Difference between a 38 Flat Deck and a 38 Top Gun
 

I'm wondering what the difference is between the 38 Flat Deck and the 38 TG? Specifically, the name change would imply that that TG has a new deck - I'm assuming that it is raised over the deck that is on a flat deck. How much additional headroom are we talking about? 2 inches? 6 inches? Are there any other interior differences? Does the flat deck have an enclosed head?

Also, I've heard that on a flat deck, the V runs all the way to the transom, and the TG has a notch. Does this mean that a TG has a higher X-dimension? Any other differences in the bottom between these two models?

I'm starting a search for an older Cig (the only kind I will be able to afford) and the Admiral has some requirements for the interior. Personally, I'm looking for a big, heavy, wave crushing boat. Our home waters tend to look like a washing machine most weekends, and I'm tired of getting beat up by cruiser wakes and whatnot. Speedwise, if I can see mid-60's to mid-70's, I'd be happy - there's always someone faster, and I don't have the budget to be breaking the boat all the time. I figure 70 mph is a good reliable speed.

Thanks for any help!

The Top Gun has a different cap than the 38 Hawk/flat deck. The 38 Hawk/flat deck had a much sharper angle to the fairing. The Gun has a different dash and cabin and is much more sleek than it's predecessor.


Here's the old dash.

Top Gun dash

old cabin

new

The Top Gun does have the notch and higher "X" Dimension. You will get your money back out of a Gun much quicker than a Flat Deck.

The early Top Gun did not have the notch.

The notch was added to the Top Gun in 1989

A notched top gun will run about 4-5 mph faster over a non notch transom with equal power.

The flat deck has more cabin room, due to the fact that there is no enclosed bathroom, the top gun is lighter and the deck has the flush hatches, of course the flat deck has the old style dash.

Looks like a flat deck is out then - Mama ain't gonna let me buy a 38' boat with no enclosed head. Maybe an early Gun then....

That being said, the rumor mill says that early Guns with Bravos tend to propoise, since the hull was originally balanced with the engines forward a foot or two to accomodate TRS or SSM drives + trannies. True? If so, was it corrected and in what year?

Always nice to get a bit of Cig education...

I had a 92 Top Gun with the TRS setup. It rode great. It needed the tabs around 2-3 for normal cruising. A friend of mine has a 95 Gun with Bravo's and 500's. It rides decent. He still needs a little tab to stabilize it fully. It is SLOOOW though. 62-65 mph. It really depends on what power you end up with. The ones with bigger power seem to ride better.

Mike you sell the Jag? you gettn serious? MaddHatters Dad has a BAAAD Older Cig that he might sell.

Don,

The Mrs just started a new job today, and I've had two solid interviews this week; one of which I expect may lead to something in the next month or so. If that happens, we can start getting serious toward fall or winter - better time to be a buyer. If I can't sell the Jag, I'll trade it in and see what they'll give me. As long as it doesnt' cost me too much, I'd be willing to take a hit to get rid of it.

If the stars align, we'll be in our own boat at SOTW next year!

When did they start production of the Top Gun?

I know the topgun was in full production in 1988. I think there may have been a few 1987 models built also, but not positive.

In 1986 and 1987 they made both the Flat deck and the top gun. Although in 1986 there were only one or two top guns made. As far as I know 1987 was also the last year of the '38 flat deck race boat (37.6X) it was made for John Rebhan and was the first Ohio Steel.

Biggus, I have to disagree with you on the notch being added in 1989. My buddy bought Lethal Weapon, an '87 Top Gun, new and it had a notch from the factory. (This is the boat on Doller Marine's brochure.) The '86 top guns did not have a notch.

O.C. Barry

You are correct. A friend of mine now owns Lethal Weapon (he frequents the board by that name) and it is notched. It has been in South Carolina for awhile now completely redone.

trying to post a pic.....not sure if this will work

If you are ever in Doller Marine, there are two large pictures of us flying the boat off Key Biscayne. Only problem with the photo is that standing next to me is my ex-fiancee! :-)

It's a great boat, I was on it's maiden voyage. I have lots of pictures of it in the original paint scheme. When Bill had Ron Doller totally redo the boat, it acquired it's current paint scheme. (I miss Ron but am sure he's up in the clouds fooling with fast boats!)

Actually I have some video of the boat too.

I will let Howard (the boats owner) know he would probably like to talk to you sometime about some of the boat's history.

He still frequent's Doller a lot. They still do all of the work on the boat for him.

I have seen a lot of Topgun's and it is still my favorite of all of them. Nothing like the classic lines of a topgun with BIG BIG power.

Thanks for the info.

Here is an 85 Flat Deck

85 Flat Deck Dash

I like my 1982 flat deck.

I like my 1982 flat deck.

I do too! Damn nice boat! That is the nicest flat deck I have ever seen. GREAT JOB

Allright cigmike, don't hold out on us. We need pics to prove that it really is a 38 cig flat deck. The boat just looks too good! Very nice job.:cool:

Mike, did you make that windscreen?

Here are some pic's of an 1985 38 foot for sale on ebay.

Original dash?

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!
VERY NICE INDEED!!!!!!!!!:cool: :) :cool:

Hey thanks for the compliments!!. It was a lot of
work. When I bought the boat someone
had taken the windshield out and welded aluminum inserts and painted it all black. It looked like one big tinted windshield. It came apart in three pieces. I used
the frame of the windshield and had a fab shop weld
aluminum to the outside making one big fairing.

Hey thanks for the compliments!!. It was a lot of
work. When I bought the boat someone
had taken the windshield out and welded aluminum inserts and painted it all black. It looked like one big tinted windshield. It came apart in three pieces. I used
the frame of the windshield and had a fab shop weld
aluminum to the outside making one big fairing.

CigMike,
Great job on your flat deck. I think we would all like to see some more pics!

Great job Mike. Do you still own it or did you sell it?

What kind of power do you have in it.

Mark

Thanks! I still have it and enjoy it. Twin 600hp Original
Hawk 427 tall deck bored and stroked too 496 rebuilt with Merlin heads, roller cam and 1050 Dominator carbs. Trs drives and full hydraulic steering. 50 MPH @ 4000 rpm's and 71+ MPH WOT on GPS. Not the fastest
but its paid for and rides great. I will get some more pic's next time I am out.

Mike

Whoa wait a minute! I think that same boat is around here. Its now called "smokin"

Dyno- My dad's boat will always be the baddest flatdeck ever in my mind. He doesn't go half a$$ on anything, he's got that boat finally just the way he likes it. That boat is in the same condition now as it was when it was brad new. If not better. I helped him get it that way. I'll post pics if I have to.

Mad Hatter, I still own the one posted. There is one like that in Holland from what I was told. I believe the one in Holland had a silver Fairing and the Lettering accross the sides. Cigarette Racing Team and the #1

I was in South Haven with Mine last weekend

Mark

Now that you mention it you're right it does say that on the side. I was going to go down to Sth Haven that weekend but got sidetracked. Let me know when you guys are gooing to make another trip out here. My dad and I always like to look at other cigs.

Mr Cig, any idea what your plans are for next weekend?