After three Welcrafts and two Formulas, I have decided to get a Fountain 38 Lightning. I have been looking at from 1999 to 2007 and I know there have been hull and step changes over the years. I would like opinions on the hull changes as related to performance and ride. Also, how much difference is there with the staggered engines. Thanks to all in advance. Bill

Good luck with your search they are kind of hard to come by. I just got an 04 with short stagger 575's. I stepped up from a 29 scarab single. I can't believe the ride of the 38 and there is a fair amount of room in the boat as well. You may have better luck doing a search here on 38 fountains there is quite a bit of info on here.

Sounds like you are happy with your purchase. I read somewhere that there were some changes to the hull before the 2003 or 2004 production started. Do you know if the 2004 hull is the same as they are currently building?

99 has small steps. 00 seperated and had 2 diff steps. 03 had 2 very close steps o5 had 2 slightly diff steps and there has been a couple small changes since. the 03/04 half stagger was a very fast and well handling boat. power to power w a99/00 bout 7 mph

Unless you have some restriction on size, look into the 42. The 38 is nice, but the 42 is the sh!t. I've had 2/3 of them

I do not think that the 42 would fit on my hoist, without a few feet hanging off the back, unsupported. So it looks like I'm in the market for a 2003 to 2005 38 Lightning.

There was one in the classifieds, located in Essex Junction, Vermont. Was an '03 I believe, 575 SCI's with factory installed Chillers and very nice paint. Looked at and test drove the boat a couple years back. Very nice owner and boat was in pristine condition. If it is gone from the classifieds contact me, I have his info and phone number. Real nice 38!

May have been the one that I bought from the classifieds here.

Charlie Roff's boat?

That's the one, have yet to see it in person but hear it is real nice. Great combination of performance and room in cockpit and cabin.

Ragged, think you need a couple huffers to join the party !