I have a deal to trade my 99 Fountain 42 Stag 500efi's for a 2003 Fountain 35 lightning w/525 efi's. 42 is in great shape. Clean deal no money. Need some opinions.

Are you sure you want to trade down in size? Although with the staggered engines in the 42, you may not be losing much cockpit or cabin space.

And why would you want to do that?

It was an offer I recieved from a dealer. Sure its down sizing but I get a new 35 w/525's for a 99 42, with 70 hours. Just want opinions. But I am thinking about it.

I remember what all you have been through!! I would have to think about it but what the heck!! The 35 with 525's is going to be a real quick boat!! (upper 90's I think!?!) and if you know for sure it is Absolutely New and has not been (Demo'ed) then you might be able to get a "trouble free boat" and get to enjoy it!!

If you in it for the boat enjoyment then I'd say yes. However if youre in it for resale then I'd stay with the 42.

When I first read the thread, I thought no way, you are crazy if you don't stay with the 42. But FunHome's post reminded my of all the trouble you went through with the 42. If I had been through all that I would probably not feel bad about getting a brand new 35 with the 525's. That sounds like a nice package.

Do the two boats have similar equipment ?

I'm not sure what problems you had with the 42 or if it's all set now. If the 42 is ok now, I would stay with the 42. You can always add horsepower, but you can't add fiberglass to make it bigger.

fullthrottle42a,

After rereading a lot of your past posts about the tremendous headaches with this boat, I would be trying to get rid of it as fast as I can. I would definately take the trade on the brand new 35.

Yeah man, Its a tuff decision for me. Im in the Ocean 30% of the time. The rest is tearing it up and bar hopping and Fl Powerboat Club runs. The 42 runs 83 to 84 top speed w/ 500efi's. Even with the bent drives. So the thing went to Lake X to streighten out the drives and Halls Propeller labbed my hydromotives and I get the Same speed but no vibes. It does run sweet but like you said, every time I head out I remember all that crap Fountain put me through. So the deal came up and now what to do!!!