Hey Guys/Gals, I'm new to Offshore. Im looking at purchasing either a 02' fountain 42 with staggered 500efi (blue engines) , or a 01' fountain 38 with side by side 502 Mag Mpi (black engines). Both boats stock. I was hoping you can give me the good the bad and the ugly. And most important. The speeds.

Staggered is much easier to work on vs side by side. Given the years of the boats you will be under the hatch getting everything up to speed. 500s Are robust engines but have their needs, do a search you will find required maintenance to make them live. If you have the space to store a 42, the truck to pull it, and lake to use it that would be my choice. I went 38 Full Staggered due to size of my storage unit. After 4 boats I will never go back to a side by side set up. And of course do your mechanical pre purchase tests and have the hull inspected for rot, in particular stringers in engine compartment and transom by the exhaust cut-outs. Speeds are going to be comparable between the 2.

Thanks VooDoo for your info. I'm not new to boating, though new to go fast boats. Been on water most my life. I boat seasonal in New York salt water. Some ocean shore runs. Water can get lil rough sometimes. I definitely have room for 42 or 38. This is a second boat. Though I'm hearing a 38 with side by side 502 MPI WOT is only 60MPH. That might be a deal breaker. Top speed at 60 is just too slow.

That boat will do 60 with 4 plug wires off one engine

60 on a side by side 502 01 38 Lightning is not correct. Add 15- 20 to that. Whomever told you 60 for top speed does not have the correct knowledge of these boats. My neighbor has an 01 35 Lightning side by side with 502s and it runs 83 mph, bone stock.

38 stepped fountain w/502 mpi's 415 hp will run 75 .. true story ��

Agreed. Unless the motors are tired/hurt!

Do a compression and leakdown test to confirm before purchase.

The 38 should be cheaper all else equal. 42s are somewhat desirable and 500s are the most reliable blue motors.

If you're going to be boating in the ocean, you want the 42, hands down. The 500EFI's are a good reliable motor, but should have top ends done at 250 hours. They are also raw water cooled, so need to be checked carefully if the boat has been in salt water. All things being equal, I would go for the 42.

Thanks HyFive578, the 42 is coming from fresh water. Looks in great shape. I see your in Long Island. I boat out of Brooklyn so we hit some similar waters. I'm leaning towards the 42. Should be a fun summer.

The 42 has a few better options. Staggered, blue engines, bigger boat, 1 year newer, upgraded sound system, battery charger etc...both boats were at similiar price points.

This all started as me wanting to get a small sport boat to jump on/off and whip around in to me somehow getting a 42 fountain. Lol.