Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

With boats you don't always get what you pay for but in the case of Cigarette you do. My Cig is 20 years old and the rigging is still better than most of the other brands new boats. There is really something to be said about an '85 that runs through a 2 ft chop with occasional 3's and 4's and doesn't rattle, creak, moan or flex. I've been boating for 25 years, I've been a salesman for Cigarette, Baja, Formula, Skater, Outerlimits and have been through and been in many used boats from many manufacturers and I will probably never own anything other than a Cigarette, maybe an Outerlimits, maybe a Formula but when it really comes down to dropping some real money on a toy I don't think I'd stray from Cig. Don't forget...Quality does not cost, it pays.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

There is a 36' Baja for sale in the Baja section that has been through extensive and recent upgrades for under $90k and it is said to run with a lot of 38's. Worth a shot !! :drink:

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

Havasu Hound's? Saw that one, possibility for the price.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

If you want enjoyable power boating and more time in the water: Get a boat with merc racing engines (blue motors) Resale is better. Dont go with any custom engines - Stay stock. But 80 MPH may be a stretch with most 38's and stock power. EFI no carbs. Stay away from blower motors.

Unless you really need it dont go for Gen set Air or microwave etc... I Rairly use mine. Port a potty with a pump out, bimini and a fridge are a good thing.

Dont rush into anything, Do your homework and get test drives. There will ALWAYS be other boats available.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

Yup, seen it in person and it looks great and I think is a tremendous value. You could run it for a year or two and probably sell it for what you paid , save some money in the process and then buy whatever your heart desires and checkbook can handle next go round.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

Mine is for sale in the OSO classifieds. It is VERY comperable to a Top Gun. The ride, rigging, fit & finish like no other.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

I can't believe nobody has gone here, but a 38' go-fast ain't nothing like a cruiser. I've been boating all my life like you, but all my seat time (over the last four decades) has been in numerous powerboats. And the last 5 were fast boats. I feel that I am now experienced enough to own a TG, which I would also love to have BTW.

Good luck in your endeavor.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

Thanks Raypanic -

blaniac, I'll look into his boat. Doesnt it have blue motors?

Warparty, is that a Cheif?

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

Does he know what it is going to cost to keep a go fast running. Between broken drives, motor rebuilds and fuel. Probably the biggest thing that catches first time performance people is the cost to run them and keep them running.

Re: Looking to get 1st boat, need advice on 38'
 

Thank you - I do realize the responsibility. It comes down to respect and knowing your limits. A lot like riding a motorcycle in those terms. Its easy to mash the throttle and point it somewhere, but its what you do in unforseen circumstances that gets you into trouble, or poor judgement.

I'll take it easy. I just hate buying something especially this expensive and then regretting it shortly after.