Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
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
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