Will twin 496's be enough? dont really care about top speed but what would a 35 do? and will it come on plain worth a damn?

Depending on what your x-dimension is and how you have it propped will determine how easy it is get on plane. The older boats have a pretty deep x-dim, which means they are easier to get on plane, but lose a little on top.

I got my 35 from FL, you are right there isn't much to choose from out West here. But it isn't to difficult to ship a boat. Takes a couple of weeks and a few thousand $. You will love a 35 if you get one. Mine has 500EFI's and I am very happy with it, planes really easy and goes 75-85 depending on load, water, and outside temperature.
Where are you located in S. Cal.? I am in West Hills.
David Kahn

I am in the north end of San Bernardino,at the bottom of the cajon Pass. I may be in your neck of the woods tomarrow looking at a new puppy. . Nice Boat! What year is it?

The 496 HO boats run mid to upper 70's. Have ridden in a 502 efi powered 35 and it planed great. Didn't have the acceleration of the 500s but still plenty.

That sounds fine. I own a 21' Elininator Daytona for the past 10-20 years with a 300x hanging off the transom. Fast fast fast lake boat, but ready to grow up and handle some big water, maybe hit Pacific ocean, its only 60 miles away.

My 06 35lightening has 496s in it. The Fountain report and
GPS memory indicate 81mph. In my opinion the boat is
exceptional in handling, hole shop, time to plain. Not to mention fuel economy when compared to the 525. And
with total HP less than 1000 the insurance is much more
affordable.

Thank you. 80 is plenty for me, I spend most my time around 30-40 mph anyway. I run my Daytona with a 24 4 blade just for that reason. It is a rocket to 80. I could run my 32 lab and hit 110, but why kill the holeshot. 110 on the local lake or Havasu is just asking for trouble, although it is fun to go by one of you big guys. Once it gets rough,,I'm done.

Thanks, my boat is a 2000 Lightning Classic deck (same as the later Executioners, with one step). The boat is in Havasu right now, so I can't show it to you. I plan on bringing it home in Sept for the SCOPE 100 mile poker run in Long Beach.

90k 35!! we have a 2000 W/500S EFIS for that!