Cig, Sutphen, scarab, sonic or Formula?
 

Plan on getting a bigger boat next year, looking for an older wave crusher for Lake Michigan. Looking for 35ft +, ideally 38ft, was curious of everyone's opinions on what to go with. I've had my eyes on a few older cigs (35 mistress and 38 flat decks, 38 top gun),a 390 Sutphen, 38 Scarab KV, and a Formula 382 SR1. I'm coming from a 292 Fastech which simply isn't enough boat for what I want. Looking to stay under $80k. Would like to hear everyone's personal opinions on all of these boats and others you may recommend. Any input is appreciated!

Pm 1MOSES1 he has a real nice looking 38 Cigarette I think in your price range.

Of the names you’ve mentioned, all nice boats, but I’d have a Scarab. Personal, but I think they’re the best looking boat of the bunch. Once the field is narrowed to a few well known brands, I’d just go with my heart and what I think looks nicest. They seem to be priced sensibly but be aware of the inherent problems of all older boats.

Wet transoms, stringers and floor are pretty much standard so you’ll be paying extra for one that’s been rebuilt. If it hasn’t had a lot of work done recently, you should allow for it when doing a deal. There’s always that unicorn barn find that is rock solid but not many buyers are that lucky.

Enjoy your shopping. 🙂

RR

I would look very hard at the Sutphen. Never owned one but very Impressed by them.

Padraig

all good brand imo!
i had formula and sonic. both great !

Id guess that scarab had the worst build quality of them. But a Larry smith scarab would be the highest.

Sutphens are probably the fastest and then scarabs due to big lifting strakes.

For 80k you could get into a stepped scarab or a 382 fastec.

I absolutely love the KV's and the Larry Smith Scarabs.
I know that all too well, I've had 3 wet boats so far. Just had a transom done in my Fastech. I looked at a 382 Formula, 419 formula and a 40 hustler this year that were wet/rotted. All 3 sellers claimed they were okay but the mallet and moisture meter proved otherwise. Coulda gotten the 382 and 419 pretty cheap but I don't wanna go through all that again. I'm willing to spend the extra money on something that's solid and dry.

Ive had 4 formulas. I think the sr1 hull is solid wave slicer. Very predictable and super dry, doesn't have that hollow sound when crashing through the waves like some other boats. None of my freshwater only formulas have rot or wet stringers or transoms. of course any boat thats left uncovered will show dried out upholstery, chalky gell cote and oxidized fittings but not the ones Ive had. The formula cabins can get water trapped under the stepdown into the berth but Ive never seen it.
hope you find a good one. oh remeber to get one thats fast enough. its better to enjoy it than work on it ...

Restored 38' Wellcraft Scarab offshore - boats - by owner - marine... (craigslist.org)

I just saw this yesterday. I know nothing about it, but it appears to be nice

38 AVS 1999 model asking 90K
(I’ll guess the OP has already searched but just in case…..🙂)

https://www.performanceboatcenter.co...il?id=12550119