a buddy is looking at buying a 1997 38 ft avenger with 500s what is he going to get for ride in big waves,plane time and top speeds.the boat does not have steps. thanks for any info

I have a 97 with 502 mpi mags.I can only compare it to the 29 enticer I had previously.It comes on plane faster and stays on plane at slower speeds probably due to the extra length out front.I can run this one w.o.t. in rough stuff I wouldnt consider doing in my 29.I am seeing top speeds of 68-69 g.p.s. I am sure the hp500s have to be 3mph faster or so.

thanks for your info i will pass it on

No steps I would say 72-73. not much left in it after that. Lots of freeboard in that boat but still a light boat. My brother had a 99 38 avenger a lot of years ago and it realy beat the Chit out of you in rough water.

Not sure if your friend is still looking but I have a '02 38' Avenger WITH steps and it hadles the rough stuff great at LOTO. It has 500EFI's and with run 75-77mph all day with coolers and 6 people, 82-83 on fumes and 2 people.

If your friend wants ride and speed the 2001 Avenger won Powerboat Mag. Offshore Boat of the year Award. It has the stepped hull and can cut through the big waves /swells with ease. Just put the drives flat with the tabs down a bit and you are in for a great run.
Now add a par of 575sci's and you doing it at over 80MPH. Mid 80's in smoother water.
If you want to hear more check it out in the Offshore Classifieds.

2001 Avenger Poker Run Eddition

PM...does that need 93 octane?

Affirmative. Gotta love the whine of the blowers though. My buddy BillR has them in his TG. Only a couple of marinas around here that sell 93 though. It requires some preplanning on his part.

Ironically they sell it in Havre DeGrace city dock...2 mi down the river from Port Deposit

Yes the 575's take the 92 /93 octane. Depends on which meathod is being used to deturmine octaine but around here they seem to be interchangable.
But they do sound goooooood.