I have waited a long time but I have finally been able to purchase a 2008 35 Lightning with 496's. I always dreamed of having a powerboat of some sort as I grew up in the outer banks of NC close to the Fountain factory.
I have been viewing this board for a long time but never really posted much. I boat around the Destin Florida area, so if there are any other Fountain owners here I am sure I will see you around. Thanks.
Also anyone have opinions on etops from CMI??

Congratulations on the new boat.

welcome to the family

welcome

good choice enjoy the ride.

Enjoy the new ride.

I would also look at the Dana Headers for the 496. Based on test results they are as good as the CMI's but cost half the price.

Do you know what it will run yet?

CMI tubulars look GREAT!

... but exhaust manifolds really don't do anything for performance until your engines are very wild. They hurt fuel efficiency until then.

For example, on a Fountain with 575SCI that was fitted with silent choice, there was NO observable performance difference between thru-transom open exhaust and thru-hub. ZERO. Not a tenth of a mile per hour when flat out.

Also, people who have to fix stuff often recommend against the tubular headers, and recommend cast aluminum ones (such as the Dana or Stainless Marine) because the tubular ones have a reputation for failing at the welds that can lead to destroying your engine due to water getting into the cylinders.

But those tubular CMI headers sure look GREAT!

Congrats on the boat. I run with a similar '08 -- 35 with 496's and he runs in the upper 80's, can just tweak 90, in the right water, with the headers. The boat is fast and gets great fuel mileage.