Formula 40SS vs Fountain 38EC
 

I recently sold my 47 Fountain & have been looking for a 38 Express Cruiser but not having much luck. So, I have been looking at the Formula 400SS. I think the formula is a little bigger/heavier & slower but it looks like the finish work is a little better. I have not heard much about rotten stringer/transom issues on the Formula. Other than the basics what other differences / problems do the Formulas have.

I had a 38 EC and it was a great boat with the 496 ho motor's cruise was 40 mph @ aprox, 4000 rpm , I think the Formula will be a bigger boat all the way around , And slower cruise speed with same power . I spoke to the guy that bought my 38 EC and they had to replace the transom after 5 years after I sold it , Also I think the Formula has a wider beam " not sure " but something to look into if your ever going to trailer it "

Formula also makes a 370SS that might be worth considering.

We purchased a 2005 37SS last fall. I was not sure that I would like a "cruiser". With the twin stepped hull (from the Fastec), we get up on plane fast and cruise in the lower 40's. In the myriad of little things that I have needed to do on the boat I have seen quality like I have never seen in a boat. They do all of the little things right. We will be down next weekend if you would want to drive it and see for yourself if you like it. I understand that the 400SS is similar, but a tad slower with the same power. They did put some 525's in some of the 400's. Glen over at PBC has a TON of knowledge on teh entire Formula line. There is a reason that there are so many Formulas on LOTO.

Yes I think the 400SS is quite a bit bigger than the 38EC & a little more plush. The 38EC is a little more performance orientated and better for trailering. There are few 2007 / 2008 38EC for sale now hence the reason I am looking at other boats. There are a ton of 40SS out there for sale, not sure if that is a good thing.
There should not be any rot issues with the 07 & newer Fountains as they started to use coosa board.

Thanks for the offer Tango but I don't think I will make it back to the lake until some time in August. :(
I really should find out what the difference is between the 370 & the 400. Yes they are a quality well built boat & there are a ton of them for sale.

The offer is always open. Good luck with the search!

My opinion is go with the 400SS. Awesome looking and incredible room. With that being said, I haven't been in a 38 express.

Go big or go home, right?
I have to remember as we get older the bigger boats are a lot more work, maintenance & cleaning.

Nuke427, did you get your boat back yet?

No, looking at a couple more weeks. Terry did say he's freaking tired of looking at the bottom of my boat! I updated the link on the post with the latest pics. I will hopefully be on the water the last week of July. A friend of mine has a 400ss and I love it. Very sporty cruiser. I do remember one on OSO for sale that had 700's in it awhile back. Ran 70+, now I could do that!