Newer Executioner or Older Lightning - what should we do??
 

I've read, I believe, every Lightning vs Executioner thread on OSO. I understand the differences with exception of the cuddy ceiling height. No one around here has an Executioner, so I've not been in one. (if someone has the measurements, I'd appreciate a response to the height)

We're in the market for a 35'. We want more room, mainly in cockpit, than our current boat has. ...and we want to stay with Fountain.

...anyway, one can get a late model ('08) Executioner for about the same price as an older ('01) Lightning.

I'm not that worried about top speed. We do 98% of our boating on a river with dead alligators on occasion. So you really have to watch what your driving through. Over 50mph cruise speed is more of the desire. So, I believe that we could be satisfied with 496's in an Executioner.

In my mind, a 5 year old boat is likely a much better investment (if I can even use the term investment), than a 12 year old boat. Sure a Lightning is faster, cooler I guess - is the price vs age worth it? 2008 sounds better to my than a 2001. Vinyl x UV exposure, general wear & tear, component durability, etc. Of course, previous owner neglect is another factor regardless of age.

Convince me one way or another....

I appreciate your thoughts.

An 01 lightning has the older Gen hull. An 08 Ex will have latest gen hull and be much faster with equal HP. It should also have the new style interior...no brainer..go with the newer Ex...IMO.

I agree with above, curious why they are the same price though?

The 08 will most likely have a one of dash with monster gauges, that is a 6k upgrade to do to an older fountain.

The 01 will be on its last year of being financiable next year as well, using the 12 year old max rule that many banks are using today

Either the 01 is over priced, or the 08 is a killer deal

This isn't accurate. The '01 35 Lightning uses basically the same twin step bottom that is used on the newest 35's. Fountain just raised the X and then went staggered on the newer boats (I'm sure Reggie probably made a few tweaks to the bottom too, but nothing major). The Executioner is a single step hull based off the the older, pre-twin step Lightning. Not a bad hull by any means, just not quite as fast with the same power as the newer Lightnings. Also, the Executioners never swapped to the new 2007 plus style interior. They do have Monster guages and some of the nicer amenities of the newer Lightnings.

All that said, if you like the looks of the Executioner and are not concerned with being the fastest boat on the water, a newer, low hour Executioner with 496 HO's is probably a better choice than an older Lightning. Personally, I would be on the lookout for a 2004ish Lightning with 525s or an early 2000s Lightning with low hours and 575s.

An 2008 35 Executioner does not have a "latest" generation hull. The 42 Executioner has the lightning hull so that is based on a newer design.

All 35 Ex's are based on old molds which is why they were a price-point boat with the 496's. They just rolled them out the door with a fresh paint and new skins but it was always based on the older single step hull.

If you are looking at a older 35 single step lightning's and newer 35 Ex's (with 496's) you are probably getting about the same bottom in terms of tech. The interiors are where the difference would be (race fairing/plexi versus full framed windshields).

Get the newer boat if those are your chosen two. The 01 is getting old.......

But in this market you can probably get a newer 35 twin step with blue power or 496's for not much more. And it is a WAY better boat all around compared to the Ex.

If you are looking for cockpit space get in a 38 Fever and you will be ruined on the 35's. They are older but can be had really cheap these days.

My wife really wants the anchor locker, and would rather have a ladder off the swim platform. Looks like we're getting closer to settling on a Lightning.

Has anyone been able to confirm headroom difference in the cabin between Executioner and Lightning?

Thanks.

This is one of the boats that we've been considering.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o46796-en.html

Tough to work on. Go 38 or 42 staggered.

Looks like a really clean boat.

Is it because they are close together or deep in the hull?or both.
It looks like a sea water pump is tough to get to.

I recently bought a 35 ex and we love it. Engine bay has room. I had to replace iac motors which are common on 496ho and were a ***** to replace. But other than that lots of room. True 77mph boat. Fast on plane and lots of room.

Do you miss not having an anchor locker or swim ladder?

I'm worried that my wife (who is a pro hottie front anchor setter!) may have some issues without the locker up there.

...getting up on the back of the boat when anchored or beached may be an issue, as well.

Any thoughts?

Get an over the gunwhale ladder from West Marine. Adapt it to fit your boat (ours is Cool). But lack of anchor locker is a pain. You'll end up mostly anchoring from the side or stern.

just listed my 07 35 ex in the classifieds. a swim platform ladder can be had for around $300 and I just drop my anchor from the cockpit and walk the line up to the bow. much easier especially w a 40lb large box anchor! i priced my boat to sell and surprisingly it looks like it will with all of the interest i am getting.

Why are you selling so soon? Didn't you just get the boat this year?

What is next,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Just figured I would throw it up at the end of my season and see if I got any bites. Also, I have ADD :)

At that price it should definitely sell quick. I bet you pissed some sellers of similar boats off listing your boat that cheap hahaha.

Nice looking paint on that ride btw. Good luck with the sale

funny you say that because i did notice a certain 08 35ex magically had it's price disappear after i listed mine :lolhit:

I don't use the anchor locker on my boat, I leave the anchor in the boat and attach the line to the bow cleat. Then throw the anchor over the side and set. That way you can't drop the anchor on the bow, works fine.

Couple of things here...I have a 1995 29...we have added the under swim platform ladder from AquaSouce...it is AWESOME. For the anchor issue I bought a large marine bag and I roll my 200 ft of line the anchor/chain and store it in the bag. Would love to have an anchor locker, but this solution works well...keeps it contained and easily moved when needed.

EufaulaFever, I also have a 1995 29. What does yours have for power? I just put 540's in mine. I get everything tweaked it should be a rocket.

I am running 454 Mags that have had a little work...nothing radical. I only have 270 hours on the motors and it has been very solid to this point. Your upgrades should make that thing fly! Good luck.

Watch out for skiers on the SanJac -

Years ago skiing was just about sawed in half by a drunk redneck going 90 in an outboard on that river. We saw him later in the party cove and he could hardly stand up.

I appreciate all of the different perspectives. We're still undecided. If there is something else we should consider. Please keep the info coming.

Thanks.

Couple of things that may or may not matter.

There are a ton of EX's out there in all years, a lot with 496's if you want longer time in between rebuilds.

EX's have side opening engine hatch, a lot easier to work on the motors if that matters.

If the cabin matters it seems most of the side by side twin steps have pump out heads, a small refrig and I have seen a couple with microwaves.

Of course the twin step is faster but they also seem to be more money.

Just a couple of random thoughts,,,,,,,

I say get a lightning ! Unless you like the Windshield on the Executioner better :D

I know of a super clean 2003 35' Lightning that's about to get listed for sale. Less than 75 original hours. 575sci's with upgraded cams and intercoolers. Tuned and dyno'd at just over 700hp. Merc ITS transom assemblies with Bravo XRs and 2" Sportmaster lowers. Labbed Maximus props. Let me know if you're interested and ill get more details for you.

Sent you a PM.