BOATING MAGAZINE ARTICLE-August 2002

ASSIMILATION. How can one boat handle so much better than some others? In the 38 Express's case, there are several reasons. Most significantly, the engines are spaced farther apart than in competing boats, thanks to the 38 Express's 14'2"beam. Compare that to the Cabo 35 ($354,000 with twin 450-bhp diesels), which has a 13' beam, or the Stolper 380 ($339,000 with twin 370-bhp diesels), which has a 12'2" beam. Of course, a wider beam can lead to more pounding in a head sea. But this isn't a problem with the 50-degree stem angle and razor-sharp entry that carries 35 degrees of deadrise 8' aft of the entry, the point of attack when this boat charges frothy water. Even amidships there's 33 degrees of deadrise, and it isn't until you near the struts that the running surface begins tapering down to the transom deadrise of 17.5 degrees. So what's the tradeoff? In a nutshell, the hull is designed for running, not to maximize space. Boats of this size with a more voluminous bow often contain center pedestal berths, whereas the 38 Express has a berth running across the beam, with no way to walk around it.
Another contributor to the awesome handling is a pair of oversized rudders. Instead of going with the rudders common to a 38' express boat, Out Island uses the castings for rudders from a 42' boat. The larger rudders mean that when you merely twitch the wheel, the boat responds as if you gave it a half-turn. Of course, there's a tradeoff here, too. Larger rudders cause more drag, and more drag means less spead. In this case though, it's a great trade. Even with the larger rudders, the 38 Express hits 43.8 mph and cruises at 32.9 mph. That's just a hair behind the Stolper, which hits 43.9 mph and cruises at 35.4 mph. The Cabo comes in at 36 mph and 30.8 mph, respectively. Don't forget, though, that the 38 Express carries more power that these boats.
What about dockside maneuverability? Over the years and the course of many sea trials, I've recorded the time it takes to twin-screw boats to spin 360 degrees. Usually, a boat this size takes between 30 and 45 seconds to turn- and that's with a liberal application of power. The 38 Express, however, spun quickly enough to make me dizzy, posting a record 16.8 seconds. Just think about coming around 180 degrees to put the stern in the slip in a 20-knot wind with an opposing 3-knot current-you'll have more control in this boat than you would in most.

FIBER OPTICS. Handling and seakeeping may be among the 38 Express' strongest characteristics, but there's more to be impressed by here. The boat's construction also goes well beyond the norm. This is first noticeable with a simple glance along the hullsides. What do you see-bronze, chrome-over-bronze, or plastic fittings? The answer is none of the above. The hullsides are unblemished because of central drains that run to ports located in the transom boot stripe. As you sight down the hull sides, also take note of the aggressive tumblehome. These curves, along with the tremendous flare at the bow, will remind you of Carolina-designed sport fishing boats by the likes of Buddy Davis and Jarrett Bay. It takes a lot of work to get that tumblehome into a molded fiberglass hull; split molds are required because the curvature wouldn't fit through the opening of a common female mold. And as you expect, extra work means extra cost-the 38 Express says open wide to your wallet. Add on a tower and outriggers and the price with test power jumps past $425,000. But that tumblehome is part of what makes this boat a real eye-popper-it'll turn heads in any port.
As those heads turn, they'll want to come aboard and check out the hull-to-deck joint, too. Your already know that stout boats have joints that are sealed, through-bolt-ed, and backed. And a few builders even fiberglass over the entire joint. Out Island decided to go one better. The joint is through-bolted every 2.5" (most builders bolt every 6" or so), sealed with 3M's 5200 adhesive/sealant, and then gets fiberglassed over. Twice.
Stringers are also well built, with marine ply encapsulated in fiberglass and steel plates laminated into the engine bearers at attachment points for the motor mounts. The engine room is finished in industrial Imron, which is designed to be impervious to petrochemicals, so it'll always clean up well.

[BoatTest #2237] Out Island 38 Control Freak What it takes to win. By Lenny Rudow The following Boat Test has been copied word for word directly from Boating Magazine
Looking for a twin-screw diesel inboard fishboat that-when ou get behind the helm-makes you feel as if the boat has become an extension of your body? It's a rare find. That's why testing the Out Island 38 Express was so cool. I took the helm just before we reached the inlet, which, thanks to a 35-mph wind opposing the tide, looked like something from the History Channel's Victory At Sea files. So I picked out a badass six-footer, rammed the throttles home, and aimed for the crest. As the bow kissed the sky, I cranked the wheel hardover and careened into the trough, carving out a turn that would have made a Lamborghini envious. In seconds we were on top of the hump, then went shooting down the backside. My feet melded with the deck-and I almost couldn't tell where my body ended and the boat began. Now that's trick! Looking for a way to get rid of some disposable income? Or, for that matter, your kid's college fund? Trust me on this one: Go with the 38 Express. It's a helluva lot of fun-and it handles like a dream.

