42 Lightning does qualify for the 38 fooot class because of the beak and platform. I would also say a 38 Top Gun for sure.

Older 38 Magnum with shaft drives

Sutphen 34 or 39 and use the extra money for motor upgrades.

26 degree deadrise and a fast hull with classic lines.

2001 or 2002 Top Gun TS

will ride the best and just shy of your 85 mph at around 83 with 500 efis and should be avail at 110k no trailer plus shipping

phil lipschultz has a nice 35 playboy TS

The problem with most of the Cigarettes I've seen over the past many years is they have lots of things in the cockpit that will bruise passengers when running in a seaway: those billet handles look nice in a boat show, but don't feel nice when you get thrown against them.

Simple is better, as rough seas at speed will causes most things to break loose and/or simply break. Windshields, TV, refrigerator, head, pressure water pumps, generators, air conditioning, ... That stuff won't stand up.

Staggered engines or you really want a much fatter wallet: any of a thousand maintenance items is $$$ unless its staggered. So skip the 38 cigs for the 39s.

So a 39 cig without all that silly S&M billet bling, or a simple 42 fountain would be great.

A 38 or 42 Fountain hands down will ride the best in 4's...anyone says different has not rode in one.

A real four foot average (3-7' waves) all the time is going to beat the crap out of any brand boat and eat Bravo drives like no one's business.

At $100K, you are going to have to sacrafice at least two of the following; age, speed, handling of 4' sees or reliability. If you really intend to boat in that kind of water consistantly, I would not sacrafice handling or reliability. The last thing you want to do is break down or worse, so you are going to have to either spend more or settle for an older / slower boat.

If it was me, I would try to get the longest boat possible, non-stepped, naturally aspirated power, with speedmasters, a covergirl type cabin for reduced weight and less cabin breakage.

You would be better off coughing up a few more bucks and spring for a 41 Apache or a 42 Tiger.

What he said...

To get a 38 foot Fountain you should look at a 42 Fountain. :D

38 Top Gun , No step

What's wrong with the in some eyes fugly FB design Sunseeker built XS2000 that is indigenous of your shores, they have been companied with great success in 4' seas and no doubt easier to come across than a 42 Fountain
http://features.boats.com/boat-conte...-records-5187/

and currently UK's team 25 led the CTC in his XS2000 until a breakdown forced retirement
http://www.team25racing.com/team%20news.html