Summary

The 202 is new for 2003 and is Baja’s entry-level model to their Islander line. She’s a versatile platform for watersports and day cruising.

Key Features

• Bucket seats which slide and swivel
• Walkthrough windshield
• Swim Platform
• Ski Tow
• Stereo with CD player
• Full instrumentation with Teleflex Gauges

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	20' 4''
Beam	7' 10''
Dry Weight	3,000 lbs.
Draft	2' 10''
Deadrise/Transom	21 deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	50 gal.
Water Capacity	none

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	4.0 seconds
0 to 30	9.2 seconds
Ratio	N/A
Props	23'' pitch
Load	3 persons, 5/8 fuel, minimal gear
Climate	88 degrees, 82% humidity, 10 knot breeze, 1ft seas

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI
Std. Power	1x 220-hp MerCruiser 5.0L
Opt. Power	1x 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI

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

Tested by Capt. Chris Kelly
The Baja 202 Islander has come into 2003 with a whole new attitude. They’ve added more space in the bow, which takes the style we have become familiar with in the Outlaw 20, as a singles and couples boat, and turned it into a great model for the family as well. This Islander 202 is going to give the most popular of Baja’s smaller boats, the Outlaw 20’, some real competition in the market place, and on the water.
Cockpit
The 202’s cockpit features a full-length bench seat aft of the operator and passenger chairs, which doubles as a storage unit, with a fair amount of room for waterskis and gear. The bench seat cushions are colorful and provide plenty of padding for a comfortable day out on the water. To take full advantage of your fun in the sun Baja has provided a sun pad just aft of the bench seat across the transom.
Helm
The 202’s helm is simple and straightforward. Five chrome-oversized gauges are laid out cleanly on the dash making them clearly visible and easy to read. You’ll appreciate the ease in which you’re able to trim up the boat with the trim control mounted directly on the wheel. Morse provides the anodized aluminum throttle and shift, and to finish off the helm area, Baja has provided an operator’s seat that swivels and slides, allowing you to make the adjustments necessary for a personalized ride.
Bow
The walk-through windshield provides access to the bow where you’ll notice additional space offered by the new 202 Islander as compared to the previous model making this more of a family boat, rather than just a sportboat. Not only is there ample seating in the bow, but beneath the seating is a good amount of storage for life jackets and other necessary gear. No space is wasted on this model. Where most boats have an anchor chain locker in the bow, Baja has made room to store an ice chest for refreshments. A nice touch especially for the crew sitting forward.
Engine and Specs
Upon opening the engine hatch you’ll appreciate the no-nonsense set-up. This engine compartment is nicely laid out to make everything accessible. Oil fill, dipstick, power steering and spark plugs are all within easy reach, making maintenance a breeze.
The 202 Islander has an overall length of 21 feet 11 inches, and a beam of 7 feet 10 inches. With a deadrise of 21 degrees, this deep V allows her to really carve the turns, rather than skidding through them. And with a draft of 3’0" she can easily be brought up to a beach for a picnic.
Performance and Ride
Our test boat was equipped with a single 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI coupled with an Alpha One transmission. She delivered a run for her money with a top speed of 56.8 mph at 4800 rpm, and best cruise of 23 mph turning 2500 rpm. At this speed you can expect to travel 186 miles between fuel stops.
I must say that the 202 Islander is ideal for boaters just getting into the sport, because she’s easy to handle and very maneuverable. And although she’s the smallest in the Islander line she sure made a big impression when it came to her speed and stability out on our test run.