Which one is a better ride in rough water? The quality of ride is #1. I know that this isn't comparing the same size boats, but has anyone rode in both? What about a 38 Fountain compared to the 36 Outlaw?

36 baja is a way better ride than a 35 Fountain. The fountain will be faster. Both buddy's had each one. So I speak from experience.

36 Baja will cut through the rough better and is much easier to drive. With the 36 Baja traditonal 24 degree bottom the boat will be slower but more cushioned in the rough.

go for the beak in this case

The Fountain is better built and much more solid but in rough water the 36 hull Baja is a bigger hull than the 35 Fountain (around a 32' hull minus the platform) and the Baja has 2 more degrees deadrise at the transom

had a 36 outlaw with 496 ho's it handled loto water very well, could run 50-55mph with tab down thru some pretty nasty water, great boat for the money.

I agree, Ur not going to win any races but the ride will be very stable.
If you can be happy in the 60's . I drove a 38 through alot of slop at LOTO and it felt the same as a 36. Never drove a 35.
Alot of boat for the money is very true.

Can you expand on this a bit?

What is the top speed with this setup? I think the 500efi's are a better match. That should run mid 70's right?

boat ran 70 with the 496 ho's the 500's will run 73-74.