Looking at a couple of different fountains and wanted to get some feedback. Is either one of the hulls faster and which boat would you buy and why?

I think they changed the step configuration in 2004 and after that both Lightning and Executioners had the same hull. Personally, I'm partial to lightnings over executioners because I don't really care for the angular plexiglass windscreen and I like the lines on the lightning a bit better. Having said that EX's are awesome, just not my preference. As far as motors, I'd take the 525's over the 575's; the 525's are current production motors whereas the 575SC's are not and 525's are known to be somewhat underrated as far as HP goes, some have been dyno'd as high as 560. The 575's need premium fuel; 525's run best on good old 87 octane. The thing you need to worry about with 525's is the headers. The 42 EX with the 525's should top out in the mid 80's, maybe a little more.

There are other cosmetic differences between the two and it depends on what's important to you. If by chance, the 42 Lightning is the one from upstate NY, that looks like a nice boat and I've also spoken to that guy and I got the impression he really took care of it. Generally speaking, I would always try to buy newer whenever possible.

Thanks, some good things for me to consider. What is the deal on the headers you mentioned?

Oh brother, where do I start... If you do a search on 525 headers, you will get a TON of information but in a nutshell, there are well known leakage issues with the Merc/CMI headers on the 525, 600SCi and 700SCi motors. Apparently Merc had specified a lower quality stainless to be used and MANY sets of these headers developed leaks at the welds causing water ingestion into the cylinders resulting in numerous catastrophic engine failures... (unfortunately, I have personal experience with this..).

The earlier versions (pre-2004) of the 525 headers have the outer water jacket that goes all the way down to the flange and these were the worst. Later versions had a "cool collar" where the outer jacket stops about 1/2" short of the flange but were still problematic; i.e.: my 2005 38 with 525's had the cool collar style headers and still developed leaks.

A 2005 boat with 525's will most likely have 2004 vintage headers so you want to check to see which ones they are if you go with the 42 EX. Don't let this scare you, the 525 is a great motor; not everyone that has these has a problem and there are simple remedies provided you're diligent about checking them. You need a good mechanic to do an engine survey including compression and leak-down tests; this is good practice anyway, but on the 525 it's a MUST because of the header issue. If you buy the 525 boat, before you run it, you will want to remove the headers and have them pressure tested for leaks. Trust me, this is money well spent. You will know for sure if there are leaks present and can most likely fix with minor welds saving you much $$ and headaches later on. You then should pressure test at the beginning of every season.

check this one out...

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...ning-102158270

I like '05 Ex's with 525's.

I've got a 2006 42 EX coming available the end of March, sits on a Myco, 525s, very well maintained, and 1 owner.

Any pics of the boat coming avail

I have some I can post when I get to the office tomorrow.

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