Variable Deadrise Hull...Newer version!

[Fr. Frank]

Of all the boats I've run 70+ with, I must say the most comfortable ride I've experienced offshore was a '81 Magnum Marine 38 Sport Express. It had triple supercharged 650hp Gale Banks prepped Mercruisers with #4 Speedmaster drives, and could actually run WFO at about 74 or 75 mph in 2-4' seas without touching the throttles most of the time. It was 38' long with a 12' beam. Very, very nice.

The boat belonged to a union organizer from New York, who had that boat, a 36' Tiara Pursuit express fisherman, and an ordinary 20' Regal cuddy.

In all of his boats, he only knew how to go three speeds - idle speed, trolling speed, and WFO. He was constantly blowing and replacing engines in the Magnum. He eventually traded the Magnum in on a 44' Tempest with twin big Cat diesels and Arneson drives.

We had the Magnum and Regal in forklifted dry storage in Lake Worth Yachting Center in Hypoluxo back in '85. Sometimes the perks of managing marinas back then were very pleasant, indeed.