The Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 vs Fountain 47 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fountain 47 Lightning 2006 measures 47,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 at 42,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountain 47 Lightning 2006 tips the scales at 13 400 lbs - 2 000 lbs less than the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 at 11 400 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 Lightning 2008 carries a rated maximum of 2 hp. Engine data for the Fountain 47 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 Lightning 2008 carries 328 gallons versus 314 gallons in the Fountain 47 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 47 Lightning 2006 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountain 47 Lightning 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountain 47 Lightning 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 47,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fountain 42 Lightning 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.