Brand new member, I have a 2002 29' w/575sci that runs low 80's. I want to trade up to a 35 Executioner, but want to see at least low 80's, hate to go backwards in speed. Everything I see shows the EX going 78 MPH on a good day, are there any low cost options to make this boat go into the 80's? Don't have the tow vehicle to handle a lighting!

Depends on your definition of "low cost". You could start with CMI exhast on the 496HO's, but not sure if that would get you into the 80's other than with one passenger and light fuel. However, you could put a Raylar kit on the 496 HO's. Should get you around 525HP per side and easily into the 80's. Go to http://www.raylarengine.com/kits.html for more info. Not sure I understand your comment on EX vs. Lightning and weight as I think the two 35's are within 1,000 pounds of each other dry.

i dont think the lightning is much heavier than the ex
but never checked,
i would just get a lightning with 575's i just sold mine, Great freakin boat.

my boss had an 05 Executioner with 496 mags and was on the limiter at 80.6 3 people and 3/4 full of fuel

was actually an 06..

Thanks for the replies. Fountain website lists the Ex with a dry weight of 7,700 lbs, and the lighting at 8,600 lbs. Add a trailer and liquids, and I don't think my Escalade can handle a pull weight over 10,000 lbs with a lighting. Plus, the prices on the Ex are very appealing!

I understand the weight issue now. Not sure I'd personally make a boat buying decision based on my tow rig, but hey, I don't even HAVE a tow rig, so it's clear I'm the wrong person to ask on that one.

I hear you on the EX pricing, you can find some new '05's still lying around that are cheap. Considered buying one myself, but bought a used 38' instead. Not sure if you were planning on going new or used, but if you haven't already thought about it, I'd look at some used 32's and 35's before buying a new EX. There's a lot of good used Fountains for sale here on the board and elsewhere.

Wish I was back in the market. Good luck!!

Theres your problem. You have a tow rig that is built to pull Malibus, and centurions (ski boats). So go get a real truck!(A Diesel!!!!!!!!!!!!!) But dont get me wrong Escalades are sick, I have one as well. But I tow my 29 w/575 as well with an 05 chevy duramax lifted with all the power upgrades....90mph @2300rpm on freeway. The truck does not even know that it is back there!!!!!!!!!!!

To get the boat to 80 - find about a ten mile stretch with a 1 foot chop - pick the tabs all the way up - kick the drives out to 5 and a half - nail the throttles - wait a half hour - evenutually it will make it to just over 80.

Best explanation I have seen yet. I have an '05 35 Ex and it does exactly the same thing. Plenty of time and water and you will get 80 and sometimes a bit more (.3 - .6)...however, you will get 75-76 under almost any conditions. Considering the cost and reliability of the 496's this has got to be one of the best deals in go-fast land! However, if you need to have the speed, as we all know, all it takes is cubic money! Good luck...G-