Hi gang,

I just got confirmation on the build date for my 35 lightning. Were going with 496's and XR's. My dealer is suggesting/looking into adding Sportmaster's and Herring's on my boat order while I still have time to modify the options.

What do you think I would gain or lose with those on a 496 powered lightning? The dealer is going to be checking with Fountain to get their take on it. The Herring's are probably going to make a difference but I'm not sure about the Sportmaster lower units.

I'm building the boat with cost in mind (initial cost, insurance, etc) and upgrades to come later (possibly CMI's). But I want to build it right initially. I'm going to be in the boat for the long haul.

Help me spend my money!

Thanks!
Lee

Save your money, if you want speed at a later date, go with the CMI's. After you add the CMI's then you will know what RPM's you are turning and can adjust accordingly with your props.

FYI, talk to the folks at Throttle Up about high X-dimensions on stepp hulls, BE CAREFUL, also the sportmasters will not help you unless you are running 90 MPH +.

Fountaindriver

The sportmasters have onger skegs, create more drag, and will slow you down - some say- as much as 3mph. I don't understand why they would suggest that you run sportmaster lowers with 496's.

Thanks for the feedback so far. Still in research mode and I'm sure Fountain will have a opinion on it too.

What about 5 blades alone on the stock lower XR unit? Probably a lot of blade area for the 496's to spin? Where I will be boating I have quite a few long distance ports of call. So efficiency in cruise is as important as top end. I've read that the 5 blades will increase mid-range speeds with little or no change on the top end.

Agreed! Congrats on the new ride.

Are you referring to my new ride, if you are THANKS.

Fountaindriver

525's, 525's, 525's, 525's, 525's!!! What are you thinking???

Driven both a 496 and 525 lightning. Mid range punch and top end are better with 525's but not enough to justisfy the increase $$. Maybe 4-6mph on the top end according to my test rides. The delta is about $35K between the blue and black motors. That's a lot of gas, CMI's, Raylar kits, and beer. Plus I need to insure this thing.

Point made...good luck!

Money is money and only you can judge what works for you. I think the speed difference is more like 7 - 8 mph. The resale one day will also put bucks back in your pocket..... Although the 496 will go for more hours before a rebuild, not sure if that matters....