I'm considering moving up to a newer Fountain Lightning and would appreciate some advice on the 33 & 35s with 496HOs. Both will apparently break 80. Has anyone run / owned either and what’s your opinion? Thanks

Skip the 33 and get a 35 Ex or Lightning. The 33 was/is Fountain's white elephant.

My 35 Lightning with 496's is a great reliable package. 80 no problem.

Thanks Techman. How do you find manouverability around the docks with the staggered/close drive confirguration, and how is your boat at getting on plane / minimum plane speed.

Mine is an 06 so it is a side by side config. Props turn in so I sacrifice a tiny bit of low speed maneuvering for handling at speed and top end. The boat planes very easily with no blow out or need to feather the throttles. Tabs down and drives in and off she goes.

The staggered 35's were set up at the factory for top end. So with the 5-6 blades, SSM lowers, and close drive proximity they take a little more finesse to get them up and running. Plus you lose some leverage having the props so close for turning. Probably more so than my setup.

In a drag race my setup easily can initially outrun the newer staggered setups but given enough runway they will top out at a higher speed.

Putting higher gearing and lower pitch props on the staggered setups make them a little more user friendly all around. From low speed to planing.

Was the 33 available in a staggered?

No only side by side

I think fountain built less than 10 33 lightning. .???????

I've seen the 33 Lightning and it is a nice boat. Considered buying it but hear the 35 is much better. Aside from 2 feet, is there really any difference in quality?

It was built by Fountain so I am not sure why the quality would be any different. It was probably manufactured during the period up to and or during the bankruptcy if that should make any difference.

Again, 33 is not a great seller.....resale, resale, resale.

Too many great deals on 35's out there in my opinion and that is one of the benchmark boats in the industry.

I would agree that both 35 hulls designs are great boats, I have owned both. Have never had the chance to run a 33 but have been all over a couple of them in showrooms. Nice package! Would love to get my hands on one on the water and would not walk away from one at the right deal.

No such thing as a bad Fountain! There may be differences between models, but they are all good! Just look hard at what you want in a boat and go from there. I think a 33 would be a fun boat!