2007 38DA vs 2012 370DA

[rtg]

38DA has 8.1L 370hp and the 370DA has 8.2L 375hp inboards with bow thruster in both.

Without comparing the details of other options in both, which one has the overall better ride and handling characteristics?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

 

[JimG]

The 2012 390 is more the equivalent to the 2007 38. The 2012 370 is 2.5' shorter, a half a foot more narrow, and 1,400 pounds lighter.
(sorry, I had to compare the details)

That being said, I would believe the 2007 38 will ride a bit better than the 2012 370.

 

[rtg]

Thanks JimG.

Actually the 370 is 1.5' shorter.(39' vs 37'6")

The potential advantage to the shorter, narrower, and lighter form factor is faster cruise speed at a given RPM and better fuel economy. My focus is how does each handle 6'-8' seas for example. Bow rise when throttling up. Attitude at cruise. Close quarters handling.

Also, the details I was referring to were things like: an extended swim platform, Stainless Steel windshield frame, teak flooring, a macerator, etc.....

Anyone with practical experience care to comment?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

 

[juggernaut1]

2.5+ metre swell is the biggest I've been in so far in my 38 (higher than the hardtop). I was generally going with the swell and no probs. I must confess I was a little nervous coming almost side onto it coming through a bar near where it was starting to build into a break and starting to stand up but again no probs so long as you keep a moderate speed. I mostly do coastal trips and the boat handles it well - I can't say I'm faced with 2.5m swell often though.

Close quarter handling is great.

Naturally, there is bow rise when throttling up but it gets up on the plane quickly and doesn't appear sensitive to weight. In any case you can control the attitude of the boat with the trim tabs although I find it is faster with the bow a little higher than flatter but again this may be more to do with the coastal cruising with swell and chop.

I wouldn't expect there to be a discernable difference in handling between the two given they're similar in spec.

 

[rtg]

Thanks juggernaut1! I appreciate the input.

Rob