The Fountain 38 Lightning 2006 vs Fountain 42 Poker Run 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 42 Poker Run 2007 measures 42,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 38 Lightning 2006 at 38,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 tips the scales at 9 200 lbs - 250 lbs less than the Fountain 38 Lightning 2006 at 8 950 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 1 075 hp, the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 has a 475-hp advantage over the Fountain 38 Lightning 2006's 600-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 211 gal and 212 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountain 38 Lightning 2006 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 42,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.