Looking for thoughts on a potential new Skater build...
05-14-2018, 09:59 PM
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Looking for thoughts on a potential new Skater build...
Hi everyone, I’ve been on OSO for a number of years but this is my first post... better late than never I guess. We’ve been running our 32B since about 2001 (it was one of Pete’s first 32B hulls)... it’s been a fantastic boat but I’ve been kicking the tires on starting a new build this summer. We primarily do our boating in calm Lake Huron water (1-2ft chop, nothing big) but we’re branching out with our first poker run this summer at Boyne. Our 32 will run in the high 140s, if we upgrade I’d like be able to run 160+. The main thing holding back a step up to a bigger boat is our boathouse would need some significant modifications for anything wider than 10’... the absolute biggest we could fit with modifications is a 388.
I’m basically just looking for some input from anyone who has owned or has lots of seat time in a 32, 368, 388 or any Skaters in the 30-38ft range - differences between them, how they run, ease of trailering, recommendations, etc. I’m guessing everyone is going to recommend the 388 over anything else but I’d just like some good advice to back that up and convince me that parting with the 32 and undertaking a construction project would be worth it. Thanks in advance!
I’m basically just looking for some input from anyone who has owned or has lots of seat time in a 32, 368, 388 or any Skaters in the 30-38ft range - differences between them, how they run, ease of trailering, recommendations, etc. I’m guessing everyone is going to recommend the 388 over anything else but I’d just like some good advice to back that up and convince me that parting with the 32 and undertaking a construction project would be worth it. Thanks in advance!
05-14-2018, 10:23 PM
#2
I'm just a little 30 owner (though I have experience in the 28, 36, 40 and 46 also), but I can tell you from my many discussions with Pete, that he would tell you the 388 w/ reliable, pump gas, Merc 1100s is the boat to have (will run 160+). The new 438 is amazing so far, but bigger than you say will fit in your slip (it's both wider and longer than the 388). The 388 is the same width as a 368, just 2' longer - and actually faster with the same power. The 32A, 32B and 36 molds are all retired now, because the 308, 318, 368 and 388 are such better boats. But hands down, if you have the money and the space to choose any of the 4 Skater models in the 30' range, the 388 is the boat to buy.
05-15-2018, 05:37 AM
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I'm just a little 30 owner (though I have experience in the 28, 36, 40 and 46 also), but I can tell you from my many discussions with Pete, that he would tell you the 388 w/ reliable, pump gas, Merc 1100s is the boat to have (will run 160+). The new 438 is amazing so far, but bigger than you say will fit in your slip (it's both wider and longer than the 388). The 388 is the same width as a 368, just 2' longer - and actually faster with the same power. The 32A, 32B and 36 molds are all retired now, because the 308, 318, 368 and 388 are such better boats. But hands down, if you have the money and the space to choose any of the 4 Skater models in the 30' range, the 388 is the boat to buy.
I'd trust Skater30's input...I think he knows a thing or three about them
05-15-2018, 10:06 AM
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I was of the belief that the 368/388 are different sponson widths? I say this from watching the install and work done in both on a regular basis. Seems to be more room in the 388 and I was told it is due to width.
As the owner of a 3212 I can say the ease of trailering and storage is a plus BUT it is as wide as a 368.
There is a 368 with 1100s in the final stages of build at Skater and I believe it is available for a buyer.
As the owner of a 3212 I can say the ease of trailering and storage is a plus BUT it is as wide as a 368.
There is a 368 with 1100s in the final stages of build at Skater and I believe it is available for a buyer.
05-16-2018, 11:32 PM
#5
Hey Craig, the first year the 388 came out, they were still racing Super Cat Light with Merc 525s. There were some 368 SC Lights and a couple 388 SC Lights at LOTO that year, and the 388s were 1-2mph faster! The 388 is actually a stretched 368 (first and only Skater model Pete did this on), that's why they're the same exact width. Deadrise is also the same, though step placement is different due to the length difference. There may be some other differences that only Pete knows, but that's the basics of the two hulls. Whatever the magic is that Pete worked into the 388, it sure worked, because it is the baddest cat under 40' on the market. I'll be back at Skater Monday and make sure I get pics of the 368s and 388s that are being built right now.
05-16-2018, 11:42 PM
#6
I was of the belief that the 368/388 are different sponson widths? I say this from watching the install and work done in both on a regular basis. Seems to be more room in the 388 and I was told it is due to width.
As the owner of a 3212 I can say the ease of trailering and storage is a plus BUT it is as wide as a 368.
There is a 368 with 1100s in the final stages of build at Skater and I believe it is available for a buyer.
As the owner of a 3212 I can say the ease of trailering and storage is a plus BUT it is as wide as a 368.
There is a 368 with 1100s in the final stages of build at Skater and I believe it is available for a buyer.
05-18-2018, 09:20 PM
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Beau- How fast have you had yours?
06-10-2018, 08:36 PM
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I was of the belief that the 368/388 are different sponson widths? I say this from watching the install and work done in both on a regular basis. Seems to be more room in the 388 and I was told it is due to width.
As the owner of a 3212 I can say the ease of trailering and storage is a plus BUT it is as wide as a 368.
There is a 368 with 1100s in the final stages of build at Skater and I believe it is available for a buyer.
As the owner of a 3212 I can say the ease of trailering and storage is a plus BUT it is as wide as a 368.
There is a 368 with 1100s in the final stages of build at Skater and I believe it is available for a buyer.
I had a good chat with Pete last week. The cross section of the tunnel and bottom of the 368 and 388 are the same up to the spray rails. When the 368 was lengthened into the 388 the easiest way to blend out the sides of the hull was to add 1" to each side of the boat from the spray rail up to the deck, making the 388 2" wider than the 368 - so the sponsons are a touch wider on the 388. Pete also said a 368 would be a little faster than a 388 with an identical setup since it's about 800 lbs lighter.
