The Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 vs Fountain Patrol Boat 2011 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 Patrol Boat 2011 at 38,0 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountain Patrol Boat 2011 tips the scales at 12 000 lbs - 2 800 lbs less than the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007 at 9 200 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 1 072-hp advantage over the Fountain Patrol Boat 2011's 3-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 Patrol Boat 2011 carries 300 gallons versus 212 gallons in the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2007. 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 Poker Run 2007 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountain Patrol Boat 2011 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 Patrol Boat 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.