Great boat. I have owned 11 years now. and have paddled many others. I had 9 boats at one time and this was the boat I always took out for overnite trips and weeklong trips. this became my boat of choice when paddling to south bass island on lake erie for overnite stays. it does everything well.
I have never had a single issue with bad leaks or problems with the internal rudder system. This boat tracks easy when loaded. and carries heavy loads with ease. When packed right. a weeklong trip is about the max. unless you have a resupply point along the way. This boat looks as good as the first day I brought it home. But I cannot say the same for the bottom. it has a lot of wear.
I liked this boat so well when first bought I purchased another one 2 months later. Please remember this is a small framed person kayak with a load limit of 265lbs. I am 5'9" 168lbs and this boat fits like a glove. and foot room is best without shoes. If you have a chance to own this boat. Don't pass it up.
GOOD: I've been having a great time with my Baja on lakes and rivers. It has good speed and stability and the integral rudder is slick and turns well. The low profile allows me to ignore the wind and the compartments are of good size. I've heard some say that it's cramped, but I'm 6' 195# and find it comfortable and roomy.
BAD: The only reason I don't give it a 10 is the weight. It is hard to manage alone out of the water, but it's durable so you decide.
UGLY: n/a
Fun boat - worth more then I paid.
I owned a Baja in 2002-3, enjoyed it and moved up to longer lighter boats--I paddled it again in Feb 2006. I liked the boat B4 selling it and still like it 1. It tracks well and has decent speed for its length. 2. It has good primary & secondary stability 3. It has a nice low cockpit for easy Eskimo rolling. 4. It turns quickly with the rudder and even faster leaned. 5. The plastic construction gives you an "I don't care what I go over" attitude.
But 1. the rudder won't maintain itself--it requires some kind of lube. Also, one of the rudder fittings did snag my pants. 2. it's plastic construction makes it heavy & difficult for lone paddlers to cartop. 3. The seatback can fold forward and impede rescues.
Because it's most important qualities make it a great paddle, I give it a 9.