I'm considering upgrading from my 99, 35 classic to a 2000 or never 38 fever or lightning . Input from anyone who has made the switch or has experience in both boats would be greatly appreciated.

I love love the way my 35 gets up on plane quickly and still feels like a nimble boat, but I'm not crazy about the way it can get tossed around at full throttle on a real busy weekend on Lake Cumberland. I like to run fast but I want to do it safely; however, I don't want to feel like I'm dragging a BIG moose around the lake.

I'm also thinking about the 38 fever because the cockpit seems to have a lot more space than any of the lightnings. It seems huge compared to my 35.

So has anyone made the switch from a 35 to 38, and were they happy they did it? Regretted it?

I started with a 1994 24 CS equipped with a 454 Mag. (rough ride) next a 32 Fever equipped with 525 SC's (still a rough ride on a busy weekend) next a 1998 35 Lightning equipped with 600 SC's (loved the ride, but the ride could still be on the rough side on a busy weekend, large cruiser wake) I skipped the 38 and went with a 42 equipped with 1200 Cobra's, the boat handles the cruiser wake with very little problems.

I cannot speak from persoal experience but Reggie himself once told me his 38 was in his opinion his best handling all around boat.

To sum up my reply, nothing takes the place of overall length in the rough stuff except good common sense as in your throttling.

Fountaindriver

I had my 35 lightning for ten years before I moved up.
I was told I would get bored with jumpimg up to a 38
footer and should go to the42.
After running a few 38 fevers and lightnings I decided that I would be more satisfied with a 42Lightning.
I purchased a 42 lightning and I'm so glad I did.
I really enjoy running the 42 on Lake Michigan.

Marginmn,
We are looking to move up also. We played with the idea of a 38 but figured it wouldn't be that big a difference. We have our sights set on a 42 in the next few seasons. Not sure if we are going new or used yet.

Dan

Thanks for the replies guys.

If I were running on Lake Mich or in the ocean then it looks like the 42 would be the way to go. But being on lake Cumberland the 42 is a little bit more boat than I want at this point.

So I guess the 38 isn't too big of a boat or you guys wouldn't have moved up from there.

Thanks again.

marginmn,
I also am looking to move up from a 35 to something bigger. I sold my '96 35 about 1 year ago and have been looking around ever since. I boat on Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois where the 35 is just great. Also trailer to LOTO and Holland, Mich on the big lake where a bigger boat would be nice. Have looked at the new staggered 38 and really like the 525 setup. I think the cockpits are the same between the 35 and 38. They seem to have the 38 priced pretty high and for just alittle more you can get a 42. The're also are alot of used 42's at very competitive prices, where you see very few 38's. Have ridden in several 42 and big difference in rides between the 42 and 35, especially in water. Haven't ridden in a 38. I trailer quite abit so would still look at 38 if find one with 525 or bigger at good price. My guess is the 38 would ride between the 35 and 42 with performance numbers closer to the 35, especially if you get a new 38 with the tall steps.
Please keep me advised of your progress, since I'm looking in the same direction would like to share any info you get.
For my 2 cents, I would look at new version,tall step 38(not many out there), or go with a 42.

clean sweep

I agree with you on the point you made about the 38 performing more like a 35.
The 42 just feels like a lot more boat comparing to a 38

Marginmn,

Clear out your PM inbox

Got it, thanks jmeng

I feel the need for twins & a bigger cabin.
Along with that comes the better ride, as I plan on going up to the Islands outside the sheltered Puget Sound we live in.

Currently I have a 29 & was contemplating going to the 35 Executioner. I feel I could affordably move up to the 35X, my 29 is a HP525 boat so the jump to the 35X is the closest finacially.

I am wondering now if I should wait, skip the 35X & go for the 38 Lightning when I can swing it. Might take a few seasons. I would love to get the 38 Lightning but I would have to wait.

What are your thoughts, I know quite a few of you guys run the 35 classic.