2005 Baja 242 Islander

Slide into the 242 Islander and you immediately feel why Baja earned its performance pedigree. The helm is laid out for real driving—deep, supportive bucket seats with bolsters, throttles right where your hand falls, and clear sightlines over the bow when you’re on plane. The open bow is wide and secure, with high backrests that keep guests comfortable when you’re running fast through afternoon chop. Aft, the extended sun pad and easy water access make it a natural base for swimming and tow sports, while the deep-V grips and tracks in turns instead of slapping. It’s the kind of boat that feels sporty when you’re alone and still handles a full crew without feeling crowded.

In this region, you need a boat that can handle everything from busy weekend traffic to lumpy afternoon wind waves, and the Baja 242 Islander is built for exactly that. The deep-V hull softens the ride when the breeze kicks up, yet the boat still feels nimble threading through tight channels or no-wake zones. Its open bow and generous cockpit give you plenty of space for friends, coolers, and gear for a full day on the water, while the small cabin offers a dry place to stash bags or duck out of the sun. For mixed cruising, sandbar rafting, and fast runs between favorite hangouts, this model fits the area’s boating style perfectly.