A/T or Hustler
 

Thinking of moving up to a 38 and have narrowed it down to either a 37 A/T or 388 Slingshot, mostly lake erie boating but it gets pretty rough out there at times so i am looking for the one that will have the best all around comfort, rough ride capability and handling with a twin 525 set-up. speed in the high 80's to low 90's would be great as well. Which would you recomend for all around performance especially rough water.

drive both if able...then make your own decision. Ive been on both and owned a 03-37 AT. I do prefer the bottom on the 37 better, especially in the ruff stuff, more of an Offshore boat vs a large lake boat. I also liked the deeper cockpit, and the way the boat steered. The Hustler to me looks better, fit and finish was slightly better up to the 05' A.T.'s After 05' the A.T.'s are finished with the same quality or slightly better. The cabins in the A.T.'s are definatly nicer as the years went on, where Hustler hasn't done anything sugnificant to change or update. Thats my personal opinion. Good Luck. Jeff

I would imagine by posting this in the AT forum that you'd get no one telling you the Hustler would be a better boat.

Personally I'd take my 33 AT over a 38 Hustler. But then again, I'm an AT guy.

I've been on several trips with the 37 AT and a 38 hustler (in my own boat, they were part of our traveling group). The 37 AT is a longer boat (no molded swim platform), bigger cabin, MUCH better ride based on riding beside them for hours. I think my 31 Formula handled big water better than the 388 Hustler, but again.....I wasn't riding in the Hustler.

I've been in a few Hustlers. They are great boats. IMHO, the cabins feel very small, tight, and compartmented in THIS comparison. Even a center entry cabin 37AT feels bigger than the 388 Slingshot. A side entry 37AT will be laid out much better than the Hustler.

The 37AT will be able to run faster than the 388 Hustler MORE COMFORTABLY; like powered when side by side in identical rough water. The Hustler will be a faster boat tick for tick on flat water "speed trial" type runs. When it really matters (rough water), the AT definitely has an advantage.

The newer model AT's (05-present) are really finished nice. In my opinion much better than any 388 I have seen, and probably in the top three or four v-hull made. As for ride, no comparison…. The 388 is scary at times, it is also flighty at high speeds (over 90mph) and in certain conditions! This is coming from a man who spun out it one going over a cruiser wake at 40mph. I may be a little biased. The AT rides solid but stiff like a sports car. It kind of reminds me of my SL500, meaning it feels heavy and solid but quick. It takes any water you can throw at it, literally. It will never fly on you and it flys level. Speed…The new Hustlers run upper 80’s with 525’s. The AT will run mid to upper 80’s. I have seen 90 with Herrings on a really nice day with about 50% fuel. This greatly depends on set up (Full cabin vs. lighter cabin which means fewer amenities and less weight). My boat is heavy, roughly 10,250lbs.

No matter my opinion, call David Barbee at Elton Porter Insurance. He is the only person I know who has owned both the 388 Slingshot and the 37 AT AVH. He can be reached at (W) 713-314-3403, (M) 281-772-4787. He is also the best marine insurance broker I know.

I'm actually in the same boat as you are. Lake Erie boater and needing somethign to upgrade bigger to that will handle the nasty washer machine effect lake erie.

Ok, what's with all the PQ guys?

Macklin, help me out here!

Ive owned one of those also, PQ..especially the 99-2001 38's....and while your at it...throw in a 2000 single step Top Gun..scariest unstable boat Ive ever owned. PERIOD....

i'm like you, looking at a few Hustlers, seen both side by side and to me there is no comparision! :eek: :D:
:hitfan:















gotta stir the sh!$ a little :drink:

37 a/t hands down, based of my 32 a/t thet are a awsome rough water boat with a deep cockpit and show very big for the size and great hull for speed and rough stuff.

The Slingshot I rode in was very un-nerving!!
Was scary in SMALL water ..not with me in BIG water!!
Oh Oh!!.. I forgot..NO FREEBOARD!!!

lol

I'm sure it was not the boat but the driver.....:D

You must know the deal, then.

BTW nice avatar! Who is she???

AT or Hustler
 

I have run several AT's in the past three or four years the latest on being the 37/700 featured in PRA magazine for September.
Take a look at the article or email me for a copy it says it all.
The boat is one of the few sport/performance rigs that you can buy today that will give you creature comfort,good looks,and a competitivly fast and safe ride.
You get it all and its Custom.....order what you want right down to the last nut and bolt.
[email protected]

I have run several AT's in the past three years mostly at Poker Runs,the last boat being a 37/700 which is one of the feature articles in PRA sept 07 magazine.
Read the article ...it says it all.If you can't get a copy email me for one.
The 37 is one of the few sport/performance riggs that you can buy today that offers nice creature comfort in cabion and cockpit,has looks fit and finish,and is competitivly fast especially in blue water giving the owner the best of all combinations.
Best of all you are buying a custom bolt that you can spec out right down to the last nut and bolt so you get what you want.

The boat holds its value and the guy that owns the company is out ion front when you have a problem where can you get that today.
[email protected] aka RACERBOY

Well you guys are pretty much backing up what i have heard and read so far about the A/T, by biggest selling point will be the rough water ride, lake erie can get to be a real mess in a hurry. I would love to see the article if you can post a link that would be great, and thanks for all the support on the boats. I will probably put mine up for sale in the spring and start to plan out my new one or if i find one a cpl years old with the side entry cabin and good amenities that would work as well.

LMFAO! :D

Wish I have ridden in a 388 so I could really make a comparison. All I can say is do an OSO search for this boat. There was a most interesting thread on 388's and their handling characteristics a while back in the GD forum. They are beautiful boats, but after reading that thread it dropped off my radar. I did climb all over a 388 in Miami. The AT is so much more boat for all the reasons mentioned above.

Let Pat take you for a sea trial in the Atlantic off Pampano. You will be placing an order like I did. Guaranteed! :cool-smiley-011:

A buddy here has a 2002 37AT center entry he just cut the price on. (The replacement he wants was cut so he's trying to move this one). It's a sweet boat, clean, great stereo, even indoor kept on a trailer. A number of members here can attest to the condition of the boat.

excursions boat:
http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o18301-en.html

AT hands down. I've rode on neither, but thats the way i'd be going between the 2.
plus there are some interesting comments in this thread.
you barely have to read between the lines.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=170034

I think AT's are amazing thier speed, look, handling, comfort, and combination of things that just make sense. My 32 handles rough water great and the 37's are outstanding the cabins are very comfortable and I stay on mine often. I can not tell you how nice it is to have that walkaround your spouse or whoever you boat with will appreciate it when it comes to throwing an anchor, docking, washing or even just getting on it.

also it is a great community of AT owners and the owner is pretty darn genorous with the credit card in Key West for the races.

My only warning to you is "beware the flying dinner rolls"