Any fast small step 38' Lightnings? 105-110+???
 

I've been doing a lot of searching, and going back and forth... but I'm fairly tired of my boat and looking to either move on or re-power. I have my heart set on a number 6 staggered boat, OL, newer Fountain, etc., but with financing as screwy as it still remains, and me having a trade, I'm considering building power for mine. My main qualms lie in whether I'm throwing money at a hull (Bravo boat albeit) that is just inefficient? My boat runs barely 80 if that with 500EFIs and shorties.... while my buddies 2008 525 boat runs 90 easily. I had looked years ago at a similar 2000 38' Lightning as mine with Whipple 500EFIs (700HP a side) and it barely broke 90... so that to me is a bit discouraging. Are there any of these boats out there running clear of a 100-105? What power? Input welcome.

I have a 2000 38 lighting with 500 efi that I upgraded the top end over this past summer. I had Orlandi Performance do the work it turned out awesome boat will do just a little over 90 mph, they where dynoed with 640 a side with a stock bottom end. I love the set up but I also want more but don't know if it is worth to put more money in the boat or find something new. Thanks

My 2005 38 is semi-staggered with stock 525 EFI's, stock Bravo XR drives with 1.5 gears turning stock 32P bravo one props. I've seen 90 once with the right conditions, 1/4 tanks and only myself on board. I can consistently achieve 86-88 with more fuel and one other person. I would have to believe with 700's on this boat, I'd be able to break 100.

to get over 100 I would think you would be talking about some big stuff and some big money

HyFive: Your's is a big step boat though isn't it?

I'm just looking for real world, someone with say 800-900 HP a side, dialed in what does it run.

I had a 1997 38' Fever with two small steps. 850hp on Bravos XRs and standard lowers. Boat ran 100mph everyday on stock Bravo 1s. I think there was a lot left on the table with X-dimension and prop tweaking.

I have been in convo w you before. I have a 2000 w 575's. It's a hundred mph boat. It makes about 700 per side. You need to whipple your 500's to make 700 or so hp. Raise your drives ( redo the transom and motor mounts) Blue print the bottom and be careful w your drives baby them up to speed. I see 102 in my future. you could get 105 if you had 750 hp per side

Yes, it is. My post probably wasn't that helpful but I thought I'd add it because you said you were looking at making a change and thought you might want feedback on what later model 38's run. Good luck!!

As long as we are on the subject. does anyone know who bought that 38 w the early 6 drives , killer sound sytem and big blower motors that was in the clasiffieds last year or earlier this year. It claimed 120 plus. Killer set up

Oh I definitely didn't mean to come off that way. It is helpful... because a big part of me hates throwing big power at something when I know there is something much more efficient available.