Doing some research and looking for info on the 42 model.

Wondering what the differences are in the Executioner and Lightning models. Other than the wind shield, ladder and top deck are the boats essentially the same?

Any years they did major changes? I'm looking at 2004 model with 525 EFI's sounds like the boat would run 82 with 5 blades? Does that sound about right?

Thanks in advance for the help.

A 2004 ex and a 04 lightning have the same bottom

I am not sure which year Fountain started making Lightning and Ex hulls the same in a 42. I have a 42'-- 05' Ex and it has the same hull as the Lightning. I have a buddy with an 35'--05' Ex and it is not the same as a 35 Lightning. He has a single step. Maybe someone knows when they changed the bottoms on the 42. The front deck, sides, and windshield are lower on the EX. I like the old school look.

My boat runs comfortably in the low 80's with 5 blade labbed 30P Maximus props with 525's. My best speed has been around 84-85. I have a couple of hundred rpm's to play with and I have run 28P stock Maximus's and I think they are a better all around prop. The only thing with them is they are on the rev limiter. The good thing about the boat is it will run that in almost any water condition. The boat handles great and is very comfortable.I love my boat and would recommend the 42 highly.

Thanks for all the info.

How about changing the rev limiter's on the 525's and running the 28 five blades?

I'm looking to move up from our 33 Outlaw and this boat seems like a good replacement and our next step.

Why would you want to run 5 blades?

I started out with stock 32 Bravo 1. They do not even come close to the performance of the Maximus props. I like the stock 5 blade 28P Maximus better than the labbed 30P Maximus with the diffuser cut off. It has a better hole shot, mid range and the same top end, but it just hits the rev limiter. The labbed 30 max blows out on the hole shot, you have to baby them, has decent mid and top end. My next set of props will be stock 28 P -- 5 blades and then get a base line and have BBlades tweak them. I did talk to Dustin at Whipple about re-setting the rev limiter, but decided to keep it where it is at. If you up the limiter to get the most out of it you have to go to 93 octane. At the time we were talking, fuel was $5 per gallon and 93 is hard to find around here on the water. Strictly an economy for me. I would love to have the limiter bumped. I would still go with the 28P -- 5 blades.

I moved up from a 32 Sunsation and a 32 Baja OS. The Fountain is a world of difference than the 32's. No substitute for length, weight, and HP. You will love the boat. My wife now thoroughly enjoys the comfort, speed, and ride of the Fountain. You will never regret the move. No more washing machine when you take off at a poker run with 50-60 other boats. No beating you at speed in 3-4 footers. Great boat.