Best 38 For Me
 

I'm starting to shop for a used boat that I'd like to have before next summer. Budget is $60k. Main use would be Lake Michigan cruising with the family, maybe the occasional poker run or overnight stay. I've been looking at 35s or 38s, mostly 38s. I would like something with the extra comforts and head room, good rough water ride, with decent performance and top end. 75-80 mph is what I have in mind. Favorites so far are the 382 Formula and the 380 Powerquest. How do these models compare and what else would you suggest I take a look at? I know the Formula is heavy, but how much heavier is it than the others and what does that take from performance?

Thanks for your advice!

Look at an Active Thunder 37. More head room thn the Formula and a very good running surface.

38' Top Gun is the way to go.

Just curious, what is the headroom in a 38' Top Gun ?

Powerquest made a nice boat. Had a 34, and it was comfortable, nice but the ride was terrible. Not sure how the 38 PQ rides, but if it DOES ride nice, it is a nice boat. As mentioned in this thread, a 38 Top Gun is simply one of the nicest riding and handling boats I've ever had. Not as many amenities, but the boat is a joy to own (easy to work on) and drive.

Bill that's the first I've heard of the 34 riding terribly... all the magazines gave it pretty good ride reviews and I must say PQ has some of the most room in the business. I am thinking of moving up soon and also looking at these same boats, 340/380 PQ and 35/38 Formula seem to be best options for me but I do really like the 38 Powerplay as well. What didn't you like about the ride? Is be interested in hearing your take on the boat.
Cig's are definitely in the upper ranks but also with that comes higher cost and for a blue collar guy there is a lot lower limit on the budget haha

Thanks for the feedback!

I think I would prefer some more amenities than the cig, at least in the years I would need to look at! I read somewhere that the 380 PQ went through some hull changes with the step and was improved in 2001? With the same power, how much speed penalty would you guess the Formula has due to its weight?

Depends on how tall you are.

Formula's and PQ's are both heavy hulled boats. The PQ's were actually designed for the Great Lakes. But to get the speed you're wanting, you'd probably have to have at least 525's. Not sure you'll find that in your $60k budget. Best of luck.............

Should take a look at a donzi 38ZX sounds like it would fill your needs and an older one could be had for what you are looking to spend.