I've been shopping around for boats for about a year now, and although I had spent my whole time looking at Donzi's I think I have found the boat I want. It is a 382w/500efi's on boxes.
Couple questions.
1. How well does the 38 run in typical LOTO weekend water?

2. What kind of performance should I see with this setup (XR drives)

Any help is appreciated, going to check out the boat as soon as the weather clears up where it is.

Lonestar
(I guess I'll have to change my name to Lonestar382 )

I'm not sure about the XR's, I was surprised to see that it had those drives. I guess that is a good thing

Thanks for the reply Troutly, I look forward to Memorial Day at LOTO

Lonestar

I have driven Norts boat (aka Phantom Caos) and it runs fantastic with that set up. I think that the numbers that Troutly put up are about what he is getting low side for salt so they should be REAL close for fresh. You will be happy with the boat for sure

Thanks Audiofn,
The boat is in Ohio, so it looks like it will be at least a week before the weather gives me a chance to make the trip. I had the boat inspected, and it was given a clean bill of health, and only has 45hrs

Lonestar

Where in Ohio is the boat? Agree with all of the above comments, except that I have never been to LOTO. I can tell you from my personal experience the 382 with boxes is awsome on Lake Erie, so it should walk through anything on LOTO with ease. No reservations about the 382 or Formula. You will not find a better company to deal with.

The boat is at National Marine. I was leary of dealing with them due to some of the comments I have read on here, but everyone that I have dealt with up there has been top notch to deal with.
I am glad to hear the good words about Formula, and am very excited to own a "Bird"

I'll post some pics as soon as I know its mine

Lonestar

I find out today whether or not I am getting the loan for the boat. I was actually going to look at a 33ZX the day after I found this boat. When I saw this, it just said "BUY ME!!" I love the graphics, and the amenities the boat has for the price are just too good to pass up, so I backed out on the Donzi trip and have focused solely on this boat now.
Hey Troutly are you running the extension boxes? I'm wondering just how much of a performance gain they TRUELY provide.

Thanks for all the help folks!!
Lonestar

Troutly has ITS. I have extension boxes on my '99 Poker Run Special ... I really like them. I can't tell you how much they really add for a 382, but I can tell you my '89 311 ran 80 m.p.h. with same motors and props that push the 382 weighing #3000 more to ~84 m.p.h.

Good to know, I am working out the details with NM right now, should have everything finalized by Monday or Tuesday!!

I'm so excited, this will be our first "offshore" boat so I will have to take it easy and really get comfortable with the boat for the first couple of months.

I guess its probably going to handle a little different than our 27' Crownline Bow rider

Lonestar

sweet ride, you'll like it. buddy of mine just picked up a 353 with 500 efi's. it should rock too.