That's a 26 year old Fountain...that's why it is rare these days. Save up, get a newer year and get a 42. Yes the 38 "feels" different than the 35 but trust me, the 42 is in another universe compared to a 35/38.

“feels different “ ? what does that even mean, best way I can describe them is,one of them is a lake boat and the other one is ocean boat. Two different boats, and yes, you are right 42 is gonna be a better than a 38 but then again a 47 is gonna be better than a 42 so where do you stop?

I thought back in the day a 38 was a called a 35, then Reggie renamed all the models to make em sound longer.
35 vs. 38 is there really a difference in length?
A 38 Fountain compared to a 38 Cig , the Fountain is way smaller and shorter
The 42 Fountain is more like any 38' boat that doesnt have a beak or built in swim platform IMOP

38 vs 38
If you look at the rub rail you can see the difference.

All I can suggest is go for a ride, which when buying any boat is an absolute requirement. I amazed at folks that buy boats sight unseen and never actually getting some stick time in a like-for-like model. So, yes, the 38 will "feel" different but I don't know how to say it any differently. That's the problem with a subjective opinions like lake boat versus ocean boat. I've been on lakes that would sink a battleship and conversly been out of sight of land on the ocean that was a mill pond. It's not necesarily the body of water that you are in but rather the hunk of fiberglass you are sitting in at the time.

Drive before you buy.

The 2 boats in looking at don't have power. I'm keeping my engines and moving them to which every one i buy. But solid advice. Thank you

Probably find a topgun that needs motors for a decent price.

in the late 80's early 90 before the government changed how boats were measured ( include swim platforms ) the 35 was called a 33, the 38 was called a 36 and the 42 was called a 40 even though the design change that included the swim platform when the change came how boats were measured . My first Fountain was called a 1990 40 lightning it had the built in swim platform and my brother in law had a 36
fever and his had a built in swim platform.

later

Been in many 29/32/35/38/42. Previously owned a 35 straight bottom with 750s and Bmaxs. Great 93-95 mph boat. Had it been a single step 95-98 I would think the boat would have broken 100. The Straight bottom had the notch and really responded well to the x dimension changes of the later small step. That said a 38 small step will absolutely be "faster" power for power. Is some of that being a later year with a higher factory x dimension? Absolutely. Do the steps account for 5-7 mph more? Absolutely. I would think 700-750 a side(by side) with -2 lowers and getting the prop shaft somewhere near a 18"-18.5" xd (prop shafts 3.3"-3.8") under the bottom the boat would absolutely be faster and ride better than a 35 straight bottom. Likely spinning a 30-32p 4 blade bravo near 95-100 mph around 12-13% prop slip.

That said a 35 straight bottom versus a 95-98 35' small step rides a ton better in true rough water (just part of the game with rough water trade off for steps). A 38' is an entirely different animal and tbh I feel it is a "great" size boat. The 42 while amazing, is a tennis court. It's not a casual throw it in the ramp with 12 mph winds without a few folks etc. It's a production. The 38' is a great compromise in a few more foot ride wise, the speed gain with x dimension changes of later years and props and a twin small step and notch.

I saw the boat posted by Joe M. and I have remarked multiple times that it would be a great upgrade for someone from an older 10m/35 straight bottom.

If you have the time, space, and dollars I don't see it in anyway as a "downgrade". I did a similar upgrade to a staggered big step 42 with 6s from a 35 straight bottom.

Great explanation on the size, happened to ski boats as well. Kind of stupid, boat on swims do not count but molded does.

As for the boats, I was in the same camp, just move to the 42. But then started to think, the 42 is a LOT more heavy than a 38 (somewhere around 2500LBS), a 525 Bravo 42 is a drive eater and to me a bit boring. They like bigger power.

Allsome boats but do you need that size? Trailer, docking, etc. Seemed like the 38 would have been a good compromise, but then I found a stupid clean 35 twin step and did that.

The 35 is absolutely the longest I would consider to be an "easy" tow. For the most part ramps/tides/parking are not a huge issue with a 35 and a good trailer. When you go to the 38 and certainly the 42, towing becomes an absolute chore and limits you. So keep that in mind if you are going to be a "trailer-sailor". 38's and 42's are better for rack duty or lifts if you are lucky enough to have one.