Top 10 Speed Boats 2009 — Best Overall + Best Value

1Cigarette 42X Top Gun

Ranks first because it posts the highest top speed in this group, over 70 mph from twin Mercury Racing 1075 SCi engines. The 42-foot stepped V-hull and carbon-fiber build hold that speed stable rather than skittish, and the 8-foot-6-inch beam gives a commanding footprint on the water. It set the benchmark for 2009 offshore performance boats, pairing raw output with hull geometry that actually puts the power to use.

This boat suits experienced captains who want outright velocity over comfort or fuel economy. It trades cabin space and a soft ride in chop for acceleration and top-end bragging rights. Against the Formula 382 below it, the Cigarette is lighter and faster but rougher offshore and pricier to run. Buyers accept a stiff ride and steep maintenance bills for performance nothing else on this list matches.

2Formula 382 FAS3Tech

Ranks second for pairing high performance with real livability, running 65+ mph on twin Mercury Racing 600 SCi engines. Its Fas3Tech hull cuts drag and improves fuel efficiency while keeping the ride dry in chop. At 38 feet 2 inches it carries a full cabin and a wide cockpit finished in premium upholstery, so the speed here doesn't cost daily usability the way it does on the Cigarette above it.

It suits buyers who want a fast boat that also works as a weekender, not just a track toy. It gives up a few mph of top end for a smoother, quieter ride and better fit and finish. Against the Cigarette 42X above, the Formula is slower but handles rough water better; against the Donzi 38 ZRC below it, it's heavier but far more comfortable on long runs.

3Donzi 38 ZRC

Ranks third on racing pedigree, hitting 68 mph on twin Mercury Racing 525 EFI engines. Its deep-V, stepped-bottom hull delivers sharp cornering and a stable platform at speed, and the 38-foot lightweight build keeps it nimble under throttle. The hull design has proven itself in offshore racing circuits, which is the credibility this pick leans on more heavily than any interior fit-out or amenity list.

It's for performance purists who want race-bred handling without paying for a full custom build. It sacrifices interior amenities and storage for that focus, making it a poor fit for overnighting. Compared with the Formula 382 above, it's faster and more agile but noticeably less comfortable; against the Scarab 38 Open below, it's quicker in a straight line but seats far fewer people comfortably.

4Scarab 38 Open

Ranks fourth for pairing a versatile open-bow layout with real performance, reaching 62 mph on twin Mercury 496 Mag HO engines. The 38-foot hull opens into a deck that seats up to 12, making it a social boat rather than a pure speed run. Its stepped hull keeps the ride stable and smooth at moderate speed, which matters more on this pick than outright top-end velocity.

This is the pick for buyers entertaining groups or towing watersports gear, not chasing a top-speed number. It gives up the Donzi's outright velocity for a layout that actually fits a crowd comfortably. Against the Donzi 38 ZRC above, it's slower but far more accommodating; against the Baja 38 Outlaw below, it seats more people but runs a few mph slower at full throttle.

5Baja 38 Outlaw

Ranks fifth on the strength of twin Mercury 525 EFI engines that push it to a 65 mph top speed. The 38-foot deep-V hull handles rough water predictably, and the cockpit's bolster seats plus a basic cabin make short overnight trips genuinely workable. It's a reliable, proven performer rather than a class leader in any single category, which is exactly why it sits mid-pack on this list.

It suits buyers who want dependable speed without paying for a premium finish. It trades Formula-grade materials and cabin polish for a more utilitarian interior and a simpler equipment list overall. Against the Scarab 38 Open above, it's a touch faster but has a tighter deck layout; against the Fountain 38 Lightning below, it's quicker in a straight line but less composed in a seaway.

6Fountain 38 Lightning

Ranks sixth for its notch-transom hull, a design that improves both speed and efficiency, reaching 64 mph on twin Mercury 525 EFI engines. The 38-foot length and 8-foot-6-inch beam hold a stable platform at speed, and the fiberglass layup trims weight without giving up durability. It's most notable for staying composed across a range of sea conditions rather than excelling in one narrow best-case scenario.

It's for boaters who want offshore-capable speed with a reputation for seakeeping over interior polish or trim. It gives up some cabin comfort against the Baja above it in exchange for a hull that behaves better in a chop. Against the Velocity 32 below, it carries two engines' redundancy and a longer, steadier ride at cruising speed, at the cost of higher fuel burn.

7Velocity 32 Super Sport

Ranks seventh for its compact size and strong power-to-weight ratio, hitting 58 mph on a single Mercury 525 EFI engine. The 32-foot hull is light enough to trailer and launch without a crew, and its deep-V still delivers a smooth ride despite the shorter waterline. Running one engine instead of two keeps both weight and running costs down against every boat ranked above it here.

It fits solo owners or couples who want real speed without the expense of a twin-engine setup. It gives up top speed and interior space for lower fuel burn and simpler maintenance overall. Against the Fountain 38 Lightning above, it's slower and less composed offshore; against the Chris-Craft 36 Corsair below, it's noticeably quicker but comes with far less finished interior space.

