The Fountain 35 Lightning 2006 vs Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 measures 42,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 35 Lightning 2006 at 35,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 tips the scales at 11 200 lbs - 2 600 lbs less than the Fountain 35 Lightning 2006 at 8 600 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the Fountain 35 Lightning 2006 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 carries 328 gallons versus 164 gallons in the Fountain 35 Lightning 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountain 35 Lightning 2006 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 42 Executioner 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 42,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fountain 35 Lightning 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.