mspdoc

I've been looking at both. Anybody had the experience of using them for a length of time to learn their quirks and capabilities?

Tom A.

I haven't owned either, but have a lot of time in both. The 38 and 43 are both great boats. The 43 will handle bigger water better and rides a little more planted due to its larger size. The 38 is a great performer and will run circles around the 43 with the same power, however above 115 it starts to become a handful. The 38 is ideally suited for twin 525-700s. The 43 needs twin 700+ with NXT's or #6 (710 Illmor with Indy drives would be good). The triple 43's are shoehorned into the engine compartment and a nightmare to work on, let alone triple the cost.
38 - 525s = 90ish
38 - 700s = 110ish
43 - 700s = 102ish
43 - 1075s = 120

Hope that helps, which are you looking at?

mspdoc

Wife and I have been looking at 43zr's, but then I started looking at 38zr's. I want a twin with 700's. The 43's we looked at had triple 525's. I just don't want to deal with a 3rd engine. I looked at the 43 with 1075's and the boat was not well cared for. Plus I found out you have to rebuild those engines constantly. I want good performance, good reliability. Eventually I would like to start enjoying some of the events around the country with it. So I have a little concern, if towing the 43 will be an issue (ie, law enforcement, permits) or if it will be fine and no issue. Certainly I realize the 38 will be easier to tow. I appreciate your experience. Oh, one more thing, then I was talking to a guy (38 owner) this weekend and he said the 38 was better than the 43. He said someone told him the 43 had some handling problems? That's the first I've heard of that.

Tom A.

I have not heard of any handling issues with the 43. The 35s become a real handful above 90, but nothing on the 43's. Unless you need some extra cabin space, the 38 is the best balance of speed, handling, trailerability, and size. The only thing the 43 gives you is a little more cabin space, 4' of running surface, and extra weight. The 38 zr should really have been called a 39 based on it being 38' 8" with an 8' 8" beam and 9500lbs. The 43 is 42' 10" with an 8' 10" beam and 13000lbs.
If I had to guess, I would say the triple engine boats would handle the worst due to the extra weight in the azz end as well as not having the balance of a staggered boat.

RollWithIt

If you want reliability, ready to have fun and no worries about towing and such, get a 38 with 700's and get out on the water to have some fun.