Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 vs Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 or the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006?

The Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 is the longer of the two at 42,0 feet overall. The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 comes in at 42,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 or the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006?

For trailering, the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 has the edge at 103 lbs dry weight versus 112 lbs for the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 has a documented max rating of 2 hp. Engine specifications for the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 or the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006?

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 has the bigger tank at 328 gallons, versus 31 gallons on the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006. That 297-gallon difference translates to roughly 891–1485 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 are built by Fountain. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 vs Fountain 42 Lightning 2006

Fountain

Fountain 42 Executioner 2009

2009

View full specs →

Fountain

Fountain 42 Lightning 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 vs Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 vs Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 at 42,0 ft versus Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 at 42,0 ft. At 112 lbs and 103 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 carries a rated maximum of 2 hp. Engine data for the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 carries 328 gallons versus 31 gallons in the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeFountain

Model42 Executioner

Model42 Lightning

Model Year2009

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1 m)

Draft [max] - Detail40 in

Draft [max] - Meters1.02

Draft [max] - Inches4

Weight - Detail11,200 lbs. (5,090 kg)

Weight - Detail10,300 lbs. (4,676 kg)

Weight - kg5080.23

Weight - kg4672

Weight - lbs.112

Weight - lbs.103

Length - Feet42

Length overall - Detail42 ft. 0 in. (12.8 m)

Length overall - Meters12.8

Length overall - Inches504

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters12.8

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail328 gal. (1,241 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail310 gal. (1,173 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters1241.61

Fuel tank capacity - Liters1173.48

Fuel tank capacity - Gal328

Fuel tank capacity - Gal31

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Drive typeI/O

Engine max2 Mercury 525 EFI with Bravo 1-XR/SSM

Engine maxnot available

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardTwin Mercury 525 EFI w/ Bravo XR drives

Operational Info

Water capacity13 gal. (49 l)

Water capacitynot available

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed

Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 vs Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 or the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006?

The Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 is the longer of the two at 42,0 feet overall. The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 comes in at 42,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 or the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006?

For trailering, the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 has the edge at 103 lbs dry weight versus 112 lbs for the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 has a documented max rating of 2 hp. Engine specifications for the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 or the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006?

The Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 has the bigger tank at 328 gallons, versus 31 gallons on the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006. That 297-gallon difference translates to roughly 891–1485 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 and the Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 are built by Fountain. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Fountain 42 Executioner 2009 full specs ← Fountain 42 Lightning 2006 full specs