Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 boat specs
Fountain
Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007
2007
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VS
Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 boat specs
Fountain
Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011
2011
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Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 vs Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 vs Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 at 37,0 ft versus Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 at 38,0 ft. At 135 lbs and 158 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 525 hp, the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 has a 523-hp advantage over the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 296 gal and 296 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 with its 2-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeFountain
MakeFountain
Model38 Express Cruiser
Model38 SFC I/O
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m)
Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m)
Beam - Meters3.2
Beam - Meters3.2
Beam - Inches126
Beam - Inches126
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. (2.74 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.74
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise19℃
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail13,500 lbs. (6,123 kg)
Weight - Detail15,800 lbs. (7,182 kg)
Weight - kg6123.49
Weight - kg7166.75
Weight - lbs.135
Weight - lbs.158
Length - Meters11.55
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet37
Length - Feet38
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail37 ft. 11 in. (11.55 m)
Length overall - Detail38 ft. (11.58 m)
Length overall - Meters11.56
Length overall - Meters11.58
Length overall - Inches455
Length overall - Inches456
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail296 gal. (1,120 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail296 gal. (1,120 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1120.48
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1120.48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal296
Fuel tank capacity - Gal296
Fuel typeGas or diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Engine maxGas: 525 hp, 2 each Diesel: 320 hp, 2 each
Engine maxGas: (2) 425 hp 496 HO Mercury with Bravo III Diesel: (2) 320 Cummins diesels with Bravo III
Operational Info
HeadVacuFlush
Headnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Sleeping capacity4
Sleeping capacity4
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Water heater capacity10 gal
Water heater capacitynot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (42 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (42 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64
Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64
Holding tank capacity - Gal11
Holding tank capacity - Gal11
Performance
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speedGas: 62+ mph Diesel: 52+ mph

Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 vs Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 or the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011?
The Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 comes in at 37,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 or the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011?
For trailering, the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 has the edge at 135 lbs dry weight versus 158 lbs for the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 tops out at 2 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 is certified for 11. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 and Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 share an 10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 and Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 296 gallons and 296 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 and Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser 2007 and the Fountain 38 SFC I/O 2011 are built by Fountain. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.