Trying to educate myself on these Fountains. Thinking I would like to stay with the 38. Just sold a 38 Donzi ZX and that size kind of works for us.
Can anybody give me some insight on years and changes that were made? Cabin headroom, cockpit space, workspace in engine compartment etc.
I am also looking for one with a full, not cut down windshield. I'm old, don't like all that wind in my face! but I do like to go fast!
Thanks for your help!

The ZX is huge compared to the fountain, ZX has a 9'3" beam the fountain is 8'2".

I forget if it was 02 or 03 they started to do a half stagger on the motors. 07 up is full stag. 2000 up to 03 was basically the small step fever hull with a different top cap. The older fevers did not have a walk around so were bigger in the cockpit, motors were also side by side.

Thank you, yes the Donzi was a big beast thats kind of why I got rid of it. That boat was big and heavy.
I thought that I read on here somewhere that fountain added height to the cabin on either 02 or 03, is that right?

No matter what year Fountain on the sport boat side of things they are petite in terms of space/layout. If you are coming from a big Donzi all the Fountain's will seem tight, especially in the cabins. Only the Sport or Express cruiser line will you find "head room".

If any height was added to the Lightning line over the years, it would be minimal. They are not stand up type cabins. The 38's are pretty low volume compared to the 35/42's. So I would look for the latest model you can find.

Here are a couple to consider that are both ends of the spectrum.

Money no object beauty:
https://www.sunsetboats.life/fountai...ghtning-700sci

Priced to sell , but has issues:
https://www.sunsetboats.life/fountai...htning-stagger

Thanks for your input. I realize that the cabin is not going to compare to the cabin in the Donzi. We just don't stay over enough in the boat to justify having that big of a boat!

Keep in mind the full stags are the best performers but that eats a lot of room up. A full stag is the same if not more then a similar 42 with full stag, almost hard to buy the 38 and not a 42.

Fountain was always performance first, room etc. second.

Hate to be that guy but a 42 Lightning is going to be more similar in size to the 38ZX that you had than a 38 Lightning would be.

A 42 will be easier to find as well.

I know the 04 partial stagger 38 525 boat listed in the classified's very well. Worth a look

Nice looking, for a 38 I think the partial stagger isn't bad, little easier to work on motors, still can dock and you do not loose so much cockpit.

Thanks guys. Yes, looks like a very nice boat. However those forward graphics on the sides would have to go, and I really want a boat with a big
windshield!