Never ridden in a .38 Special, but Baja's quality was hit an miss back in the late 90's. If you go that route, really check the boat over closely. Some where good back then and others not so good. I've just never been a big fan of the looks of the .38 Special. As for the Avenger, a friend on our local lake has one (also a '99) so I have been on one a few times both here at our local pond and at LOTO. The rough water ride of the PQ is impressive. I was on the boat when we left the Shootout at LOTO last fall and it ate that nasty water up. Cabin and cockpit are roomy and the fit and finish is above production standards. Only downside of this model year of the Avenger is the tendency of the bow to lay flat even with maximum trim. A switch the 5-blade Hydromotives cured that problem though. Good luck with your decision!

Isn't the 1999 the first year of the step for the 38 Avenger? If it is, there were changes made to the hull after 1999, as it was not a great set-up. If it is a non-stepped hull, then it will run a lot slower.

It is a stepped hull on the PQ

I thought so... do a search here on OSO and you will get some information on the changes made to the bottom after the first generation step (1999). The one I rode in was a 2001 and it was a very smooth ride in rough water.

Great THANKS

Ther 2001 Avenger won Powerboat's Boat Mag. offshore of the year award

I know I am biased but atheistically I think the P.Q. has way better lines. But that's my opinion,some people actually liked G.M.s Pontiac Aztec.

As for the steps in the early boats, mainly 99, PQ recalled almost all of them to fix the steps so it is a non issue.

Well, a non-issue if this particular boat was fixed. I believe they took off the last 2' (4'?) of the inner set of strakes. Originally they ran all the way to the transom, IIRC. Pretty sure there was a thread on here about the "fix", but it was so long ago it might be lost in the ether. Believe it was Raypanic that had it done to his old 38'...

The PQ is built waaay better.
Buy the PQ.