New to High Performance Fountains. Looking at 35 Lightning 1996
 

I have a 29' Fountain CC with twin outboards and I have got the two footitis bug and the high performance bug
I was looking at 27' -29' Fevers but some experienced go fast boaters have suggested I look larger and go to at least a 35'
I boat primarily on Lake Ontario
I have been boating for over 50 years and can handle what I have now but the go fast world is new to me.
I will get some driver training if necessary.

I dont want to spend over $50K to start with so I am looking at older used boats
I have found a 1996 35' Lightning with twin 502s with 530 hours.
It is a freshwater boat.
Have not seen the boat yet but it looks clean in the ad.
Who knows what it will look like up close and in person.
Obviously before I pull the trigger I will do the usual survey, mechanical tests, water test, etc.

What I would like to know is are there any particular issues with these older 35s that I should be aware of.
Stringer& transom rot,
How long do these 502s last with normal running before you need major rebuilds or replacement?

Thanks in advance.

Black motors are usually pretty reliable. I have a 1995 35 and mine had 770 hrs when I bought it. One motor had ingested water. Looks to have maybe been from exhaust manifolds. High hour manifolds I would pull and check. As with any boat that has wood in the structure absolutely look for rot.

Anything else I'll do my best to help. Good luck with it.

Transom and stringers - have survey done.

A 29' is probably a touch smaller than your current cc so it wouldn't cure your "two footitis".
Can't really add much to the posts above, but if you can find an unmolested 35' in your price range and its 'rot free' with strong engines, I think you'd come out a happy man. :) If you stick to standard black motors you're more likely to enjoy easy and affordable maintenance.

Something like the one you described sounds ideal if everything checks out ok. Good luck shopping.

RR