most people will not see the speed the fountain test team does, they have great water conditions , light load and the people that drive the boats are pros.

thw water at fountain is brackish at most. as for the salt to fresh water difference, there is none. it's a myth. reggie educated myself to that. apples to apples. the boat will see the speed. the newer the boat the better the technology in it. it s just the nature of things.

monstaaa

You think a bone stock 2000 w/ 500s will run 86? Not arguing just trying to discern why? It's the same technology as a 1999 hull, isn't it?

Wait a second...is the 35 classic a Lightning or an Ex?

In 2000 through 2003 (I think?) they called the single step a Lightning Classic Deck, in 2004 the same boat was then called an Executioner. Single step, Plexiglass windshield with a venturi, and motor covers that split in the center and hinge to the outside, also has the louvers on the gunnels rather than the sculptured scoops of the Lightning.
Hope this helps.
Dave

i believe you are correct.

with some patience in dialing your props, or trying multiple props. i would say yes.

that xtra 100 or so h.p should do it.

monstaaa,

That's exactly what I'm getting at... I don't think that a STOCK 500hp 35 will run 86 w/o extra power and tweaks.

Is the lightning bottom the same as the Ex for those years? Single step until 2002?

NOT SURE ON THE BOTTOMS. AS FOR THE H.P, I MEANT FROM 496 TO H.P 500

Actually the clasic deck was the model name from 2000 to 2002. The revival of the Executioner occured in 2003.