Looking for 38' powerboat
 

I have been looking for a 2000 - 2005 38-43 foot powerboat. I really like the Scarab AVS but not many out there and I have concerns with the Volvo drives. I have also looked at Formula, Fountain and a few others. I would love some opinions and input as to which ones you guys think are best.

Thanks!

What's your budget? Active Thunder should be on your list too.

On an 18 year old boat how well maintained it's been, how abused it was and whether there is any rot is probably more important than who built it at this point. They are all reputable builders, but any of their boats can be turned to junk by neglect or a small leak that went unnoticed.

Agree with this^^^^. Shop some different brands/models within those brands/models different years due to changes & updates, get in them and compare layout and amenities. A 2000 model of X brand might not work for you but maybe an 05 of the same brand has some changes that make it more appealing. After you find what brand and model works for you it's a lot easier to chase the right fit (condition, budget, location, etc). Personally I like Merc Race engines and drives due to parts availability, insurance and resale.

What are your speed goals? What kind of amenities do you want in cabin? Using more for poker runs or general family boating?

I own a 2000 38 Powerquest and love it for the size. 6' cabin height, fully equipped cabin for weekending, deep cockpit, and runs 70 with tired 502MPI. The hull was greatly improved on the 2001-up models and ran a few mph faster with same power.

If you plan to spend long weekends and take trips on the boat, Active Thunder should definitely be considered.
I can confidently and highly recommend the brand and this boat:
https://tinyurl.com/y9xv7x3p
It just went up for sale (officially) today.
https://scontent.fslc2-1.fna.fbcdn.n...ee&oe=5C2CEFB1

plus one!
 

+ 1

I think its about 4.25". Handles awesome. Rides awesome. Lands smooth. Turns like s straight bottom. Fly very level

I 100% agree with this comment. I'll take volvos any day over bravos. Formula is the best build quality of the boats you mention so likely to find one in better condition than the others you've mentioned. Not sure wha'ts out there but you can check the 410 and 390 velocity, and the big powerquest too. (not sure if those have been mentioned).

I have to say it, did he get tired of making popcorn in the microwave?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


Always loved the cabin colors in that one.

Very true!

I guess I am looking for advise on which are the better builds from factory.

Thanks! I agree with the 600 innovation/DPX, my biggest concern is parts availability on the DPX.

Lol. My wife almost burned the thing to the waterline making popcorn last summer...the smell lasted for weeks!

We are just taking a step back from boating...been going for 17 years and three boats and looking for fun other than on the water.

Someone will get an AWESOME boat...

Thanks EVERYONE for all of the input. My budget is 60-80K maybe up to 100K but that would have to be something really spectacular.

I would like speed around 80 but some comforts as well. Love the look of Cigarette but prefer a bit more luxury in cabin and the insurance rates are crazy.

You all have given me some other nice options to look at!

https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...90-o71471.html

I think Kenny from Velocity is brokering this boat. Don't know if you like the paint scheme (I do) but I think you could probably swing a good deal on this one, plus you would know the history on it from the guy who helped build it. It was for sale at the beginning of the year when I was looking for my Velocity. I wasn't interested for the mere fact that I'll never own another bravo boat, no matter the price. If your not as opposed to bravos, might be worth a look.

The scarab looks nice......To me the Volvo package is a real big plus. Quick story: I had a formula fastech with duo prop volvo's. That boat was quite possibly the most responsive I have ever driven. It just flat out hooked up. I was in my buddies same boat that had bravos and the difference was one you could really feel. I don't really know how to explain it other than to say it was kind of like having a vette and switching from stock tires to a stickier compound. It was really that big of a difference to me. It was a lot of fun to drive and very forgiving for the Mrs. I swear that i were to trim those drives up and punch it, that boat would literally flip it self backwards. There was that much "grip".

Best of Luck!!

how about a 37 Outerlimits? Pretty sure this can be had in the 80s.

https://www.sweetwaterperformancecen...75885&status=2

Now you've done it....pissed off the Fountain cheerleaders. Lol

ha ha..... I love Fountains I just feel that you do have to step up to 42 to get a 38! Being in Texas it would probably be a perfect boat since there is no real "big" water to speak of.

+1, lot of truth to that. Really no need for a 38ft go fast on north Texas lakes unless your wanting to run 85+mph. It will be very boring to drive yet overly expensive and time consuming. 28ft is about max you will need. My old 28 Apache was a lot of fun on the windiest days on the biggest lake in north Texas, but even Apache's are not immune to abuse. I see the OP has a 20ft boat currently. In my opinion the bigger the boat, the less you tend to use them because they require more time to do everything (trailering, R&M, launching, docking, anchoring, etc.). Even 38ft boats will see problems if you run them in bigger water and it doesn't matter how good the builder is. Recommend considering shorter boats or perhaps opening up search to a 33 Scarab AVS since the OP likes those models. The money may be better spent IMO on something shorter and newer that has no wood construction. With a $100K budget for a north Texas lake boat I'd get something 28-33ft with outboards, spacious cabin; AC and generator to power it or cabin will be useless for 2/3's of summer. 33 Ocean Hawk, 28 Saber with outboards, 28 Active thunder with outboards are top pics on my dream list and I've been shopping for the perfect boat since college so roughly 16 years now. Hope that helps. Good luck.

I have a friend that has a 2000 Donzi ZX with twin 500 EFI's AC 100% fresh water that he might sell $85,000 firm. The boat is in WI.

PM me if you would like more details.

Good luck in your search!

Bryan

Save some money and buy my 33 Powerplay. Its a beautiful boat and will run with most 38's. PM me for details

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8fa3d6b5db.jpg

The 06 and up 32 sunsation has a good size cabin and will run mid 80's with 496's. The on ein the pic is mine and I have thought about listing it.