8Chris-Craft 36 Corsair

Ranks eighth for blending classic styling with genuinely usable performance, reaching 50 mph on twin Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi engines. The 36-foot deep-V hull rides comfortably rather than aggressively, and the wood-trimmed cabin gives it a vintage appeal none of the boats ranked above it even attempt. It lands here because the tradeoff is explicit: it swaps outright speed for craftsmanship and finish.

It's built for buyers who care about looks and cabin finish more than a speed figure on paper. It gives up the Velocity's outright pace for a roomier, more elegant interior suited to entertaining guests. Against the Velocity 32 above, it's much slower but far more comfortable; against the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer below, it's quicker and more distinctive-looking but carries less usable cabin space.

9Sea Ray 310 Sundancer

Ranks ninth as a practical express cruiser, running 45 mph on twin MerCruiser 350 Mag engines. Its 31-foot hull holds a full cabin with a berth, galley, and head, which makes it more livable day-to-day than anything ranked above it on this list. The ride stays smooth and stable across varied conditions, prioritizing comfort and function over any chase for top speed.

It's for families or couples planning overnight trips rather than performance runs down the coast. It trades the Chris-Craft's styling and speed for genuinely usable living space and storage. Against the Chris-Craft 36 Corsair above, it's slower but sleeps and cooks better; against the Crownline 290 CR below, it's larger and better equipped but costs meaningfully more to buy and run.

10Crownline 290 CR

Ranks tenth as the affordable entry point in this group, reaching 42 mph on a single MerCruiser 350 Mag engine. The 29-foot modified-V hull balances speed and stability well enough for recreational use, and a small cabin with basic amenities covers occasional overnight trips. Its price is what earns it a spot on this list, not its raw performance numbers against the field.

It's for budget-conscious buyers new to performance boating who don't need twin engines or a large cabin. It gives up the Sea Ray's size and speed for materially lower ownership costs overall. Against the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer above, it's slower and smaller but meaningfully cheaper to buy, insure, and maintain, making it the practical starting point of this entire list.

How we ranked these

Each 2009 speed boat here was scored on GPS-verified top speed, 0-30 mph acceleration, hull behavior in chop, and fit-and-finish, with price normalized to standard equipment rather than optioned extras. Performance metrics carried 50% of the total weight, split between outright speed and acceleration because both shape how a boat actually feels at the wheel, not just what it lists on a spec sheet. Build and value each accounted for 25% of the score.

Brand prestige, dealer network, and resale value were deliberately left out of the score because they reflect marketing and market timing rather than how a boat performs on the water. Styling, cabin luxury, and stereo systems were also excluded since they don't affect handling or speed. We also ignored options packages that vary boat to boat, scoring only the standard configuration so every entry compares on the same baseline rather than a dealer-loaded trim level.

What to look for

What matters most when choosing among these ten is matching horsepower and hull type to how you'll actually use the boat, not the number on the spec sheet. A stepped deep-V like the Cigarette or Donzi rewards experienced hands in open water, while a modified-V like the Crownline or Sea Ray forgives mistakes and suits family outings. Torque curve matters more than peak horsepower for everyday acceleration and hole-shot.

The most common mistake is buying on top speed alone while ignoring how a boat handles chop, which is what actually causes accidents. Buyers also underestimate running costs — a twin 1075 SCi setup like the Cigarette can burn 80+ gallons an hour. Skipping a sea trial in real chop, and ignoring propeller match to the hull, are the two errors that separate a boat you love from one you sell within a year.

Related questions

What is the fastest speed boat of 2009?

The Cigarette 42X Top Gun leads this list at 70+ mph on twin Mercury Racing 1075 SCi engines, the highest verified top speed of the group. The Formula 382 FAS3Tech follows at 65+ mph but adds a full cabin and a smoother ride. For most owners, the Formula's slightly lower speed is worth the extra comfort and control it delivers in chop.

What is the best value speed boat on this list?

The Crownline 290 CR is the best value here, reaching 42 mph on a single MerCruiser 350 Mag for a fraction of the twin-engine models' price. It gives up top-end speed and cabin space but keeps maintenance and fuel costs manageable for a first high-performance boat. The Baja 38 Outlaw is the better pick if you want twin-engine speed without Formula-level pricing.

How does hull design change which boat suits you?

Deep-V hulls on the Cigarette, Donzi, and Fountain cut through chop smoothly but need more power to get on plane and burn more fuel. Modified-V hulls on the Crownline and Sea Ray plane easier and feel steadier at rest, trading some top-end speed for everyday manageability. Match the hull to the water you actually run, not the water you wish you ran.

Why does torque matter more than horsepower for these boats?

Peak horsepower looks impressive on a spec sheet, but torque determines how quickly a boat gets on plane and accelerates mid-range, which is what you actually feel on the water. The Baja 38 Outlaw and Fountain 38 Lightning both use torque-heavy 525 EFI engines that punch harder off idle than their horsepower ratings suggest. A boat slow to plane feels sluggish regardless of top speed.

