682gold

iTrader: (3)

I am considering moving from my 2000 Fountain 38 Lightning to a 38 ZX or ZR. Looking for info on the ZX right now. I have seen a few that claim to run high 90's to low 100's with 575sci's. Is this accurate? Seems like it is a lot heavier boat than my 38 and almost as heavy as a 42 fountain if not heavier. Does the 38 zx match up to a 42 Fountian better than my 38? I really like the extras on the ZX. AC, gen etc. I am selling/trading my 38 lighting for a boat that runs mid 90's or better.

Marginmn

iTrader: (1)

I don't know that I've ever seen a ZR with 575's. The 575's had been replaced by the 600's by the time the ZR's were on the market. A handful of ZRC's were made with the 575 combo and the best I''ve heard of heard of them running with stock 575's is around 95ish. The ZX's wont run anywhere near as fast as a ZR with the same power, much less a ZRC which is quite a bit faster than both. Whomever is telling you upper 90's with stock 575s for 38 ZX is full of it. I'd say mid 80's at best and even that would be idea conditions. Those boats are much beefier and have a lot more headroom than a 42 Fountain. They are more of a no-frills sport-cruiser than a real performance boat. The 38 ZR's are very comparable to a 42 Fountain on fit and finish and similar in performance with the same power.

Titan907

Most of the 38 zx's I have looked at run 70ish with 500 efi power. I did see one with a pair of 900's and B Max drives that is claiming to run 90.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

The ZX and the ZR are almost incomparable. The ZX is a MASSIVE boat, over 9' wide, and huge cabin due to a very tall freeboard. I would compare it to a 38 PowerPlay before anything else; almost as if Black Thunder made a 38 foot boat.

The ZR is more of a hot rod, and while it does have a usable cabin, it's not like the ZX by any means. It has a relativity flat deck, and you can definitely notice this IRT lack of cabin height.
This boat will get you to mid-90s much easier, but you won't have the creature comforts of the larger ZX.

I am not an expert on ZX performance, but it's going to take amount of power to get that boat to the mid-90s, and you are pushing so much weight that you will have shorter longevity of Bravo drives.

4bus

iTrader: (4)

You need to find a 38 ZX and see it in person, absolutely huge boat. Think Baja 38 special, Black thunder, like was said....a performance cruiser. Speed with 575scis stock, my guess is mid to high 70's, maybe a few clicks more.

A 38 zr is the sixe of what you have now, only get this.....less head room in cabin. They are slightly wider in the cockpit however. The 43 zr also has less head room than your 38 fountain. The 38 zr is the same size as a 38 lightning, not a 42 lightning. 38 ft LOA is 38 ft LOA. The 43 zr is comparable to a 42 fountain, the 42 fountain also has more head room 2000+

I still think you are the most indecisive person on oso If you want a weekend comforts, in a similar price range look here-

358 Sonic
33 ZX
38ZX
386 Sonic
38 Baja special


If you raise your price range you can go fast and and have a big cabin for weekends

37 AT stepped
37 Outerlimits
39 Outerlimits
42 Outerlimits
43 Nortech

682gold

iTrader: (3)

I do tend to exhaust all options before I make a decision.

glassdave

iTrader: (1)

i had a 99 38 ZX that ran an honest 82 w/525SC's when new. It is a huge boat, very wide and lots of freeboard. They are fast hulls but it is at the sake of ride quality. Big pad bottom, props spin in, variable deadrise and nine plus feet wide make it fast but when compared to thoroughbred hulls like 38 TopGuns and the like you will not keep up with them in the rough stuff. Its a fantastic boat though, great quality, good performance, one of the best looking boats ever, etc but it is a gentlemans speed boat and requires a different approach. The best package is EFI's with XR's, nice trouble free high 70's no prob. I think when you start throwing big power in they really take a lot to get them going. Its the kind of boat to be enjoyed for what it is . . . . you wont be sorry if ya get one thats for sure

Wilks

2001 38zx Daytona. 575sci (stock), 31p Bravo 1 lab, mid 80's day, slight chop, 100 gal fuel, two people = 82mph

Thanks BBlades

Boat has A/C, Gen, Vacu Flush, Hot water, Micro, Ice Chest, elec bolsters, elec footrest, LCD TV.

Think Escalade ESV

As far as ride, everyone that rides with me on Lake Ozarks thinks it rides great. Normally cruise 50-55 in LOTO slop with no tabs and neutral drive. Just run across it all.

I'm sure a 38 TG will be better do to being a little longer running surface and narrower. Everything is a trade off.

Titan907

Is the boat you are actually talking about a 2002 38 zx daytona, listed on boat trader? If it is, those 575s are supposedly built up to 800s. Still a stretch to think it would run 100, but 90s seems possible.

682gold

iTrader: (3)

Yes...That is what I am thinking. Seems like a lot of stress on the 575's to get that sucker moving that fast. These are all great answers and I appreciate them. I do love my 38 but want one faster. Looking at this and a semi stagger 38 Lightning.