I have a dilemma.........My wife, (who normally keeps a tight grip on the purse strings) has decided we need a bigger boat!!! With 3 small kids, the cabin of the 38 avenger might be the ticket. I've been on one at a boat show a couple years ago and really like the styling but how do they perform? Good rough water boats? weight? Anything you guys like or dislike? I currently have a Formula 312 and of course would need to move it first. NADA shos about a 12-15K difference in value between a 98 Formula 312 and a 98 380 avenger.....that doesn't seem right. (502 mags in each boat) Someone tell me that a 98-2000 380 sells for under a 100K and that they want my Formula!
If your up for a phone call, PM me, I'd love to talk to anyone that owns one.
Thanks,

Russ C.

Hey Russ, the 38 is a awesome rough water boat, I have a 2000 with 502s and do alot of weekends every summer. I would reccomend a 2000 or later if you budget allows, seems the steps were not right on some of the older boats, or so Im told, not sure what the issue was but I was told to try and avoid them if possiable. Most of the boats have A/C (you want that) and Im not sure but I think shore power was standard, if it wasent I have never seen one without it. I think you will find a huge difference in room from your Formula, I had a 29 PQ and the room diffference is huge.

You will not go wrong with an Avenger if you want to go fast and still have a nice cutty. I looked at Cigs, Fountians, Formulas, and liked the PQ the best, with Formula a close 2nd.

This is a good site to get info, seems the 38s are pretty well represented and most of us are happy to give our 2 cents.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply. I talked to a guy (dealer) with a 98 that I think would go for 90K but I need a trailer. If you can remember what the issues are with the pre-2000 models please let me know. I really wasn't planning on upgrading yet since I sank 15K into the Formula in the last 12 months. A/C is alot of the reason we are looking to upgrade.....but I can add that later if the right deal comes along. Did I see in another thread your boat/power runs 73 GPS? I assume that is on a GOOD day because my Formula will only do that (same power).

Hey Russ, I really dont know what the step thing was all about, I do know that PQ fixed any that were brought back, and some as late as 03.

My boat runs 71/72 on most any day, 73.5 is the best I have seen and yes, conditions were perfect, but I did have 4 adults and around 3/4 tank of gas if I rember right. A close 1 to 1 1/2 foot chop are the best conditions I have found, the worst is flat glassy water, 70 is max on flat water.

There is a 2000 advertised here that looks like a good buy, it looks just like my boat so it cant be all bad I think 114,900 buys it, asking price anyway, maybe he will take your boat in on trade. When I bought mine the seller took my 29 in on trade, I dont think it happens much, but it sure wont if you dont ask. I know of a older 38, 97 I think, at my old marina in Grand Haven thats a nice boat, kinda plain but nice shape.

I'll look at the 2000 you mentioned. I want a stepped version (started in 98). Don't expect blue motors for what I'm willing to spend but of course that would be nice. REALLY want the full galley and A/C. I would need a trailer and have never traded a boat in (I'm on my 11th boat now) but willing to consider it.

I don't know of any issues with the 98 or 99 38's other then they were not as fast as some of the later models. I own a 99 with 525sc's and we are very happy with it and the room it gives us. We have two children and love the way the boat rides especially in the rough stuff (LOTO). I think you would be happy in one. If you have any questions give me a call 309-275-3436.


Rich.

You may want to consider the 34 PQ. The 34 cabin is 99% the same size as is the cockpit. The lenght is taken from the hanging locker area, a very little bit from the cockpit and some from the bow. With a pair of 496HO's, it will run 79-80. Plus you could get a newer boat with more amenities.
PQ makes a GREAT boat.

Here are some that are loaded:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-8115.html
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/8/1454888.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/8/1454888.htm

The 34 is a good boat and will handle the rough water. The cockpit is very comfortable, and the fuel economy is better than you'd expect. Want to go faster, add a set of CMI's and you likely be in the mid 80's - all while keeping the insurance costs down!!

t500
Both the 34 an 38 are great boats. As others have said none of the competators have the cabin room of the PQ. The 38 has
about 5' 10" head room the 34 5'6" Both have over 6.5 ' of length in the berth and they are nice and wide. Good space in the enclosed head too. The cockpits and passinger seating areas are also nice, the 38 has about an extra foot there. Verry roomy.
Ride is also solid. Speed depends on the year and motors. PQ made some bottom changes to the 38 in 2000 and it added speed. They made similar changes to the 34 in 2001. Both boats run well either way but from everything I have heard and based on experience the changes did add a couple of MPH. My 99 34 with HP 500's does 77 GPS ( 30" BRAVO 1's) My 01 38 with 575sci's does low 80's but is proped a bit high right now ( 32' Maximus) I really need 30's
Bot ride real well, 2' chop gets best speed and as you would expect the 38 rides best.Call if you want more 952-294-7571

Thanks, but for some reason the 34 looks odd to me. I guess the bow looks too short on the 34's. I've seen the boats you linked from a distance. I hang with the RPBA crowd and get to VA B. area occasionally (and Jammin on the James!!!) Will need to sell the Formula first though, know anyone looking for a good condition 98 formula 312???
Russ C.

Oh, you're close by then. At the very least, you should contact Macklin and check out his boat. I'm sure he'd be glad to show it off. That way you'll get a REAL good idea of what the 38 is layed out like, and the general size.