would you buy a 390 Vs. 320 ?
 

I have been looking at velocity's with twin 502s and twin 496ho motors
The 32 seems like just enough for me really

Will be a dayboat/ stabbin cabin
The 320 I heard handles odd, and the 390 I heard is more forgiving
Would fuel usage be similar ?
this is my third boat, but first twin engine

What would you rather have and why

If I memory is correct the 32s have 2 different size pads. Earlier years had a smaller pad. Later years have a larger pad, I think the size pad on the 39.

If I had the room I would get the 39. I would think fuel usage is similar

The 320 was derived from the 410 hull whereas the early 30' was Steve's original hull design and used for the 322. All three boats have different decks. The 30 hull is better behaved so it was used on the most recent 322 design. The 320 hull is slightly faster than the 30'. Not sure if the 30' hull was speed enhanced for 322 or if Steve left it alone..

Having owned both a 320 and a 390, no doubt the 390 is easier to drive as the extra feet improve the balance. Bigger also provides a better ride in the rough no doubt and the 390 is more comfortable at any speed. Bigger has it drawbacks however when it comes to storage, trailering, tight maneuvering (320 can spin in place!) and time to clean.

I liked my 320. It was a very fast and capable boat but you had to first spend the time to learn how to drive it and then always be mindful of the sea conditions and respond accordingly. So if you're a proactive type of driver the 320 can do very well with "Black" Merc power (you'll need Blue Merc for the 390 for comparable speed). If you intend to use more power and go 90 MPH with the 320 I wouldn't recommend it.

The 320 is actually deeper than the 390 and has a more usable head. The 320 is fine for overnighting but of course the 390 has a much bigger cabin space. Yup there are trade-offs and gets down if you really want the bigger boat enough given its extra cost and time to upkeep. That's a decision we all make for ourselves. Good luck.





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I would buy the 320 as it would fit in my garage. 390 not so much. 390 is the better looking boat by far.

In my case i was able to have the 320 rack stored in a marina warehouse with prompt in and out forklift service. The 390 is too big to fit the warehouse racks so it sits outside (with full cover) on its trailer in a marina yard. New Jersey has few options for 39' boat "in and out service" and often it's pulled out when convenient for the marina - like Monday - which doesn't work for me. So I ramp it in and out myself and hope there's room to maneuver in the marina with the long rig!

I’d agree on the 390 looking good but a 320 without windscreen or deck rails looks more balanced. 😀

I Had probably the fastest 320 out there and the faster you ran the boat the better the ride,the boat is a drivers boat because of the very short pad it has and it is very sensitive to weight from side to side we ran big tabs on the boat to help the boats attitude to make up for the short pad on the boat.We had a lot of fun with the 320 but if you will be boating where the water can be rough the 390 is the way to go simply because of the length and they are a very well balanced and great overall boat.My 320 was like a 22 Velocity on steroids it would run like a scalded dog and you were driving it and the 390 is much more mild mannered and user friendly.Good luck with what ever one you buy they are both great boats and like anything have there good and bad points.

Call Kenny Hohwiesner 407-402-0300. Nobody had a longer relationship with Steve then Kenny. He knows every boat built and can give you the straight scoop on all the hulls. I do know he considers the 39 as their best hull. Good luck.

I also had a 320. 1996 He is right that boat comes right out of the water. Runs like a bass boat. Loose. I switched the prop rotation to spin out and it behaved much better. My boat felt bow light and I used to dip the tabs to keep the nose from coming up to high and have a good set over the chop. Once on the pad and hauling ass you need pay attention with props turning in but like I said turn props out and it runs flatter and more controllable. The 320 is a hot rod no doubt. It bites and carves in tight hard turns like your like you on a rail. Trim in, nail the throttle and crank into a turn. If your not holding on you won't be in the boat anymore LOL. Anyway the 390 will cut the waves and smooth the ride with length. I think the 390 is the boat you will like better. It definitely is no sled. The 390 has impressive numbers

Kenny is a great guy to get to know as he provides us with great support despite the business being shut down. I would recommend also speaking to VelocityTom as I'm pretty sure he has owned more Velocities than anyone. Many of us here have 20+ years owning the brand and with Steve - the advice provided by 1Hyper1 and Veloc410 is spot on.