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.

You've always been a wealth of knowledge on these boats... I'm just trying to understand why that Teague boat struggled for 90s w/ shorties on it... and yours with similar is light years ahead. I know setup goes a ways but we're talking nearly 10MPH. The boat I'm talking about was for sale here about 3-4 months ago.

700 HP in a late model 38 with small steps that's setup right will run 100mph.

Put stage 3 whipples on your boat. It will make north of 750. That would be about max for a stock bravo drive so you have to baby it up to wot. Have Reggie do it and then have him set up your drive highths etc. He and his Dad's shop did mine .

You just answered your own question. This site is full of true hobbyist, great guys with tons of knowledge about hp, maintenance and repair. However, most of them, including myself are amatures when it comes to set up and hydro dynamics. When is the last time you saw a thread on make the drives true? How about accurate trim and drive alignment to the gauges? Bottom blue printing??? Drive blue printing?

Us amatures add hp, prop work, and work for bullet proof set ups. The pros like RGIII at realfast find speed without adding hp, and sometimes the numbers are staggering (pun intended)


If your boat is clean, stick with it. Unless you are looking for the new interior offerings in the +2007 Models. Me personally I wouldn't make a change from my big step 38 for another unless it had the latest cockpit and cabin interior...and #6 drives. Because those modifications are cost prohibitive IMO.

You have lots of speed to gain. Talk to RGIII about set up and hp. Converting your boat to a semi stag setup may be an option as well. I don't know what the speed difference in a side by side small step to big step is, but I bet it's not as much as you make think...maybe 2-3 mph?

I can tell you adding speed definitely gives new interest to old toy. And of you add boost to that ride, hitting the sticks at 75 mph, hearing those blowers come to life while they pin your back to your seat, will put a smile on your face all summer long. The 38 hull simply feels ballistic at anything above 90mph.

Btw I run a big step 38 side by side, 575sci bumped to 700hp full hyd roller, on bravo xrs with 32 pitch bravo props. My top speed so far with this set up is 98.1 mph at 5700+ rpm. I got a 9mph gain with just hp over stock, I know there is more, but I am extremely happy witn the performance and reliability...however it's a long winter, so anything can change :D

Get a staggered....

Enuf of your mindless ramblings.....post pics of skanks.:whistle:

So anyway. Call Reggie up. You get a boat that is a boat you know about ( the boat you have) you get performance.. No surprises.. Your boat looks like an 08. You dont have to worry about buying something else that will always have a suprise... Also JOIN ME IN THE QUEST TO OUT PERFORM ALL THE NEW DAMN STAGGARD BIG STEP BOATS ~~~ :) ;) It is fun....:) Chad
.

Chad, we welcome the competition. And it is fun! :-)

Get after it Jason that way I know what its gonna take......winter is coming

And still no pics of your chariot ;)

At least I know my pile will smnoke your 03 38 staggerd ..:angry-smiley-044:

Good save on your first pass at the shootout btw. You know when to get out of it :drink: I just wish i couolda been there this year and I'm sorry I missed it.

One more think about my boat's set up.
:champs:

;)

1 more thing... And I am not bragging or showing off. Just a fact here .. I am only carrying a flag for fountain Heritage. I think more people need to wake up and actually see who can make these boats work the best and what boats are the best ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6fVpZTap8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6fVpZTap8

I have "seen" it from a distance, at 3am...but I was also intoxicated. He could have pointed to a pontoon and said that it was his 38 and I would have agreed...

That clears things up :lolhit:

2010 38ft w/stock staggered 700's and 6 drives. 110mph

http://youtu.be/Xux59_AdfF8

Does it look like my boat gets enough stern lift? This is with 30P Maximus 15"

Looks good it will come up when it goes faster. Did you call Reggie yet?;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOCeAIe73Kk

you just need more power and set up. Make it sound like this ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_UzaREGFAs

I'm waiting on the "girls" to show up for the photo shoot. My summer lake skanks have crawled back under their rocks....lol

What's the plan stan ?? Are you building some power or what??

There's a lot of them in the 38 fountain vs 38 cig thread. :lolhit: