Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 vs Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 vs Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2006 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 38 Express Cruiser 2006 measures 37,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 at 31,0 feet (2006). At 57 lbs and 135 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 Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2006 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 carries 204 gallons versus 27 gallons in the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2006. 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 38 Express Cruiser 2006 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 37,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fountain 31 Center Console 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model31 Center Console
Model38 Express Cruiser
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)
Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.19 m)
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Meters3.2
Beam - Inches1
Beam - Inches126
Weight - Detail5,700 lbs. (2,586 kg)
Weight - Detail13,500 lbs. (6,179 kg)
Weight - kg2585.47
Weight - kg6123.49
Weight - lbs.57
Weight - lbs.135
Length - Meters9.45
Length - Meters11.5
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet37
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 0 in. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Detail37 ft. 11 in. (11.55 m)
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Meters11.56
Length overall - Inches372
Length overall - Inches455
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. (2.73 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.74
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches108
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (.95 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches38
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches11
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardTwin Mercury 275 Verados
Engine/s standardGas: Twin Mercury w/ Bravo III drives (496 cu. in.) Diesel: Twin Cummins w/ Bravo III XR drives
Fuel tank capacity - Detail204 gal. (772 l) Optional Fuel: 40 gal. (151 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail270 gal. (1,021 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters772.22
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1022.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal204
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or diesel
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxnot available
Engine maxGas: 425 hp Diesel: 320 hp
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadHigh gloss fiberglass, VacuFlush, stand-up shower
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.98 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity4
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity10 gal