35 or 38 LIghtning
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Charlotte, NC
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35 or 38 LIghtning
Ok need some imput. Looking at a 99 35 Lightning w/ single step and twin 500hp's and a 2000 38 Lightning with twin step and twin 525sc's. I boat mostly on lakes with an occasional trip to coastal waters. I do participate in poker runs. I currently have a 30' Hallett and its nice but not fast enough. Help me decide.
#2
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35 or 38
If the price is about the same the 38 would probably be the bettor choice. I have a 93 35lightning with HP500;s that will run in the low 80's. Not because i own one but i like the lines on the 35 bettor then the 38. The 38 probably has a little more room in the cabin and i would think runs in the high 80's with the 525's. Does either one of them have shore power which is a plus if you are staying overnight anywhere. What i am saying is if the 35 had shore power and the 38 did not that would be a buying perk for me. There are some variables to think about, fuel being one of them. My 35 with the hp500's uses between 65and 70 gallons cruising at 55mph on a Chesapeake Inn run which is just under 100 miles round trip. I would think the 38 would use more fuel then that with the 525's. Some things to think about. I am sure you will probably get a reply from someone with a 38 with that power package. Would be curious to see what you're choice is. (good luck)Sam
#3
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38
The best thing for me about the 38 is the fact that everyone has a 35 or a 42, 38s are semi rare. Just a little more room everywhere, but the 3 ft seems like a lot more than 3. Just as the the 42 seems like it is a lot more than 4 ft.
I think those boats will run near the same exact speed, 79-81 mph
The best thing for me about the 38 is the fact that everyone has a 35 or a 42, 38s are semi rare. Just a little more room everywhere, but the 3 ft seems like a lot more than 3. Just as the the 42 seems like it is a lot more than 4 ft.
I think those boats will run near the same exact speed, 79-81 mph
#4
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I climbed inside both. The 38 had more headroom and seating in the cabin. The head had a sink. The 35 was about 3-4 m.p.h. faster with equal 525 motors. The 35 had a vacuflush head and a fridge where they were optional on the 38. As mentioned above options could sway a person either way. The weight was only about 4-500# difference so no big difference towing. Either would be nice IMO.