Both the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 and the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 at 42,0 ft versus Fountain 42 Poker Run 2011 at 42,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 tips the scales at 11 400 lbs - 2 200 lbs more than the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2011 at 9 200 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 2 hp for the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 and 2 hp for the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 carries 328 gallons versus 220 gallons in the Fountain 42 Poker Run 2011. 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.