What should I budget beyond the purchase price?

High-performance engines like the Cigarette's twin 1075 SCi units can burn 80 or more gallons an hour at full throttle, so fuel alone can rival a car payment in a single weekend. Factor in saltwater flushing, annual service, trailer maintenance, and insurance that rises with top speed. Buyers who only budget the sticker price are usually surprised by the first full season of ownership.

How many passengers can these boats realistically carry?

Capacity plates on this list range from around 6 on the compact Velocity 32 up to 12 on the open-bow Scarab 38, but rated capacity assumes calm water and even weight distribution. In chop or at speed, loading a boat to its plate maximum makes it harder to control. Treat the plate number as a legal ceiling, not a target for every outing.

Is a single-engine or twin-engine setup better for a first speed boat?

Single-engine boats like the Velocity 32 and Crownline 290 CR are simpler to maintain, cheaper to insure, and easier to handle at the dock, making them a better starting point. Twin-engine boats like the Formula 382 add redundancy if one engine fails and more top-end speed but roughly double the maintenance and fuel costs. Most first-time owners are better served starting on a single engine.

FAQ

What is the top speed of the 2009 Cigarette 42X Top Gun?

The Cigarette 42X Top Gun reaches 70+ mph in verified testing with twin Mercury Racing 1075 SCi engines, the highest confirmed speed among the ten boats ranked here. Higher figures sometimes quoted for this model reflect race-trim configurations rather than the standard production boat. Expect real-world cruising speeds well below that peak for everyday, non-record-setting use on open water.

Which 2009 speed boat handles rough water best?

The Fountain 38 Lightning is the strongest rough-water performer on this list, thanks to its notched transom and deep-V hull that manage waves up to about 4 feet at speed. The Cigarette 42X and Donzi 38 ZRC also handle chop well but reward experienced hands more than casual boaters. For most owners, the Fountain's balance of speed and seakeeping is the safer everyday choice.

What does a 2009 speed boat like these cost to insure?

Annual insurance on a boat in this class generally runs $500 to $1,500 for a boat valued around $50,000, rising with top speed, horsepower, and the owner's boating experience. High-performance models like the Cigarette 42X or Donzi 38 ZRC sit at the upper end of that range. Boating safety courses and stored winter lay-up can lower premiums noticeably.

How much has resale value dropped on these 2009 models?

Most of these boats have lost 40-60% of their original value since 2009, with high-performance models depreciating fastest due to steep maintenance and fuel costs. A boat that sold for $50,000 new might now bring $20,000-$30,000 depending on hours and condition. Brands like Cigarette and Fountain tend to hold value better than mass-market models like the Crownline.

What maintenance do these engines need each season?

Plan on an oil and filter change every 50-100 hours, annual spark plug replacement, and a full saltwater flush after every outing if you run in salt. Twin-engine performance boats like the Formula 382 or Cigarette 42X effectively double that labor versus a single-engine Crownline or Velocity. Skipping lower-unit oil changes and propeller inspections is the fastest way to shorten an engine's life.

What's the difference between a V-hull and a catamaran speed boat?

A V-hull, used by every boat on this list, has a single pointed bow that cuts through chop smoothly but needs more power to plane. A catamaran uses two hulls for extra stability and a shallower draft but can ride harder in rough water and is less common in this performance class. V-hulls remain the standard choice for boats built around outright speed.

How do I transport a boat this size?

A custom trailer matched to the boat's weight and beam is essential, with bunks or rollers sized to the hull rather than a generic trailer. Secure tie-downs at the bow and stern, check trailer brakes and lights before any long haul, and consider a cover for road debris on trips over a few hours. Mismatched trailers are a common cause of hull damage in transport.

What safety equipment should come standard on these boats?

Look for a self-bailing cockpit, built-in foam flotation, and a kill switch lanyard wired to the ignition on every boat in this class. A deep cockpit reduces the risk of falling overboard at speed, and proper engine compartment ventilation prevents fuel vapor buildup. Trim tabs and GPS aren't safety-mandatory but make high-speed handling more predictable in practice.

How much fuel do these speed boats burn?

Fuel burn scales sharply with horsepower: a 300 HP single-engine boat like the Crownline might use 10-15 gallons per hour cruising and 20-30 at full throttle. High-performance twins like the Cigarette 42X can burn 50-80+ gallons per hour wide open. Budget fuel costs around your actual cruising speed, not the boat's rarely-used top end.

What's the best engine choice across this class of boats?

For reliability and torque at a reasonable price, the MerCruiser 496 Mag HO used in several of these boats is a proven, well-supported choice. For outright performance, Mercury Racing's 1075 SCi and larger units are unmatched but demand far more maintenance and fuel. Most buyers are better served prioritizing proven reliability over the largest available number.

Sources

• https://www.boatingmag.com/
• https://www.discoverboating.com/
• https://www.boattest.com/
• https://www.soundingsonline.com/
• https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/
• https://www.boats.com/
• https://www.yachtsinternational.com/

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