Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 boat specs
Fountain
Fountain 38 Lightning 2012
2012
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VS
Fountain 38 SC 2021 boat specs
Fountain
Fountain 38 SC 2021
2021
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Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 vs Fountain 38 SC 2021 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 vs Fountain 38 SC 2021 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 Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 carries a rated maximum of 2 hp. Engine data for the Fountain 38 SC 2021 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

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: The Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 and Fountain 38 SC 2021 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeFountain
Makenot available
Model38 Lightning
Modelnot available
Model Year2012
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] - Detail31.00 ft
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters9.45
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches372
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 - Feet38
Length overall - Detail38 ft. (11.58 m)
Length overall - Detail38.00 ft
Length overall - Meters11.58
Length overall - Meters11.58
Length overall - Inches456
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 typenot available
Engine max2 staggered Mercury 525 EFI with Bravo 1-XR/SSM/ITS
Engine maxnot available
Performance
Maximum speed96 mph
Maximum speednot available
Operational Info
Water capacity13 gal. (49 l)
Water capacity2
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower

Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 vs Fountain 38 SC 2021 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 or the Fountain 38 SC 2021?
The Fountain 38 SC 2021 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 comes in at 38,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 has a documented max rating of 2 hp. Engine specifications for the Fountain 38 SC 2021 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Fountain 38 SC 2021 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 2012 and Fountain 38 SC 2021 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 and the Fountain 38 SC 2021 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.