Hi All,

Proud new owner of a 2008 38ec with the 496 HO with approx. 280hrs on them. I am down in Auckland New Zealand and to my knowledge there isn't another fountain 38ec down here. I ve done a lot of googling to try get some more info.

high level info I know

bravo 3 drives,
496 HO
kohler genset
air con,
teak and holly for the interior floor.
and I am guessing standard equipment everywhere else.

the boat originally came from New York, and came to New Zealand around 2014. It hasn't been used for the last few years. I don't have any of the owners manuals,

I ve found a 2006 manual from the fountain website but nothing later, and I ve noticed a few differences to battery placement etc. does anyone have a 2008 copy.

also does anyone know what the model number of the kohler genset would be, and the plumbing for the exhaust?

what oil and coolant are people using?

lastly any recommendations on antifouling.

appreciate all advice,

Greetings Mawfun,

I am looking at 2008 38EC as-well and trying to find info on this year/model prior to purchasing (496HO, Bravo1's). Do you still have your boat and have you been successful in getting info you are needing?

The boat I am looking will need a bit of a cosmetic makeover (interior throughout, exterior accent color change, etc.) . I don't have any info on mechanical as of yet. Being told the owner passed and it was in running condition with about 330hrs.

I am inland on a good size lake experiencing 3ft swell on the busiest holiday weekends. I have a different speed question that I can't find ever asked... can this boat cruise comfortably/economically/reliably at about 20mph and stay on plane? We have 35mph speed limit at dusk and don't want to fight the boat (bow up) night cruising. I have read where this boat will cruise all day long at 40mph... that is great but what if you are running with slower friends and/or just want to enjoy a slow cruise to your destination.

Also, this model does not have the walk-thru (transom door) and I wonder if this model can be retrofitted during the remodel phase?

After spending several hours online, you are the first person that I have found having the same model boat.

I would appreciate if you could address my questions and/or point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

I have a 2006 38 EC in Florida. Slightly different hull I understand, but probably runs about the same speed wise. I find that it is easy to cruise at 30 mph, but 20 mph IMO is hard for this boat due to the weight and probably very inefficient as it is not yet on plane at that speed. It does have the large tabs, which you will need to run in the full down position and I find the boat runs really flat, regardless of its size. You can cruise off plane at about 10-12 mph for sure. They came with a transom door, that boat must be missing one. Mine is just a piece of 3/4" king starboard with a factory made vinyl wrapped top piece and a piano hinge. Should be able to find plenty of web pics to get an idea.

Congrats! I sold my previous boat (30 Superboat) to a guy in Auckland. Do you know Brad? He was racing the boat, not sure if he still is.

38FECMan, thanks for your reply. It turns out the boat I am looking has 500s/Bravo1. I want to follow-up on a couple items;
Cockpit differences-This boat has a bulkhead with twin door hatches, no u-shape seating and no walk-thru door... you have to enter the boat from walking on the hatches. Trim tabs (pump/reservoir) and speakers are located under back bench seat. My initial thoughts for upgrading to walk-thru; 1) attach the hatches permanent, relocate trim tab pumps, cut the sides/bottom from bulkhead freeing it to be lifted, attach hinge mechanism somehow, remove stern facing back seats(2) to complete u-shape seating around, new interior since it is poor anyway and cut in transom door... of course, glass it all in and paint. I believe this is how yours is done but have never seen one/pic with engine hatch opened. Implementing this plan was obviously done by Fountain making the boat more marketable with easier boarding and increase needed cockpit space. My question about this plan would be creating any structural integrity issues for the boat. Thoughts? Can you provide me pics of your hatch opened and any detail pics of floor, transom and hinge mechanism, location of trim tab pumps, under transom door support, etc.?

Slow Cruising-Trim tabs down at full length obvious create drag. In my research, many have commented about having to use their tabs most of the time. Outside of normal known uses for tabs, do you think folks use these to get the boat to run flat for better visibility since the top deck is so high? I am 5'6" and have only stepped in a 38EC while on the trailer, I noticed that standing up at the rear bench seat it was difficult for me to see over the front without walking to the captain seats. Does this boat flatten out significantly on the water so that occupants can see forward easily at least standing up? Can this visibility be reached without tabs fully down? Also, all my previous boats with tabs created a noticeable drag and fuel efficiency was noticed at the gas pump. Thoughts?

Towing-I currently own a low mileage 2006 Dodge 5.9L 2500 4wd 4 door diesel truck (my favorite truck to date). Assuming trailer is setup correctly with braking, truck with stabilizer/air bags... do you think this setup would work to pull 4hrs pull twice a year?

I appreciate any detail you can provide to help me with decision on buying.

Bloeh2o: I can send you pics of mine. You will like the 500 boat with Bravo 1's. I'm trying to visualize the boat you are looking at, but can't quite get there. Can you post some pics? Almost sounds like the fishing version of the 38EC. Anyway, send me your e-mail and I'll send you pics, never got good at posting here. I've also built a hinge for the radar arch and some other mods inside for storing the camper enclosure. I don't have to run tabs when cruising at 30 or 40, unless I'm dealing with a cross wind or quartering seas. Boat runs flat without tabs, but wants to fall off plane under 30 mph. I pull my boat with a 2014 RAM with cummins and can pull at 80+ MPH if I didn't care about wrecking it. Now, stopping is another thing. Get triple axle trailer with 16" rims and G rated tires. Disc break on all axles with electric over hydraulic brake system. I would not recommend a surge type break system, had bad experience with a 419 formula years ago. With the correct trailer set-up, your truck should have no problems in my opinion. I regularly pull mine at least once a year to Key West (400+ miles) and 4-6 times a year to west coast of Florida (80-90 miles). I just keep the speed about 60-65 and give myself plenty of stopping room.

38fountainecman, while we're on the topic I sent you a PM with my email. I'm interested in your camper canvas storage solution and pics of your folding arch if you don't mind. You commented on my thread in the fall, I just got an 06 38EC in November. Excited to get on it but it keeps snowing here...!

Sounds like maybe the boat you're talking about isn't an Express Cruiser.... Is it this one by chance? Used 1998 Fountain 38 Express Cruiser, Tulsa, Ok - 74015 - BoatTrader.com

If so, that's a totally different boat. The ad is incorrectly titled as Express Cruiser but it's actually called Sport Cruiser I believe. There is probably some confusion because "express cruiser" is a general description for a lot of boats, but also a specific model for Fountain.

10M I was thrown by the model year. I didn't think Fountain made the sport cruiser in 2008. Pics on the way.

Yes I think he meant 1998... I think he's is a little confused.