I am in the market for a offshore boat. I love the fountain lightning 38. A couple of my buddies keep trying to talk me out of buying one. They say that the upkeep, and repairs will kill me, and that the boats are very hard on fuel.

These cats want me to buy a CC with outboards and a cuddy.

Buying a used boat, would i be better off with a boat with factory power? Not something that has been tweaked and modified already. I know a used boat is a used boat, but on average, how much upkeep other than regular service is needed on a boat of this type.

The ac cabin is also a must. I have kids that will bo on the boat at times, along with my parents.

I am looking for advice. Everyone on the forum has been great @ answering all of my questions, even though i am sure some were stupid ones.

Stock power is turn key. 38 is a great boat, I've owned a 35 and 42. A/C may be hard to find. Up keep is not bad at all if you buy low hrs and do preventive maintence, common sense stuff. Big HP can be big probs and take the fun out of it. If I had unlimited funds, I would have big HP.

don't worry, I am here for you.

How much are you wanting to spend? I am looking to sell my boat.

2006 42 lighting, 525 with whipples.

Yes I would for sure go with stock power. Low hour boat like downtown said will be hard to find a fountain with a/c and a gen. if you want that stuff look at a formula very nice boat most 38's have a/c already.
Best of Luck
Ty

the 38' LX is a great boat. has an ample cabin with a/c, triples, cruises about 45-48 mph, and will run in the 70's. maybe 74 or 75. plenty of cockpit room as it is a side console. and has plenty of seating. we have a client with this boat that hasa nice stereo and generator and his boys like running with him and leave their 35's and 38's at the dock.

Stock power for sure if you don't want to deal with the upkeep and PIA of hot rod motors. Nothing worse than working on broken chit on a nice boating day.


No suchthing as a stupid question,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, only stupid answers. Good luck.

Is this your first performance boat? If so an 80+ mph 38' might be a little much. Not trying to sound like a **** but it might be better to start smaller so you can get some experience and get a better idea what the maintenance and operating costs are going to be....

But, theres a guy in my area (not too far from you) selling a low hour 35 executioner with 525s.