I had the opportunity to go out boating on my friends 38 Powerquest this weekend. He purchased the boat this spring, it is a 1999 step hull with 502's with 120 hrs. He has not been out much with it since it has been in the shop the past two months getting the port side motor fixed. The motors seems to be running fine but the best top end we saw was 63 MPH. It also seemed difficult to keep the boat on a straight heading. He has been very frustrated and asked me to post this to get some feedback on others experiences and performance. Let me know how much trim, tabs etc. you use and in what type of conditions?? He lives in Grand Haven, MI and does most of his boating in that area if any of you are from the area. Your feedback would be appreciated.

Take a look at: http://www.offshoreonly.com/forum/sh...enger+Problems

This may help.

My boat needs the bottom mods done to make it "right" Bascally the last 30" of the innner strakes are cut off to allow the air/water to escape better. And the "Hooks" in the bottom will be removed.

The area in red is removed upto a point 30" from the transom. This makes the side of the hull basically flat on each side.

Hey, Ray thanks for the information, I forwarded this link to my buddy to look at.

63 mph?? Shouldn't that boat be runnin' at least 10 mph faster than that?

I think High 60's Low 70's on average, With a lite load and right conditions Maybe 75. Depends on props ect.. Is loaded with Genset air and everything else? did he say what RPM's?

I found a 2002 PQ 380 for sale (38Dave's old boat) I measured the bottom. The strake ends 24 1/4" from the stern of the boat. (where K Planes are mounted) The rear step is 1" tall and the front step is 1 1/2" tall. The first step is 9' from the end of the pad. The second step is 52" in front of the first step. Note: Scott's strake was trimmed to 30" on his 1998 380. This one was only 24 1/4" from the rear

Bottom showing steps

Ray, I think mine is also around 30". they cut 18" first time and I still wasnt happy so they removed a small hook and cut more to about 30". It is so sraight now it almost looks like a mirror compared to the first time when they had and outside shop do the work. The 2002's have a hook in the bottom so they probably dont need to cut as much off. Whatever you do find the best shop and have them do the work it will make a difference.

Mary this will also help about the bottom mods needed. you know mid 70s is all that bad is it.