I have heard different answers from people. Just wondering if there is a major difference in rough water between. Been looking at 42's but found a really nice 38 but want everyone opinion before I maek the trip to look at it.

Search in the Fountain section, there was a post about this a few months ago. Scott Shogren had some great comments about how much bigger the 42 was than the 38. Whole 'nother animal.

I looked around before I posted but I will look more thanks for the info!!!!

This is the one I was talking about. Lots of good info. Was surprised about the weight difference between the 38 and 42.

having rigged a few of these animals pretty much it comes down to 2 things. 1- what kinda boating , 2- how much money you have.
many people speak of big water and doin a 100 but realisticly many avid boaters run less than 100 and definaately not big water(5-7 footers on a constant). and then there are those who do and break alot of stuff and are a marinas/ technicians best friend.
the 38 with some punch like say 6-700 hp is a really fun boat. handles well. turns sharp. planes easily. is easier to dock and trailer and per foot to hour cost is , well friendly.
the 42 with enough punch to make it exciting say 700-800 hp is an awesome big water, rough water boat. there is less back pain. more room downstairs, and is just one fast machine for that power and its size. it just takes more money to operate at this level than say both boats with 525's.
if your going 525-600/ bravo id say 38.

either way good luck in your search and have a good season.

having rigged a few of these animals pretty much it comes down to 2 things. 1- what kinda boating , 2- how much money you have.
many people speak of big water and doin a 100 but realisticly many avid boaters run less than 100 and definaately not big water(5-7 footers on a constant). and then there are those who do and break alot of stuff and are a marinas/ technicians best friend.
the 38 with some punch like say 6-700 hp is a really fun boat. handles well. turns sharp. planes easily. is easier to dock and trailer and per foot to hour cost is , well friendly.
the 42 with enough punch to make it exciting say 700-800 hp is an awesome big water, rough water boat. there is less back pain. more room downstairs, and is just one fast machine for that power and its size. it just takes more money to operate at this level than say both boats with 525's.
if your going 525-600/ bravo id say 38.

either way good luck in your search and have a good season.

common sense tells me that bigger boat cost more money, heavier, sucks more fuel, can take bigger water, hold more people.

Smaller boat turns better, cheaper and maybe faster. But I could be wrong.

It all depends on what you want and the money and where you go. I mean for most people I dont know what you would do with a 38-42 to begin with unless your on open water constantly. I mean even If I had the most money in the world for the areas I boat I would probably stay under 40 ft.

Come down to Lake of the Ozarks and boat a Saturday afternoon between the 7mm and 31mm and it's clear what you do with a big Fountain, what ever you want

or Lake Erie on a normal day