I'm interested in a different boat already. I presently have a 29' and I either want a 35 or 38 Lightning. With that being said if the Hp is the same for either model boat what years would you look at for what ever reason. For example, a comment in another thread about year 2000 35' having issues with the hull and steps and the recommendation was not to buy a used 2000 35' Lightning. With that in mind is their any other years that one should stay away from. I have not made up my mind of which length of boat I want? I do want to have 500 EFI's or 525's in either length of boat that I buy. Any and all comments are appreciated.

PS
I only want 2000 or newer, except maybe the 2000 35 ft??

Nobody has any comments on this?

If Its A fountain Its All Good!

[ PS
I only want 2000 or newer, except maybe the 2000 35 ft??[/QUOTE]
I don't think there is anything wrong with an '00 35 - It may not have the X-Dim perfectly dialed in, as they were experimenting with different drive heights that year with the twin step. This can be easily corrected with a shorter lower unit.

It's expensive to buy a boat, decide that you want a bigger one, take a hit on the one you own to buy the next size up.

Go with the 38 and save yourself a step and money. As far as the steps are concerned on the 38, I think they came out with the new 38 hull in 2002.

Marginmn is right. Narrow your search for a 38. If you bought a 35, next year you would be looking for a 38 or 42. The only problem I had with our 2000 35 Ltg, was it had some stress cracks. It was the only Fountain that I ever owned that did that. They were around the air intakes on the side and inside next to the glove box. But structually the boat was strong.

i have a 35 and depending where u mainly go boating,
i love ours its faster than most boats,, do some san francisco bay stuff 1 time per year scope the long beach p-run..
i spank bigger boats due to the way it runs./.

We just bought an older... 36, but it is really a 38 with the platform. It doesn't have the walk-around, just a HUGE cockpit. I love it. Go BIGGER... it's BETTER!!!