38' Sport Cruiser ?
 

I came across a deal on a 38' SC that I cant pass up. The only issue is it is a 1991 :eek:. When did they start making them and what are some changes they have made? It has staggered engines and I noticed the newer ones do not, why is that? I also was talking with a friend and he said the hull is not stepped on the 91's, is that true?

Newer ones have an aft cabin area which would not allow for the staggered set up. They are entirely different boats from the current EC's, not necessarily a bad thing, just different.

When did they do away with the staggered engines? Every other year I have seen has side by side setups, even 1992's. Was there a problem with staggered?

Is this boat in VA? A local guy has an older staggered 38 for sale from that era. Don't know much about the boat but can tell you that seller is a straight up character. Good Luck

It is. Just spoke to him and it sounds like he is going to keep it now. What do you mean he is a character? I kind of got the feeling he was after talking to him a couple times. Either way I am still curious about them as I really like them.

straight up character, meaning he's an honest guy.......and tell him he needs to sell it and get a little water rocket like the rest of the guys on the "Chick"!! :)

I have a 47 sport cruiser (97) and it is a great boat. The 38 is a trailable boat but much smaller inside than the new 38 EC. The boat is more like a 38 lightning with a taller deck so you can stand up in the cabin. The hulls and engine configurations on both the 47 and 38 Sport Cruisers followed the lightnings (i.e. small steps in 95-96, larger steps in 97, 3rd generation steps thereafter). Far fewer staggered engine configurations were made in the 38 model because room in the cockpit was more of a focus than speed. All 47's were triples. They were both introduced in '91 and phased out and replaced with the Express Cruisers (completely different boats) in 2002-2003.

Have you seen the boat? I have only seen pictures at this point but it doesnt look too bad. A little updating and it will be a nice boat I think. If I am able to work something out are you willing to go check it out for me for a price?

Sounds as though you are very up on the SC's. Is it a good idea to stay away from the 91's? How much does the step help with performance? I do like speed but would give some up for the added cabin space.

the boat is an hour away from me and the owner lives 2 hours away from where the boat is.......my family has a house on the water near his and we occasionally end up in the same area at the same time. I was on the boat last summer and it was as you describe, good shape but could use a little updating. Whatever Dean tells you, you can count on it being accurate.
With that being said, I would look it over if I can coordinate schedules with the seller for nothing more than a thank you. I do have a P.R in 2 weeks so I'm not sure when I will be down there again. I seem to remember being able to stand up just in the entrance to the cabin then it getting lower moving forward (I'm 6 ft). Deep cockpit, it is an old lightning hull with a raised top deck.

The 38 SC is a nice combo of comfort and performance1991-2003.Its a Fountain with dimensions like a Sonic. Many SCs have generators and AC. My 97 has back to back bolster seats plus a rear bench for extra seating which is not found before 97 . The cabin is bumped out/no gunnels to create more interior room.The new EC model is not as performance oriented with wider beam and tall railings but nicer interior accomodations and a much bigger price tag.

I talked with Dean tonight and it sounds like he is still selling it but would not be able to show it for a couple weeks. If you were able to look at it for me that would be fantastic. I will be in contact with you if thats OK whenever he gets back to me.

Thanks

I would not stay away from the 91 for several reasons: 1) The boat has already seen most of its depreciation, so you should be able to get it at a relatively low price. 2)At the speeds these usually run (60's-70's) the steps don't make a big difference. 3) With this age boat, maintenance throughout its life is going to be the biggest issue and it sounds like this one has been well maintained; however, this is VERY important because it will be painful puring money into an older boat if you have been mislead on its condition (especially mechanical).

As stated, the small steps started in 95. From what I read, having the non-step gives it a little safer ride, more predictable handling. Also, an average of around 2-3 MPH faster with the steps.

I have a 92, loaded out with everything they could come with (and more). Would be willing to entertain an offer, overall condition is GOOD, standard bruises and small scrapes associated with the age.

Plus, like someone already stated, these boats listed for around $187,000 back in the day. At a literal fraction of that today, they are a good way to get into a wave crusher that can still cruise in the 40's and provide some comfort when you get where you are going.

When did they start offering the walk-thru transom on the 38? Was it 2002?

Same year they stopped making the SC and started producing the EC.

If it has a walk through, it is a totally different boat than the "Sport" Cruisers.