motoboy

Can I get some thoughts or opinions from the board on these 2 boats. They both seem to go towards comfort over top speed which is ok with me. Just wanted to get some opinions....

I'd want to trailer the boat, so I assume I'd need a 1 ton truck to do that on both?


thanks
mb.

JaayTeee

A 342 is basically the same size as a 33 O/L

I pull my 33 with a 2500 HD 6.0 no problem

A friend of mine had a 38 special, I hooked on to it
with my truck, pulled it only for a few miles, it manhandled it.

He Pulled it with a DuraMax Dually, and it pulled it like a dream.

baja pete

I have a 342, a friend of mine (that I boat with a lot) has a 38 special. They are both great boats with lots of room. They both work great for spending weekend on, the 38 has extra headroom and length in the cuddy, but that is icing on the cake as they both have great cuddies.

For all around boating and tailoring to other places I like the 342. The 342 does just fine behind a ¾ ton.

specialk

how fast is your 342 and what size motors? interested in every day speed and also best you have gotten.
thanks

Keith Atlanta

The 342 with Mag HO's will do about 70-72 depending if you have a generator and how much fuel. One of the nicest in my opinion is the 342 with 500's - they ran in the high upper 70's. They are pretty close to a 33 Outlaw depending on layout for example, I have the U shaped seats in the back and we love them.

motoboy

thanks for the replies. I should have clarified that for comparison purposes both would have U shaped seating and 502 or 496HO's.

The fact I'd need a 1 Ton to pull the 38 probably puts me in a 34 anyways.


mb.

boatman22

I have a 38 Special that I need to sell....

http://bajaboatowners.com/classified...27-and-up.html

Baja_342

I pull with a 2000 F350 V10 gasser DRW. It does fine, but I wouldn't mind the torgue of a diesel. Don't tow that much and didn't want to shell out the $$$ for diesel.

I really like the 342. Very well laid out and predictable handling. They can be had for a great price too. Kids love the cabin room. I love the huge sunpad and bilge room. I have 502s and see an honest 69-70. Loaded with genset, AC and all the goodies.

I've tied up to a 38 and crawled around on them. Very nice with a ton of room. A little too big for me for where I have to get in and out of for storage.

nomomoney

I had a 2000 38 Special with 502's. It was loaded up with Gen and the u shaped seating. Best speed was 66 with 2 people and half a tank of fuel. I really enjoyed the boat with all of its room in the cabin and cockpit. I pulled mine with a 2006 F-250 4x4. I put air bags on it and it pulled and stopped very well. You should look at Boatman's boat referenced above. I have been on it and it is amazingly well kept and taken care of. I would buy it if I was in the 38 special market that for sure.