ASSIMILATION. How can one boat handle so much better than some others? In the 38 Express's case, there are several reasons. Most significantly, the engines are spaced farther apart than in competing boats, thanks to the 38 Express's 14'2"beam. Compare that to the Cabo 35 ($354,000 with twin 450-bhp diesels), which has a 13' beam, or the Stolper 380 ($339,000 with twin 370-bhp diesels), which has a 12'2" beam. Of course, a wider beam can lead to more pounding in a head sea. But this isn't a problem with the 50-degree stem angle and razor-sharp entry that carries 35 degrees of deadrise 8' aft of the entry, the point of attack when this boat charges frothy water. Even amidships there's 33 degrees of deadrise, and it isn't until you near the struts that the running surface begins tapering down to the transom deadrise of 17.5 degrees. So what's the tradeoff? In a nutshell, the hull is designed for running, not to maximize space. Boats of this size with a more voluminous bow often contain center pedestal berths, whereas the 38 Express has a berth running across the beam, with no way to walk around it. Another contributor to the awesome handling is a pair of oversized rudders. Instead of going with the rudders common to a 38' express boat, Out Island uses the castings for rudders from a 42' boat. The larger rudders mean that when you merely twitch the wheel, the boat responds as if you gave it a half-turn. Of course, there's a tradeoff here, too. Larger rudders cause more drag, and more drag means less spead. In this case though, it's a great trade. Even with the larger rudders, the 38 Express hits 43.8 mph and cruises at 32.9 mph. That's just a hair behind the Stolper, which hits 43.9 mph and cruises at 35.4 mph. The Cabo comes in at 36 mph and 30.8 mph, respectively. Don't forget, though, that the 38 Express carries more power that these boats. What about dockside maneuverability? Over the years and the course of many sea trials, I've recorded the time it takes to twin-screw boats to spin 360 degrees. Usually, a boat this size takes between 30 and 45 seconds to turn- and that's with a liberal application of power. The 38 Express, however, spun quickly enough to make me dizzy, posting a record 16.8 seconds. Just think about coming around 180 degrees to put the stern in the slip in a 20-knot wind with an opposing 3-knot current-you'll have more control in this boat than you would in most. FIBER OPTICS. Handling and seakeeping may be among the 38 Express' strongest characteristics, but there's more to be impressed by here. The boat's construction also goes well beyond the norm. This is first noticeable with a simple glance along the hullsides. What do you see-bronze, chrome-over-bronze, or plastic fittings? The answer is none of the above. The hullsides are unblemished because of central drains that run to ports located in the transom boot stripe. As you sight down the hull sides, also take note of the aggressive tumblehome. These curves, along with the tremendous flare at the bow, will remind you of Carolina-designed sport fishing boats by the likes of Buddy Davis and Jarrett Bay. It takes a lot of work to get that tumblehome into a molded fiberglass hull; split molds are required because the curvature wouldn't fit through the opening of a common female mold. And as you expect, extra work means extra cost-the 38 Express says open wide to your wallet. Add on a tower and outriggers and the price with test power jumps past $425,000. But that tumblehome is part of what makes this boat a real eye-popper-it'll turn heads in any port. As those heads turn, they'll want to come aboard and check out the hull-to-deck joint, too. Your already know that stout boats have joints that are sealed, through-bolt-ed, and backed. And a few builders even fiberglass over the entire joint. Out Island decided to go one better. The joint is through-bolted every 2.5" (most builders bolt every 6" or so), sealed with 3M's 5200 adhesive/sealant, and then gets fiberglassed over. Twice. Stringers are also well built, with marine ply encapsulated in fiberglass and steel plates laminated into the engine bearers at attachment points for the motor mounts. The engine room is finished in industrial Imron, which is designed to be impervious to petrochemicals, so it'll always clean up well.
	MAPLE 'N SUGAR. Though the 38 Express is clearly designed for die-hard anglers, the cabin interior is not neglected-not by a long shot. The standard interior is maple with simulated-granite countertops. The galley is comprehensive, with a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and sink. Wait a sec. Where's the stovetop? Don't worry, there are two burners hidden under the counter. You just didn't notice them, because the simulated-granite cover has been fitted so perfectly with the rest of the countertop that the seam is invisible. Other highlights in the cabin include lighted toe kicks and steps, a mini pump room under the stairs, and a dinette table that hydraulically raises and lowers to convert into a berth. But the best cabin feature is the rod stowage. An upright rod locker next to the entry holds eight rigs, and seven more will fit into the cabinets over the forward berth. The 38 Express may be one of those few fishboats that leaves the dock with its rods contained belowdecks. Of course, even when time's too short to head for the canyons, you'll want to take it for a spin-just because it's so much fun to drive.