42 Fountain Lightning Question
 

Just a quick question about the 42 Fountain Lightning. Was there a drastic change in the mid 90s on this boat. I've seen a couple of them, 90's models, under 110K. I've seen some triple engine and some twin. Seems like a hell of a deal for a boat that size. Anything to watch out for ? See.. ok.. I can't afford them right at this moment.. but... I have to have something to look forward to and again it just seems like alot of boat for the $$. Supposedly the new ones are in the 80s with 525s.

Pre 95 had no steps..also I think there is a different deck that came into play at some point that added a wider walkway. I think that the steps we tweaked a bit through the late 90's and early 00's. More agressive as time went on.

Steps added that much speed..? I've seen triples claiming only low 80s...

powerboat 2000 test with twin 500's, I think the steps are bigger now.

Acceleration

5 seconds
21 mph

10 seconds
34 mph

15 seconds
55 mph

20 seconds
67 mph

Mid-Range Acceleration

30-50 mph
5.9 seconds

40-60 mph
6.9 seconds

40-70 mph
14.3 seconds

RPM vs. MPH

1000
8 mph

1500
10 mph

2000
21 mph

2500
27 mph

3000
37 mph

3500
51 mph

4000
57 mph

4500
65 mph
5000
75 mph

Top Speed at RPM

Speedometer
83 mph

Radar
78.5 mph at 5300

Top Speed at RPM

Time to plane
4.5 seconds

Minimum planing speed
17 mph

Fuel Economy

At 45 mph
1.2 mpg

At 55 mph
1.2 mpg

At 65 mph
1.1 mpg

At WOT
.95 mpg

Fuel Capacity

260 Gallons

my buddy has a mid 90's step bottom with 500's that runs just under 80.

I've owned some Fountains and love the older padded bottom no-steps. All the new ones are a stiffer more chatter ride. Plus you can buy an old one and it looks the same as a new one. Don't get me wrong Reggie has made some huge bottom performance changes but that does not mean it rides better.