What would be top speed with hp 500 's

80-84 depending on the year hull and carb or EFI....

1999
Carb motors

Not 80 mine 2006 with 525 runs just a little over 80

I was wondering about this as well. I have heard the 35 is faster than the 32 and was curious if the 38 or 42 was faster then the 35.

My 1999 42' Lightning hit 80MPH with 500EFI and 28" Bravo Props. That was on Lake Michigan.

GF?

The 1999 non step 42 Fountain we ran in the Catalina Ski Race had 2 fresh 525 Merc motors in it and would run 81 max in salt water and cool weather.

That seems pretty good for such a big boat and mild power. Either way, I'm hoping my next boat is a 38 or 42 lightning!! Love them!!!

Been on the same year Ex with same power and saw 85....You should have your props looked at.

Some things need to be clarified when talking about fountain models and speed, it can get confusing.

The 42 lighting was the first to go twin step and full staggered. And for a while that set up was just about the fastest in the entire line up in the late 90's. The 42 ex and 42 lightning are different boats in the 2000's. I would classify the ex as more toward the sport side and the lightning more towards the race side when compared head to head.

That is just one example, but it gets worse. The newer 35 lightning should never be compared to the older tech 32. The lightning will outperform it in everyway.

38's were fevers until 99....I believe. Then they got skinny and became the 38 lightning in 2000, then got big steps in 02 and a semi stag option. My 38 lightning parked next to a 38 fever makes my cockpit look half as wide, but performance wise it has an obvious advantage to the fever.

It doesn't stop there, but I do. Fountain simply has the most confusing product line options and changes of any performance boat manufacture.