Currently in a 26 Velocity, and looking to step up to something a bit bigger and faster. Been looking at the 35 and 38 fountains. We rarely if ever overnight so the cabin space is mostly for storage and escaping the osccasional thunderstorm. See a lot of 496 boats out there but would prefer something with 500 efis if budget permits. Questions are as follows :

• What speed difference are we talking about with black motors vs the blue top?

• Is there a big difference in the ride quality given the small size difference ?

• What price can one realistically look at spending for both motor options ?

• Looking to keep the budget under 80k

Appreciate any feedback.

In a 32 there is about 4-5 mph difference but the acceleration is a lot better with blue.

Plus greater durability and resale.

Speaking for the 35's,

Twin step hull will be 7-10 faster than the single step with the same power.

On either hull a 525 EFI Blue motor will have the Black 496 by an easy 10. From the few Twin step Lightings I have heard numbers on with the 496 Mag HO's run right around the 80 mark, the 525 boats run right at 90 if set up right.

If your Blue motors of choice are the 500 Carb or EFI's the difference will be somewhat less than with the 525's. These, the 525's, are much stronger running motors. Believe me, I have had both. Also have owned both single and twin step 35's.

Not the expert on the 38's. Almost bought one once, they can be faster than the 35's if they are set up right. The 38 twin step hull was worked over more than once to max it out back in the Factory racing days and it can show in how it performs. Real advantage here is a full staggered set up, same will hold with the newest of the 35's, the staggered boats will run far faster than any of the side by side boats. Life is all about choices, Fountain has many to pick from in this size range.

Ragged the black motor single step is 75-77 mph boat. I don't think the twin step is 7-10 mph faster than a single. I'm sure we can find examples but I think as an average that would be high. Naturally set up plays a big part in this also. I know Joe (mild thunder) has a straight bottom 38 that runs very well.

Op what year ranges are you talking as a 38 fever is quite different than a 38 lightning?

Actually Raggeds estimates are right on the money.

I agree with most of it. Just don't think the twin step is power for power 10 mph faster than single. If the twin with black motors runs 80 it's closer to 3 mph difference as the single step runs 78 by a test. My single step test report (I know they aren't exact but generally close form what I've read) claims 80.

Would prefer to stay in the 99 or newer models. Prices seem to be very similar for a twin step 38 and 35s. Would it be fair to assume a 38 with t/s would be faster than a single step 35 with the same power ?

Appreciate everyone's feedback .

my single step 35' runs 78mph with 496 mag ho motors.

Good report here. 2002 38 with 575s ran 91ish. I would imagine that is a little quicker than a single step with similar power. Again set up is a lot to do with speed. If you look around enough you will see similar hulls and power numbers and 10mph speed variances. Some is due to guessed hp vs dyno or dyno correction numbers even. I'd think a single step 35 would 600 to touch 90. So the 38 twin is faster.

https://www.boats.com/reviews/retooled-rocket/