Im looking at 1992-1998. 38 footers Figure its a good time of year to be looking, maybe I can find a deal.
What year did they go to stepped hulls?

What kind of speed with stock engines?

Any issues to look for?

Hows the ride compared to a Fountain, ect?

Whats the weight with trailer?

Thanks for the info.

97 was the first year for the FasTech hull, it still had the black dash and old style cabin interior. In 98 the dash went to white, and the cabin was updated. The fastech hull is constructed differently than the SR-1. It uses a composite stringer system vs. the traditional wood stringers and bulkheads. Also the later cockpit interior is all composite, where the older boats are wood structure.

I loved my 92 303, it was built like a tank. The 382 is also very very well put together.

The fastech's will be 5-7 MPH faster with the same power. Mine weighs in at 14,900 on an aluminum trailer with 100 gallons of fuel. Mine is a bit heavy since it has a genset, vacuflush, etc. Best I have seen with 500efi's is 72.

We did ton's and tons of research, and looked at lots of different boats when we were shopping. I seriously considered a 42 fountain, they are certainly faster with equal power. But the way we use our boat, (as I know you do) the cabin just didn't cut it. The black thunder was great downstairs, but it didnt have the dock appeal, or the fit and finish IMHO. The donzi is great too, but I prefer the cockpit of the 382, and the sunpad on the donzi is tiny.

Any of these boats will handle Lake Erie just fine, we went back last Sunday from PIB, and although we didnt set any speed records, we plowed home in 4-6's in relative comfort.

If you haven't already, check out the "vintage Formula" section on their website. All of the old brochures are posted there.

Are you coming to the bay this weekend? You are welcome to com crawl all over mine if you want.

My 353 is a 98 with twin stock 502s and runs right at 70mph with a nice comfy ride and we love it.

Formula are nice heavy boats, the 353 is over 10K dry, so it takes a lot of HP to move them, but they have classic lines.

Thanks for the info guys
RT I might take you up on that. Thanks. We were thinking of going up Fri but looks like windy/big waves ( see I need a 38 ) Might try to go Sat.