I'm looking pretty serious at a 38' Lightning. I'm also wondering about Formula's. My guess on a fair comparison of true hull length, interior room, would be the 38 to a 353.

Budget will allow spending 90-125k. So I've been looking at 1999-2001's. 500efi's would be ideal. I believe both would be good solid boats and hulls. After 5 other varieties, this boat may be my long time keeper. Any thoughts w/o knocking the other guy? Any boats avail that are not in the usual listings? Thnks......Dave

Dave,

You are right on comparing the 38 Fountain to the 353 Formula.

The Fountain will be faster then the Formula with the same power due to the weight difference and design of the hull. Remember, the Formula is a gentleman's powerboat, the Fountain will be more of a hotrod.

The fit and finish of the Formula will be a little higher quality than the Fountain. Cabin room will be comparable with a little more head room in the Formula. Both are well built and your decision will come down to personal preference in my opinion. Cost...they will also be comparable in the 353 vs. the 38.

Good luck!

Dave

In my second Formula (312 and 382) and have to agree with axapowell. Buddy had a older 38 Fountain so I've been in those too. Not sure of the Fountain but you certainly can get into a Formula for that price range.....maybe even into the 382 for the upper end of that range. There was an add for a nice looking (in pictures) 1998 382 here on OSO for $105K that would be a sweet ride. The 382 is HUGE compared to the 353 if cabin space is your goal.

Here's the ad....anyone know anything about this boat???

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-7718.html

Mine is also for sale and is in your price range. Very clean. Call me if you are interested.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-13353.html

Thanks
Don

I'll agree with all of above except fit and finish. They are both production boats and equal in my opinion.

Consider how you fit in the cockpit. I think bigger guys have a harder squeeze in a Fountain. Fountain also have a low profile to the water. Some like a deep freeboard which Formula has. Cabin in Fountain is going to be lower. Both are excellent boats and stable long term companies.

I had a 35 for 8yrs, original owner I purchased from bought it back and I have an 05 42 which I am very happy with.

Have fun shopping!!

Oh yeah, if you get the Fountain, keep your boxing gloves on when you log on here. Everyone likes to jab at the Leader, #1, fastest in the Universe, most speed records belong to Reggie

Performance wise a Fountain will smoke a Forumla. Fit and finish is about the same. Fountain has very good gel work, contruction tech is very high and hull sides and extremly solid.
Good climb on both boats and see which one turns you on the most.

I beg to differ on the quality of Fountain being equal to Formula.....not that Fountian is bad, just not equal...decide for yourself. I can tell you that Formula factory customer service IS second to NONE! Even when buying 5-10 year old used boats.

How about re-sale? Formula's seem to hold their value better as well!

Dave