2002 Fountain 42 Lightening

Testers Notebook: 2002 Fountain 42' Lightening      Location: Dana Point, California, Pacific Ocean.      Test load: Safety gear, no water, no waste, full fuel tanks, three people on board      Test Day conditions: Wind 10 to 15 knots, waves two feet in gentle swells.      Synopsis: With twin staggered 550-hp Mercury engines, the race-proven 42' Lightning with stepped hull topped out at 89 mph with full tanks and a relatively calm ocean; this boat is as solid as they come with top-notch fit and finish.

By: Jim Payetta
     The Fountain 42' Lightning is well-known to people who know performance boats and boat racing. In fact, the 42' holds the current V-bottom speed record at 140 mph. The boat we tested while on location in San Diego California, however, was equipped with standard twin 550-hp  Mercury Racing HP 575 SCi engines that pushed the boat to a comfortable GPS-verified 89 mph with full fuel tanks and two passengers.
     Reggie Fountain's racing experience (see our interview with him here) is evident everywhere in the design of the 42'. With an 8'6" beam, staggered engines bring the props closer together and keep the weight, and therefore the center of gravity, down along the keel, which helps the boat's stability and handling. With a dry weight of  9,400 pounds, this boat is built for speed.
     The stepped hull provides just the right amount of lift without losing its grip while making  tight turns. And when taking some air, the 42 stayed very level while providing a nicely cushioned landing. The 42' Lightning's handling was not only solid but incredibly responsive. The steering system is most impressive. Even in tight turns at 60 mph, the boat tracked extremely well. There was no sliding or jumping in high-speed turns.
     Even though the focus of the 42' is performance, it certainly doesn't disappoint in comfort and features. The 42's cockpit is attractive, with high-quality leather and custom embroidery, but also very functional. The bolster seats have electrically activated bottom cushions, making it easy to switch from sitting to standing. Grabrails are in all the right places for maximum safety.
     The helm features left-hand throttle controls that make it possible for performance enthusiasts to have a throttleman. The throttles also incorporate trim controls so you don't have to reach for a different switch when an adjustment is needed. The gauges are easy to read and well-placed. What adds to the overall impression of the 42' are the little things that come from years of experience, such as the glare reducing white aluminum dash.
     The cabin is roomy and well-appointed and gives the overall impression of quality throughout. With a leather wraparound sofa and separate V-berth forward, there is plenty of room for overnighters. A fully equipped galley to port and an enclosed head to starboard rounds out the requirements for successful cruising. The cabin also features both direct and indirect lighting and an AM/FM CD stereo system.
     With drives pulled in and tabs level, the 42' came up on plane quite flat, allowing for excellent visibility down and over the long bow. At no time did I lose sight of what was in front of me. As it was a calm day, I never had the chance to see how the boat handled big water, other than crossing some wake, which, of course, was a lot of fun!
     The construction process includes bi- tri- and quad-directional fibreglass, vinylester resins and high-density foam core. Fountain uses foam core in high-stress areas because it is lightweight, doesn't absorb water and is exceptionally strong for to its weight. As well, Fountain bonds the boat's deck and hull together to create a unitized construction that provides more strength and durability, making it less likely to flex and break.
     Unlike Mark Rotharmel, co-host of PowerBoat Television and regular columnist in Boats & Places magazine, I have no offshore racing experience to rely on when testing a performance boat like the 42' Lightning. But as an experienced pleasureboater who loves speed and performance, I can speak to the quality, knowledge and experience that went into the design and building of this boat and to its performance on the water. I can also attest to the cruising comforts of the cabin; it's very comfortable and means you may never lack boating companions out on the water.

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Fountain Power Boats
1653 Whichards Beach Road,
P.O. Drawer 457, Washington,
NC, 27889
252-975-2000
http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/