Why is the Lightning 5mph faster?
I would think that the Ex is lighter in weight and more aerodynamic.

Different Bottoms?

I think they have the same bottoms on the new models. Are you sure there is that much if any difference in speed?

No diff in speed here.

http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/boats/sport.htm

42 EXECUTIONER
Speed: 84+ mph
Recommended Power:
Twin Mercury 525 EFI w/ Bravo XR Drives



42 LIGHTNING
Speed: 84+ mph
Recommended Power:
Twin Mercury 525 EFI w/ Bravo XR Drives



42 POKER RUN
Speed: 95+ mph
Recommended Power:
Twin Staggered Mercury 525 hp w/ ITS Short Sportmasters



47 LIGHTNING
Speed: 88+ mph
Recommended Power:
Triple Mercury 525 EFI w/ Bravo XR Drives

Bingo - tks Downtown.

That's the exact speed I found when I took one out for a test ride - 84.

I was reading some Cig threads and the Cig guys with new twin step top guns claim they run around 86-89 depending on the load and water with Merc 525's. I personally compare the 42 Ex and Lightning Fountain to a 38 Cig and they really do have about the same length of hull in the water.
What are your guys take on this?
thanks, Mike

I have a friend who has a 2002/3 twin step gun with 575's and he says it runs 90.

I think the Top gun t/s hulls are dangerous though.

http://media.putfile.com/ejection

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...9&postcount=25

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...8&postcount=30

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...1&postcount=33

Fountains are safer and faster, period.

I don't think so. I hear the Cig guys and all the other Fountain haters saying that all the time, but look carefully at the pictures below. Notice the water line up to the point of the nose on each boat.

That water line is at rest...running at speed is what counts. I am not dissing Fountain by any means...I own a Fountain and would own a 42 Fountain in a heartbeat. It is just surprising that a 38 TS/TG Cig is running mid to upper 80's with twin 525's. That is a huge heavy wet hull to be at those speeds. I thought they ran 80 on a good day. I guess Cig got there hull desgin together. Anyway, I know a guy in MD that has a 2002/3 38 Cig Gun with 575's and it ran 90 when he got it but I believe he added chillers, smaller pully and the computer was re-mapped and now he runs upper 90's. The Joker here on OSO has a 38 TS/TG Cig with 575's that would run 93mph. A new 42 Fountain with the new 600's will run 90-92mph.

FM, I believe waterline is measured at rest.
3yrs ago we were docked next to a 2003 TG TS w/ 525efi's and he claimed 86-87 tops.