The Fountain 31 CC 2011 vs Fountain 35 Lightning 2007 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 2007 measures 35,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 31 CC 2011 at 31,0 feet (2011). At 58 lbs and 86 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 600 hp, the Fountain 35 Lightning 2007 has a 598-hp advantage over the Fountain 31 CC 2011's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 31 CC 2011 carries 204 gallons versus 16 gallons in the Fountain 35 Lightning 2007. 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 2007 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Fountain 31 CC 2011 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountain 35 Lightning 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 35 Lightning 2007 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 31 CC 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.