How can you tell if a 1999 380 Avenger is one of the hulls with the infamous problems and/or was one that went back to the manufacturer to be fixed? I'm looking at a 1999 in Texas and don't want to make a mistake.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1999.../United-States

Does anyone know this boat?

Steve

Look at the inner lifting strakes...if they go all the the to the transom its original...if they stop about 12-16" before the transom its been corrected by PQ.

Sorry I don't know this boat but I have seen it advertised for quite some time now...not that it matters, takes the right person. Looks good from the pictures and write ups state it's clean. My hesitation on this one is that in most of the ads the engine make is listed as Chevrolet and not Mercruiser. Yes I know they're GM 502's but I am overly suspicious why the owner wouldn't be boasting Mercury Racing HP 500's. Are the engine original? That would be my first question...
And I'm not trying to hurt any seller's chances nor put off any buyer because it does look like a good one but it is buyer beware out there.
My two cents since you did ask

Thanks Boatnt
I found a post from a couple of years ago that said outer strakes. Was thinking the inner strakes would make more sense.

Need4
Correct me if I'm wrong but those are HP500's in the picture or am I missing something. I realize I need to see them...what should I be looking for?

The hull should of also been blue printed. Edges shoud be sharper than standard. Drive it, I personally would pass on it. I have been down this road before.

Thanks Jmackin
"Down that road before".... Does that mean you owned one. If so, what should I look for when driving it?
Thanks again

Yes I had one. Also put a straight edge on bottom of hull and see if they removed the hook in it. Bow steered pretty bad, Ride sucked in following and quartering seas. It would lose 2-3 moh in anything over a 1' chop from prop slippage.

BTW- this was even after it was "fixed".

Looks like a nice boat to me, take a look at it in person, and take her for a spin, good luck and keep us posted.