Tomorrow the wife and I are looking at a 38 Express Cruiser with Yanmars to do the Great Loop starting in Summer 2006. Can you give me any like or dislikes? don't hold back. What options would you add to do extended cruising?

Where do you live? Do your boating? The boat runs much better with 496 Mag HO Bravo III configuration. Fuel consumption is close according to fountain like 9 gallons per hour per engine diesel, and 10 to 12 gallons per hour gasoline.

- Vinnie

and with diesel costing more these days, and if on a trip who knows how to fix a diesel ? not saying some one can't but I would bet if a problem came up with either the gas engine would be running first.

I think you need to go with Diesels. The Yanmar package is great. If you get it with the 315's and Bravo's, You'll never have a problem with them.
I also know of a new/used 38 with the 440 Yanmars and Arneson Surface Drives. Boat runs great. But....Fountain are getting ready to put the new hull in production!! With Diesels it will be nice!!!!

the wife and I looked at a red one when we were at the factory last month. It had twin deisal and was a 2006. Really nice cabin and the way they do the anchor made in to the front of the hull that really looks good. I did not like the fact that it had very low free board. It did have drop out bolseter but when I stood up there was no free board.Nice boat overall.

Terry

Also....is diesel readily available where you boat.....???

the 38 is a great boat...the value is increadable. I love the yannmar deisels!! However, for the cost the 496 setup is hard to beat. If your planning on keeping the boat for a long time and you put many hours on then the deisels would be a good chioce. I have been in both and if you like the GO-FAST feel of a sport boat then go with the 496. Either way your getting a great boat...good luck

well what will it be , GAS or Diesel

My dream boat. I monitor this site often just to read about the 38 Express Cruiser.

desel. yanmar rec overhaul is 10,000 hr/ how maney times are you going to rebuild those gaser , i thank taboo can tell us more , bill knows . as for bravos 3. they slow it down alot the max is about 58 mph ,go with the #1 AND RUN OVER 70 WITH GASSER , 440 and surfac's drives are the fastest ,