The Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 vs Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 measures 35,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 at 25,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 tips the scales at 9 500 lbs - 4 300 lbs less than the Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 at 5 200 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 carries 200 gallons versus 160 gallons in the Fountain 35 Lightning 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 35 Lightning 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 35,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fountain 23 Center Console 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.