2004 Hummer H2
 By Jim McCraw

 $50,950 to
$51,995

Fountain 38 LS:
The Big Bad Wolf
By Kevin Falvey

$239,283

Two years ago, the Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, was joined by the all-new Hummer H2. The H2 is based on GM's heavy-duty pickup trucks, but highly modified for increased off-road capability. Longer and taller than the original H1, the H2 is built at a new plant in Indiana. For 2005, the Hummer H2 SUV is joined by a second model called the SUT or Sport Utility Truck.

The SUT version, as its name implies, is a pickup, not an SUV, characterized by its unique tailgate, short pickup bed, and tailgate-mounted full-size spare tire, which makes it a few inches longer than the SUV overall. The SUT features GM's innovative Midgate, which quickly converts the five-passenger SUV with a small pickup bed to a two-seat pickup with six-foot bed.

The Hummer H2 offers truly impressive off-road capabilities. And unlike the H1, it provides occupants with a luxurious interior that's comfortable and convenient. Its size and design makes suitable for everyday use, as long as you have a large gasoline budget.

The SUT comes standard with additional features, including a large sunroof and a rear spare tire carrier, the Midgate, a global express-down feature that lowers the midgate glass and all four side windows at once, and medium-wheat leather seats.

The Adventure Series package ($2,780), available for both body styles, includes a plush-riding air suspension, a front brush guard, a chromed tubular taillamp protection set, roof rack crossbars, and rubber floor mats, an AM/FM 6-disc CD changer an onboard air compressor, and a combination first aid/tool kit.

The SUT comes standard with additional features, including a large sunroof and a rear spare tire carrier, the Midgate, a global express-down feature that lowers the midgate glass and all four side windows at once, and medium-wheat leather seats.

The Adventure Series package ($2,780), available for both body styles, includes a plush-riding air suspension, a front brush guard, a chromed tubular taillamp protection set, roof rack crossbars, and rubber floor mats, an AM/FM 6-disc CD changer an onboard air compressor, and a combination first aid/tool kit.

The Luxury Series package for the SUV ($4,240) and SUT ($3,740) adds ebony leather seats, high-level interior trim, an exterior chrome appearance package, 17-inch chrome wheels, chrome tubular assist steps, AM/FM 6-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, carpeted floor mats; the SUV also gets a third-row seat out of the deal. ........More>>>>

A novice can stand aboard most boats and state with certainty what those boats can’t do well. Sportfishing? Not aboard an aft cabin cruiser. Wave-hopping performance? Not aboard a typical express cruiser. Cruising comfort? Not aboard that low-slung go-fast. Seeing the improbable requires little experience.

But what if you, an experienced boater, hop aboard a new model and can’t figure out what it can’t do? What if the cockpit were large, self-bailing, and included a livewell? What if the cabin had cherry trim and included a galley, berth, and head with shower? What if the area between the side-console helm and the cabin bulkhead provided cushy seating for eight? And what if the boat sported a double-stepped, deep-V hull and three honkin’ outboards on the transom, resulting in 60-mph performance? What could the experienced boater say this vessel just wasn’t good at?

That’s the question I asked myself about Fountain’s 38 LS. My answer? The 38 LS cruises, fishes, and performs in equal measure. It’s built like a tank, runs like a deer, and powered by outboards, provides ease of ownership, shallow draft, and excellent fuel economy. Compromises? Sure. But for the general habits of most boaters, the 38 LS proves near ideal.

The accommodation plan is the star of the 38 LS’ show. Its construction, ride quality, and attention to detail, although good overall, are mere supporting players. Its versatile layout, which caters to boaters of every ilk, is what will make the 38 LS a surefire hit.

Fountain didn’t originate this three-in-one concept. Intrepid Boats has long specialized in fisher/cruiser/performance boats powered by outboards and featuring a large side-console helm, well-equipped cabin, and capacious U-lounge between that helm and the cabin.

For comparison, then, inspect Intrepid’s 377. As a base boat, it’ll cost you $239,283 powered by triple 225-hp Mercury 225 OptiMax outboards. But Intrepids usually leave the factory with such customer-added options as hydraulic dive doors, electric seacocks, Ultraleather coaming pads, and space-saving heads. Bolt on the Mercury Racing 250XS outboards powering our test boat, throw in the custom goodies, and you’ll pay more than base price. You’ll also wait more than a year for your boat.
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