Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 vs Fountain 38 SC 2022 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 or the Fountain 38 SC 2022?

The Fountain 38 SC 2022 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 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 SC 2022 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain 38 SC 2022 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 2009 and Fountain 38 SC 2022 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 and the Fountain 38 SC 2022 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 2009 vs Fountain 38 SC 2022

Fountain

Fountain 38 Lightning 2009

2009

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Fountain

Fountain 38 SC 2022

2022

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 vs Fountain 38 SC 2022 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 vs Fountain 38 SC 2022 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 450 hp, the Fountain 38 SC 2022 has a 448-hp advantage over the Fountain 38 Lightning 2009's 2-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 SC 2022 and its 450-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 with its 2-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeFountain

Makenot available

Model38 Lightning

Modelnot available

Model Year2009

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 - Detail9,800 lbs. (4,455 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg4445.2

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.98

Weight - lbs.not 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

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot 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 typeGas

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Drive typeoutboard

Engine max2 staggered Mercury 525 EFI with Bravo 1-XR/SSM/ITS

Engine maxnot available

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower450 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity13 gal. (49 l)

Water capacitynot available

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 vs Fountain 38 SC 2022 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 or the Fountain 38 SC 2022?

The Fountain 38 SC 2022 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 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 SC 2022 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 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 Lightning 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain 38 SC 2022 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 2009 and Fountain 38 SC 2022 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fountain 38 Lightning 2009 and the Fountain 38 SC 2022 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 2009 full specs ← Fountain 38 SC 2022 full specs