Perfectlyfrank

Hey guys,

I think I ran across a nice lightning. Some of y'all may know the boat. It's being offered at trenton marine on Boattrader. Owner installed used ( 600 hr) 500 efi with 25 hrs on top end rebuild. He also has the original 496s with 235 hrs. I'm inclined to go with the 496 to make the boat original. He also has xr-ssm drives with 3 different prop choices. Which prop would you recommend to balance getting out of the hole and top end speed? I believe right now he is running 5 blade maximus 31 or 32.

Thanks in advance for your input.

VoodooRob

There is a premium on the 35 Full stagger 525 boats. Having the original 496s in it does not make it worth more or more desirable vs bigger (different) power. The 496 35s seem to have much longer market time than the 525 boats. Also if memory serves me right, if you are putting the 496s back in you need to look into 1.65 drives, not the XR 1.5 drives. The stock 496s will not turn those Maximus 32s and 1.5 ratio drives. Also get the performance report for the boat from Fountain and compare it to a 525 boat, it will tell you all about the prop choices, drives, etc

thirdchildhood

iTrader: (6)

Why would you pull blue motors in favor of production black motors to "make the boat original?" No one will care if it is original.

Perfectlyfrank

The motors are 500 not 525. The history on the 500's is a bit sketchy, so not sure what I'm getting. Not sure how not having original motors will affect financing. He is also willing to drop the price on the boat 10 grand with the 496's. So an 08 35 lightning for $105,000?

VoodooRob

Does he have the correct drives to put it back as a 496 boat? Would you be happy with a 496 boat vs blue motor ? As long as the engines, transom assembly and boat transom have the factory serial numbers where they are suppose to be, your financing shouldnt have any problem. A survey will document the serial numbers and most banks will require that to finance you, even if they don't require it done for peace of mind and your insurance will want it. This boat has the very desirable rear bolsters option and looks like a nice trailer. Is it a salt water boat?

Perfectlyfrank

I'll have to ask about the drives, but I'm pretty sure he does. This is my first fountain, so doing 82 seems pretty respectable. For the price, I feel like I could upgrade in a couple years and come close to breaking even... It looks to be a very clean boat.

I've read a couple of other posts with guys running the same xr-ssm set-up with 28s and the 496's

VoodooRob

The year makes it one of the last built. That helps the value, the 496s hold its value down. If you are comfortable with it, then have it surveyed check transom for rot around exhaust cutouts. Surveyor will use a moisture meter, if not find another surveyor. I dont know the info on 28 Maximus/XR 1,50 combo on the 496, I do know that you wouldnt be able to use the 32s with that 1.50 combo. And 82 in a Fountain is good, its what you'll be happy with that counts.

Perfectlyfrank

I really appreciate your input Rob! Another option for the same money would be an '09 33 lightning, probably get it for a little less. I have suspicion the 35 would have a much better ride though. I'm guessing the full stagger on a 35 might cramp the cockpit a little.

As far as the 35, your recommendation would be to either leave it as is or take it back to stock ( motors and drives ).

I don't know why he put 500's instead of the 525's which would have matched the boat.

VoodooRob

I would not recommend the 33 at all
35 and 38 full stagger have a cramped cockpit, rear bolsters help but you lose storage under them. If you want more cockpit go to 01-06 35 Lightning side by side with 502s does 80 MPH. But they will have the old style cockpit and cabin finishes. Full stagger gives you the rooster tail, what do you want is the question.
I would leave the 500s in it, get ALL receipts for rebuilds on them, if not fully rebuilt 500s then find another boat. That boat with 496s at your indicated price is not a crazy deal, average at best. Hit me on PM we can talk I have a few minutes.

F-2 Speedy

iTrader: (6)

Id try to buy the boat and second set of engines, sell the set you dont want to ease the cost of the boat..........IF the price is right