First, I have to start by thanking the forum members for all the help/information/advice so far.

Yesterday I drove a 35 for the first time. She was a 1993 that was in excellent condition (needed only a recovered back seat), with an asking price of 39K and buy able around 35K.

I really liked the boat, I am a paraplegic (legs don't work) and found I could move around the boat well (I could reach the back of the front seats from the back seat to lift myself up into the front seats) and I could see well from a seated position ~ both were unknowns until I was able to "try on" the boat.

So now that I know that the fountain "fits" me its full speed ahead. A lot to think about though, and the more questions answered the more that develop.

1/ To step or not to step. I liked the boat I tested (and the owner) Price seems right for a pre-step boat and if I decide to go with the no step she would probably be the right boat! Prices jump considerably for stepped boats.
From what i have seen so far prices seem to go like this:
Pre 94 (no step) = under 40K
'95-'97 (small step) = 55K and up
'98-2000(big step) = 60K and up
2000- (twin step) = 65K and up
Is the price jump worth it? Will I feel like I should have stepped up (pun intended) down the road? I can afford anything off this list but of coarse would like to spend as little as possible (more money for gas and using the boat).
Also, the more I spend on the boat the more chance i will sell my 1969 428 Mach 1, not out of need to raise the money but from guilt of too many toys (don't cry for me, Ill still have my 1966 fastback mustang).

2/ 35 or 38. I liked the 35, could move around the cockpit well, the 38 seems to have the same size cockpit so I should be able to move around the same. I could see well from a seated position- the dash didn't get any higher in the 38 or later model 35s did it? Not sure how i would get to the bow of the 35 but the 38 has a second hatch forward, could I use that hatch to get to the bow?

Also seems like the 38s got twin steps from 97 on (right???).

Oh yeah - and where does the 36 fever fit in all this???

There is so much info on here about step vs nonstep. Hull decision is going to be a personal choice. My opinion, go step. They keep making step hulls for a reason.

Again my opinion, I like the 38 over the 35 due to the proportions of the cockpit vs the bow length. The 35 has got a cab forward look to me and the 38 has got a more long lean racer look.

I went from 22' to a 32'. Wish I would have gone straight to a 38 or 42. And skipped the baby steps (pun coincidental)!

Steps just add speed and efficiency. There are plenty of nice boats out there without steps, they are just usually a couple mph slower for the same hp.

Speed is very important to some people, less so for others. Only you know how much it is worth to you.

$$$ wise you will probably be ahead to get a non stepped hull and just pay a couple hundred dollars more every year for gas. Also if 70mph is a good top speed for you go with the older hull. If you want to go over 80mph +++ it will be much easier with a newer more efficient hull