chris_dobz

Hi, I'm in the market for a used go fast boat and was hoping I could lean on those who own or have owned (1996-2000) Lightning 38, 42 and 47's for some help in identifying which will fit my needs the best and what I might look to spend on yearly maintenance. I am looking at several boats in these classified and am most interested specifically in the 1996 47' and the 2000 38'. I understand the differences in amenities, engines, size but I'm still not sure which boat will be right for me.

Top speed isn't my top priority and the boat will be used on the weekends on Lake St Clair, Michigan with the occasional overnight. The biggest draw to the 47' is its ability to fit 8 people so I can use it to entertain the occasion customer and their families. The boat will either be rack stored or stored in a covered slip with power when not in use (depending on the boat).

So my questions:
1. What will my insurance bill per year look like for a 38 or 42 lightning? I understand already that I am looking at $2100-$3000/year for the 47 Lightning.
2. Are there any gotcha's I should look out for in the above specific years and models (1996 Lightning 47 with trip 500's & 2000 Lightning 38 (330hrs) with twin 500EFI's)?
3. Any specific advantages with maintenance between the trip 500's and the twin 500EFI's besides the obvious fuel injection of EFI?
4. How many hours should those motors be rebuilt and how much would that run?
5. How much/year should I expect to spend on general maintenance on the 38 vs the 47?
6. How many people can I fit on the 38 and 42?
7. The 2000 38 Lightning didn't offer the staggered engines so I notice there is a lot of wasted space between the engines and cabin and little room between the engines. Is this going to be an issue when it comes to doing basic maintenance (oil/fuel filter changes, etc.)?
8. What are the pros and cons of rack storage and in water covered slip storage @ Anchor Bay Marina, Michigan? Are there other Michigan marina's that offer rack storage up to 47'?
9. Can you share what boat year/model you own and your personal experiences?

Ideally I wouldn't like to spend more than $65K but I would make an exception for the right 47 provided it met my needs.

FYI, here are the boats I have been referring to in the above post:
https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...o53123-en.html
https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...o52666-en.html

Thanks in advance,
Chris

bill63

I think most will agree 42 was Reggie's best boat. Btw I have a 42 ex 2006 with 525 for sale in Oso classifieds

chris_dobz

After some additional reading I noticed most everyone has come to the conclusion that I should shift focus and find a 42.

jeff32

my opinion is get a 42. if you buy a 38, you'll want a 42 in the near future. the 47 is BIG ! but I really liked that boat because you could literraly walk in the cabin, not the other ones.

if cabin ameneties is one of your top criteria, get a 47 no doubt.

some marina dont always have space to dock a 47, likes gas pretty much and tougher on resale.

if money is not much of a concern, I'd choose a 47 !

HyFive578

iTrader: (3)

My answers...

1. What will my insurance bill per year look like for a 38 or 42 lightning? I understand already that I am looking at $2100-$3000/year for the 47 Lightning.

>>> I paid $800 / year for my 2005 38 Lightning with 525's... I am paying close to $4,000 on my 47. Insurance cost has a lot to do with "agreed value" of the vessel so at the prices you're considering, it should be considerably less. Not easy to insure a 47 by the way..

2. Are there any gotcha's I should look out for in the above specific years and models (1996 Lightning 47 with trip 500's & 2000 Lightning 38 (330hrs) with twin 500EFI's)?

>>> With a 47 that old, you want to check the transom and stringers for rot..

3. Any specific advantages with maintenance between the trip 500's and the twin 500EFI's besides the obvious fuel injection of EFI?

>>> Would rather have the 500EFI motor over the 500 HP's but both good motors..

4. How many hours should those motors be rebuilt and how much would that run?

>>> Not sure about the 500HP but on the 500EFI, you should expect to do valve springs at around 250 hours and possibly heads around 400 hrs. Heads on the 500EFI should run 2-3K each.

5. How much/year should I expect to spend on general maintenance on the 38 vs the 47?

>>> Apples and oranges, you got three motors, three drives and a much bigger boat.

6. How many people can I fit on the 38 and 42?

>>> The most I've wanted to take (safely) on my 38 was 8, you can do 12-14 on the 47.

7. The 2000 38 Lightning didn't offer the staggered engines so I notice there is a lot of wasted space between the engines and cabin and little room between the engines. Is this going to be an issue when it comes to doing basic maintenance (oil/fuel filter changes, etc.)?

>>> Much easier to work on a staggered engine setup but the trip 47 has the back motors pretty close together too..

8. What are the pros and cons of rack storage and in water covered slip storage @ Anchor Bay Marina, Michigan? Are there other Michigan marina's that offer rack storage up to 47'?

>>> Pro's of rack storage are the boat stays OUT of the water.. freshwater or not, it's better for the boat to be out of the water.

9. Can you share what boat year/model you own and your personal experiences?

>>> I just upgraded to a 2009 47 Fountain from a 2005 38 Fountain, semi-staggered. The 38 is an awesome boat but we boat on the ocean a lot and out there the 38 gets small in a hurry. Plus wife wanted more amenities and more room as I have three teenage kids who love to bring friends.



There is a HUGE difference between the boats you are looking at. The 47 is a BIG boat and with three motors, you need to be prepared to spend a lot more on everything. I agree with one of the other posters, if you are considering a 38, look at 42's. After I bought my 38, I never stopped looking and eventually ended up with the 47 because I felt it wasn't enough of a jump plus the other reasons I mentioned above. Having said all that, the 47 is an AWESOME boat and I love it!!!

ratman

most honest fountain owners, will tell you to buy a cig or apache. lol

Captain Nick

I think the 38 or 42 depending on where it is your boating at. Also do you plan on towing your boat? I'm sorry but the 47 is too huge. It would be rather difficult to tow and to find a small enough dock for it.

shark42

42 is the best all around boat IMHO. My 2000 model is for sale on boat trader.

payuppsucker

Hey dude, clean up your PM inbox.

12meter joe

If you're not in a hurry