Ok need some imput. Looking at a 99 35 Lightning w/ single step and twin 500hp's and a 2000 38 Lightning with twin step and twin 525sc's. I boat mostly on lakes with an occasional trip to coastal waters. I do participate in poker runs. I currently have a 30' Hallett and its nice but not fast enough. Help me decide.

If the price is about the same the 38 would probably be the bettor choice. I have a 93 35lightning with HP500;s that will run in the low 80's. Not because i own one but i like the lines on the 35 bettor then the 38. The 38 probably has a little more room in the cabin and i would think runs in the high 80's with the 525's. Does either one of them have shore power which is a plus if you are staying overnight anywhere. What i am saying is if the 35 had shore power and the 38 did not that would be a buying perk for me. There are some variables to think about, fuel being one of them. My 35 with the hp500's uses between 65and 70 gallons cruising at 55mph on a Chesapeake Inn run which is just under 100 miles round trip. I would think the 38 would use more fuel then that with the 525's. Some things to think about. I am sure you will probably get a reply from someone with a 38 with that power package. Would be curious to see what you're choice is. (good luck)Sam

38

The best thing for me about the 38 is the fact that everyone has a 35 or a 42, 38s are semi rare. Just a little more room everywhere, but the 3 ft seems like a lot more than 3. Just as the the 42 seems like it is a lot more than 4 ft.

I think those boats will run near the same exact speed, 79-81 mph

I climbed inside both. The 38 had more headroom and seating in the cabin. The head had a sink. The 35 was about 3-4 m.p.h. faster with equal 525 motors. The 35 had a vacuflush head and a fridge where they were optional on the 38. As mentioned above options could sway a person either way. The weight was only about 4-500# difference so no big difference towing. Either would be nice IMO.

Bigger is better. At least in Texas

You didn't mention if the 38 was staggered, if so, that will make a huge difference in the ride and speed. 525sc's will be a little more costly to maintain.

A 2000 38 is side by side unless someone changed it.

That 3ft is a huge difference everywhere!!!

38 for sure

42....lol