38 or 42 fountain/388 hustler/382 formula
 

Does anyone have any input on the ride of these three boats. Years would be 2000w 500 or 525,s Which would give the smoothest ride in a 2 ft chop. Most room speed etc. Thanks

42 Fountain will provide as good as a ride as the formula and will get you there faster. But the formula will have a bigger cockpit and still provide a nice ride. It really depends on which one you like better in ride and looks. I have a friend trying to sell his 388 hustler through Performance boat brokerage at lake of the ozarks so check it out as well.

in 2 ft chop they all will do very well.

I agree......rode beside a buddy in a 388 Hustler (I have a 382) and we were both skimming 2 ft chop at ease. He has 500's, I have a little over 600hp and were both run low 80's....in 4's I think I have a better ride than the 388, never rode in a fountain. We overnight often so even though the Formula is the slowest of the 3, the cabin/cockpit of the boat makes it best for us.

I know you stated the boats you want or are looking at but have you checked out Laveycraft's 39' EVO......?

There are 4 or 5 donzi 38zx from 1999 on for sale in these classifieds. All seem to have blue motors. They are big boats and should run good.

Take a ride in as many boat as you can before making a decision - there are so many great deals out there. They are all nice boats, but the ride comfort will probably be the best in the 42 Fountain, closely followed by the Hustler and Formula then the 38 Fountain. I think in terms of speed, it iwll probably be 38 short stagger Fountain, a close match between the Hustler and 42 Fountain staggered, then the Formula - reverse the order in terms of cabin space.

What kind of coin are you looking to spend?

It's all personal preference, what type of boating will you do? If you like all out speed, 38 Fountain, do you want more boat for rougher water, then 42 fountain/38 Formula, want comforts, definitely the Formula. Both are good boats, and satisfy different interests, I don't know much about Hustler other than they have a good reputation. Like ATX said get out on as many as you can before you lay down the cash.

so you think a 42 fountain would ride as good as a formula in rough water????

I'm surprised... I would not believe this unless someone who rode both would tell the same !