new to the list
 

Hi guys! Just wanted to introduce myself to you. I am in the process of purchasing my first Pantera. I will be picking it up in the next few weeks. It is the former 38' apba race boat that was advertised in the classifieds about a month and 1/2 ago. I was fortunate enough to see it advertised in a local paper during a weekend trip to Ocean City Md and got a jump on most others who were interested in it. A week later I was on a planned vacation with my wife down to the Florida Keys and as fate would have it we flew in to Ft Lauderdale and we were able to stop in and visit the Pantera shop in North Miami. Got to meet Pepe and he gave us a tour of the factory. Seeing the early racing pics posted by Jo on the other email thread is really cool, but being at the factory is even better. Racing photo's on the walls, trophys on the desks and boats, boats, boats. The attention to details during the build up is fantastic - but you guys already know that. After meeting Pepe, seeing some terriffic pictures of this boat on the wall and discussing the rigging and history of this boat, my wife was starting to feel a little more comfortable with the purchase .... but she still thinks I'm nuts.
My present ride is a 1985 22' Avanti (fresh 454 this past winter) with an Arneson surface drive. I've had it for just over 10years and it was time to step up to a bigger boat.
I'll post some pics of it in a few weeks after I bring it home and certainly will have technical questions for the group. It needs motors and drives. Originally had #6's but I don't have the money to put them back in - so suggestions are welcome.
thanks
Lou

Good Luck with it ! Should be interesting watching that project unfold.

Did you know that boat was built from the Tommy Adams' Signature 38 molds? That is some offshore history you have in your hands there. I thought it was one of the best looking boats ever with that raised deck that lead to hustler' taking on the look that they did. Post some pictures as the project comes to life.

Congratulations!!!!
 

I am also a new "used" Pantera owner. No where near 30+ Foot such as yourself, just an awesome 24' Sport!! Good luck with the boat, keep us posted and get some pictures posted soon.

:cool:

Pantera38,
Good luck with the purchase. Compared to some of the hulls minus power/drive I've seen for sale I'd say you got a great buy.
I considered it briefly but have a need for some form of cabin. Please post some pictures later.

ed

Welcome to the Pantera Family.

Nice purchase!!!:D *:D *:D

Very cool looking boat, congradulations.:) I too think it was a good deal. Keep us posted on the progress.

Hey Lou,


I am sorry I did not have a chance to meet you when you visited us here at the factory.I am sure my Father took care of you.


If there is anything I can help you with your new boat set up let me know.I ran that boat at Lake X over 115 MPH when it was powered with twin 1000 HP blower motors.


Glad to have you as a Pantera owner.


Regards, JO:D

Hi,
Here are a few pics I took of the boat the other day. I don't have any good detail pics yet, but hopefully in the near future, I'll take some more. Trailering this beast was an experience. I have towed my Avanti on a dual axle trailer before, as well as trailered a race car, but nothing as mammoth as this. The trailer is 50' long. The looks and comments that I received (while trailering) was amazing. I can't wait to get it rigged and in the water. No idea on which drives I'll use yet, but the one thing I know is that I will have to find them at a bargain price. The bank account is way low. :-)
Lou

another

cockpit

Lou,

Very Cool!!!

Best of Luck with the new lady in your life... Just remember to keep the other one happy...

Good luck with the re-rigging...

Johnny

another cockpit photo

cockpit, hatch cover and wing.
the wing will be coming off - and will need to be sold!

That wing would look good on somebody's Honda Civic don't you think.

PANTERA 38
 

COOL RIDE DUDE....GOOD LUCK and welcome. im fairly new myself

i probably would have gone after it too, if I didnt pick up a 28 early in the summer. its gonna be alot of fun putting it together. keep us posted.

pics.. WE NEED pics


Bruce :p :p
Simply Awesome P5-66

or a small plane:D :D :D

Lou - I actually found that boat for Rob and of course he purchased it and brought it to OC. I was on the boat and I think it's a fabulous deal. I am in the process of putting together a 38 Cigarette with fairly big power and drives, so we'll both be buying a lot of the same stuff. I'm not sure what you are doing for transmissions, but I know where some crash boxes and a brand new Doug Nash trans are reasonably. Also, I have two new driveline pieces which bolt to the back of the trans and connect to the front of the drive shaft if you don't have those.

Good luck.

Barry

Barry - I think I'll be staying with a basic driveline. Crash boxes would not be practical. The engines will probably just be stock 502's - enough to get me out on the water and having some fun.
As you know, it is set up for staggered engines and #6 drives - so I'm evaluating my options for the drives.

I found some TRS drives w/extension boxes and external steering which sounds rather interesting. The conversion would be rather straight forward, the engine placement would remain the same and the crash boxes would be replaced with velvet drive trans. The extension boxes cover the #6 cutouts and the transom would not need to be reglassed.
However, I'd also like to figure out a way to use the Bravos and move the engines more to the rear.

Any suggestions - anybody?

Lou -

Well you asked, so here's my take on it. Mercruiser doesn't make TRS's anymore, so eventually parts will get very pricey for them much like they are now for TR2 speedmasters. Your boat is pretty heavy, so Bravo's with their tiny little shafts are going to snap quickly. If you are trying to do this on a budget, the best way to go is to look for a set of #3 Speedmasters. There are lots around and pretty reasonable. In fact, a guy offered me a set of 3a's with transom assemblies for 12k. I declined because I put new stuff on mine, but it was a good deal. This is my third time with an offshore project boat, so I'm just trying to help you avoid some pitfalls.

Barry