Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 vs Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 or the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002?

The Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 comes in at 38,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 is rated to a maximum of 700 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 tops out at 370 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 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.

Q: Are the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 and Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 and the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 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.

Boat Comparison

Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 vs Fountain Express Cruiser 2002

Fountain

Fountain 38 Lightning 2007

2007

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Fountain

Fountain Express Cruiser 2002

2002

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 vs Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 vs Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 700 hp, the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 has a 330-hp advantage over the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002's 370-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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 Lightning 2007 and its 700-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 with its 370-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeFountain

Makenot available

Model38 Lightning

Modelnot available

Model Year2007

Model Yearnot available

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beamnot available

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (0.9 m)

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg4059.65

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.895

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Meters11.58

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet38

Length overall - Detail38 ft. 0 in. (11.58 m)

Length overall - Detail38.00 ft

Length overall - Meters11.58

Length overall - Inches456

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Fuel typeDiesel

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Drive typeinboard

Engine max700 hp, 2 each

Engine maxnot available

Engine makenot available

Engine makeCummins

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower370 hp

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed w/ porta-potti

Headnot available

Water capacity13 gal. (49 l)

Water capacitynot available

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 vs Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 or the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002?

The Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 comes in at 38,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 is rated to a maximum of 700 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 tops out at 370 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 Lightning 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 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.

Are the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 and Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 and the Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 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.

← Fountain 38 Lightning 2007 full specs ← Fountain Express Cruiser 2002 full specs