Looking at a 380 Avenger...
 

Is there anything I should know about this model? What are owners likes, dislikes, any problem areas, etc? Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

BTW, it's a 2000 model year...

Things that could be better:
More engine compartment space.
Ladder or steps to bow from cockpit.
Engine / bilge compartment gell coated.
Had to change out head to electric.
Hot and cold water to sink (Currently shower only)
Better anchor storage (Bought box anchor)
Hard to clean under integrated swim platform.
Hatch lifts are SLOW (Mine is fine)
Drivers foot rest (on order)
Bolsters are little narrow (I have a big butt)

Things I am happy with:
Cabin space.
Cabin Height.
Forward birth is great.
Dash arrangement and style.
Build quality.
Rear boarding ladder is integrated.
Pop up cleats.

The only think I dont have and would order on another boat would be the Y-Pipe switchable exhaust. And maybe a Genset

I noticed the lack of help to get to the bow. Seems like a pain, especially when there's no anchor locker. Engine compartment space is cavernous compared to what I have now, so I see that as a plus. Then again, there's no blowers to contend with either. I just spent 3 nights a the Cedar Point marina with my wife and two kids and that cabin space and extra storage space would have been great. Thanks for the info.

BTW, Is the need for the switchable exhaust just since your engine buildup, or did you feel you would have wanted before?

I think I will have it on all my boats in the future. I just put on Gaffrrig Outlaw mufflers, I havent got it in the water yet but I did run it on the hose yesterday. They make a big difference. I just dont want to have to yell all the time. So next time it's the Y pipe. If I end up pulling the motors again I will add the Y pipe then

I have changed a bunch of things on my boat. Most of the stuff were add ons like sea strainers and steering. I think one of the most convienent additions would be the LED cluster lighting in ALL of the storage compartments and the cam straps to hold the fridge,microwave and head closed. I have spent thousands and these simple cheap mods have helped out more than anything. I also love the full mooring cover.
when we got rid of the windshield I thought getting up to the bow would of been tougher but she has told me it is actually easier on her. I have never had trouble getting to the bow and have sometimes used the seat (in the down position) as a step.

I dock at Cedar Point I'm on the end at pier 8. Did you happen to see us? If you are looking at buying JMakins boat I would not think twice about it. VERY CLEAN at a great price! Scott

I have a 340, which is basically the same layout.
I would change:
Better access to bow. I usually go thru the hatch.
Engine compartment space is pretty tight.
It is difficult to clean under swim platform.

Things that are great:
New bolsters are roomy (2000 bolsters are roomy too)
Cabin has lots of space
Dash layout is one of the best
Build quality.
Vacuflush head
A/C
The boat is dry, no water in the face.
The ride is quite good.
They are FAST boats!
PQ customer service is the bset I've ever experienced.

Bill, I also owned a 272 (Baja) prior to moving up to the 340. I have boated all my life, but I must say that the extra seven feet and 425 HP proved to be quite a humbling experience....at first. Now that I have some quality seat time I say WOW what a boat! Like BillR said, it is fast, smooth and dry. You will love the 380 I assure you. My two high points are the cabin roooooom and the helm/cockpit layout. Also, get one with a vacuflush head. You will be surprised at how much you enjoy that option. My low point is getting to just about everything in the engine compartment.

I personnally have no problem getting up on the bow. I either step on the passenger foot rest and slide my but up on the dash then stand up and step over the WS or I go through the hatch. Then again I only weigh 160 soaking wet. :D

Keep us apprised!

Macklin

Scott, I used to think it was clean till you rafted off me! Please tell me your interior is new.

Jim,
Didn't you notice Mary's arms, she looks like Popeye from scrubbing so hard:D

We use Fantastic followed up with Pledge sometimes the simple cheap stuff works out better:cool:

Same As Mine!!!
 

Bill,
Mine's a 2000 also, the hull performs fantastic, smooth, dry ride, does this boat have a windshield, you gotta have a windshield!!!!
Right , Scott?

I met you guys when we all went to the Tin Fish and did the boat tours at Sunsation and Ocean Express. Thinking of moving up from the Formula are we? I moved up from a 29' , and I love all the extra space, plus the performance is so much better. One thing I would make sure is that the boat has HP 500's or HP 500 EFI's, you need that extra power to get this boat moving (mine tops out at 78mph on GPS) . Also keep in mind that you will need a substantial tow vehicle (read: Dodge Cummins Turbodiesel)for pulling this behemoth. My setup fully loaded with fuel, gear and beer weighs 14,300 lbs. including the trailer. Mine also has the Corsa capatain's call(silent choice) which i like, but this boat is pretty quiet anyway, so I guess this is not really necessary. The vacuflush head is ok, but it only holds 6 gallons! What's the point?
As good as the hull and performance of the Avenger is, I don't believe that it can match Formula, Cigarette, Cobalt, Apache on attention to the little details such as:
1) fit and finish of interiors
2) engine accessibility
3) windshield mounting
4) engine compartment detailing
5) sunpad lift ram(slow to lift, and only one lift ram)
6) layin as opposed to snap in carpeting
7) lack of anchor locker
But, then again, the boat cost substantally less than the big dogs.

Things I Like:
1)performance of the hull/ engine combination
2) 8' 6" beam
3) 5' 7" headroom
4) comfortable for long cruises
5) gel coat/hull strength
6) high freeboard(nice deep cockpit)
7) rough water performance
8) rails on front deck
9) good access to bow as compared to other brands(look at a Scarab)
10) I can launch/retrieve this boat by myself with a hand winch!
11) good towing characteristics (no trailer sway)
12) performance of the HP 500 EFI's
13) gauge/ dash layout
14) comfort of bolster seats
Hope this helps,
Paul