38 Express Cruiser - Advice on buying
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10-20-2016, 02:13 PM
#22
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Was not trying to high jack your thread, just simply state that you can do a lot with these boats. The gas & diesel versions of the 38ec are awesome boats. I've had mine since 2008 and the family & I have really enjoyed it. I was at a point where I needed to up-grade and I couldn't replace with same options and performance for anything close in $$$. With some great help from Brian at Marker 17 this was a great venture. I can tell you from experience as I had a 29 twin engine fountain that these 38"s will satisfy your need and also your family's needs.
10-20-2016, 09:47 PM
#24
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Location: New Bern, NC
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Yes. Brain did the rigging and bracket design on Matt's 48 and my 38. He knows these Fountains very well. I filled in the notch in the transom and Brian had an aluminum tray built that is used for storage in the bilge (a lot of room down there with inboards out). After driving & riding on Matt's boat when it had diesel's then outboards it was a no brainer for me. My 38 handles, docks, plains, and EXCELLERATES a lot better. Fuel economy is better as well. Doesn't feel heavy anymore. It's unbelievable how well it plans out. Don't even have to use tabs. Jumps out like a CC. I am trying to figure out how to transfer pics from my phone. There was a lot done to this boat last winter. Came with a soft top and was converted to a hard top.
10-20-2016, 09:58 PM
#25
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That outboard powered EC looks exceptional. Reggie would be proud of it.
10-21-2016, 09:03 AM
#27
My speculation is that the bracket and OB config puts the propshafts so far back, that they are in clean water. The purpose of the notch is to put props in "cleaner" water unaffected by the deadrise at the transom. The OB configuration is essentially providing a 'standoff box', which is lending to that setup performing very well.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 10-24-2016 at 07:46 AM.
Commercial Member
11-11-2016, 10:34 PM
#30
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I own a 2004 38' EC with HP500's and Merc XR Drives; 315 hours on the original engines & drives. I don't push my boat hard, typically cruising around 45mph, but during my pre-purchase trial run it managed 68mph with 5 onboard and full tanks. I'd like to echo what others have said. The 38EC really does provide the best of both worlds, for a Cruiser it's quick, plus it offers a nice degree of comfortable when you reach point B. The 38EC's design hasn't unchanged very much from around 2003, which I think proves Fountain hit upon a winning Cruiser design. One change did occur part way through the 2006 model year when Fountain decided to change from a cabin door, to a curtain, for the front bedroom. Personally I prefer the earlier door design. I like the improved privacy plus the door's bulkhead adds adds some structural strength. My only complaint about my 38EC has been it's has been its Westerbeke 5kw generator which is a bit tough to start on occasion, although its generator runs great once it starts. I'm hoping a new carburetor on the generator will solve the generator starting issue. But other than my generator issue, love the boat!
