The Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 vs Fountain 42 Lightning 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 Lightning 2007 measures 42,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 at 38,0 feet (2012). At 98 lbs and 103 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 1 075 hp, the Fountain 42 Lightning 2007 has a 1 073-hp advantage over the Fountain 38 Lightning 2012's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 42 Lightning 2007 carries 31 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Fountain 38 Lightning 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fountain 42 Lightning 2007 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountain 38 Lightning 2012 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 Lightning 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 42 Lightning 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 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.