That is pretty cheap for a 99, I would do a little more research on what really happened to those engines. Also I have heard that they really didn't figure out the steps until '01 or '02. I have an '02 (for sale in classifieds also) and I can say that I have had no issues with that model. Everyone has different tastes, but that is a little too much yellow for me...

Mackin,
Where's the boat your talking about, sounds like one I could be interested in.

Sarasota. It's in the classifieds here and Traderonline.

dont know anything about it but looks like a deal.

http://westpalmbeach.craigslist.org/boa/551757824.html

Impossible for that boat to be over 90mph with 500's or 525's. I have 500's and have only seen 84 once running on fumes, only me in the boat, 6 blade herrings and with a tail wind....

There is nothing really wrong woih the pre 2000 38 hulls its just they tweeked them in 2000 to get a bit more speed and better rough water handeling. Powerboat Mag gave the boat their offshore boat of the year award for the 2000/2001 hull design.

My 2001 with stock 575sci's is a mid 80's boat at 4900 RPM. With the right props it should be an 87 MPH boat. Hard to believe any PQ 38 with stock 500's is going to do mid 80's

I was told by the at that time factory rep, that the hull problems were only on the 34 Vypers in 99(after they sold me one and hadn't come up with a cure yet)

Good to know. Believe me, I am a fan since I own one. I had someone ask me if I had any problems with mine at a marina one time, cause he had heard that as well.

As far as speeds, I was serious. 500 EFI's and the boat gps said 84 and handheld gps said 83.8 (I'm calling that 84) with 6-blade Herrings last summer. Only problem was the guy wanted $3500 for them. With 4 blade labbed 30" Bravos I run 78-80 on a regular basis...

Those Herrings must have something special. I am going to have to get a set to try. Given I have the 575sci's I should see somehting close to 90.
Thanks for the tip