hey guys. i currently own a 29 fever with twin 6.2s wich i frigging love. looking into moving up to a 35 lightning. any suggestion engine package? how do they come up on plane etc.... any input would be appreciated thanks...

35 Lightnings are either side by side or staggered motor setups on the later years before production stopped. 496 powered boats will do everything the blue motor boats do up to about 80mph.

To quote Reggie, the 35 is well balanced, fast...a race boat out of the box.

To quote Ferris Bueler, if you have the means I highly suggest picking one up...they are so choice.

Depends on the years, they called straight hull lightnings, then small single step, then came out with the side by side dual step and they change the single step name to the EX.

Last lightnings were stag. All had split hatches except the side by side dual steps.

Depending on year they can pop right up or be a PITA to get on plane. Like Techman said the 496HO boats can do just about the same top end, but you will loose the acceleration. Something to be said for the reliability of the 496 though.

I have a 2005 (side by side) 525 w xr drives & 32” bravo (4 blade) props, the way it came from Fountain. No problem getting on plane, even w/o using K planes (but I do). Top speed 91, cruises at 50+ @ 3400 rpm. Weighs approx 11,000 lbs on Myco trailer at the axles (not sure about tongue weight but estimate it at 1,200 -1,400 lbs. Tows great behind a 2500 p/u. I’ve had it for 8+ years and still love it. Good luck with your search.

thank you. so 496 motors run a boat that big, plane off, and do like 80? just asking....thanks

Close to 80mph 2x496 if possible, get 525's if you can? 2007 and newer had a few staggered set ups on 35's that would be my choice good luck!

496’s in tne single step Executioner did test speed of 78 mph (Reggie speed). A twin step should be a little faster but I think there were very few, Lightnings built with 496’s. I think 525’s were standard and 496’s was a reduced cost option.

RR

I have a 496 twin step XR's 28 B1's top speed 80. There were LOTS of 496 lightning's built. The year I bought mine, our dealer built 3 496 powered 35's.

I’m sure you’re right, just that I’ve never seen a 35 Lightning 496 advertised….Do you know if they built any staggered 35 Lightnings with 496’s with the updated interiors 2007-08?
I guess owners are very happy and don’t want to park with them. 🙂

RR

thank you guys. if ya hear of any for sale please let me know. im at 716 864 6285.