42' Fountain 42 Lightning

If you were on another boat, it’s the one that left your jaw on your chest as it roared past. The 42 Lightning is the most illustrious race boat in history, winning more world and national championships than any other V-bottom in world history. It shattered the world speed record eight times with the fastest two-way average of 171.883 miles per hour. It has done more than just win; it has totally dominated race courses over the past two decades.

It all started with Bob Nordskog’s Powerboat Special in the mid 1980s and continued under such stellar marques as Ohio Steel, Ocean Spray, Rio Roses, Pier 57 and Yachts International. The 42 comes with a staggered engine set-up that brings the propellers close together, keeping the center of gravity low, down along the keel where it works best.

With a pair of Mercury 525 EFIs, the 42 will hit speeds up to 88-plus miles per hour. Insert twin 700 Mercurys with NXT1 gimbals and number-six uppers and lowers to dart up to 105 miles per hour. Try Mercury 850s and get an eye-watering 120 miles per hour. Still not satisfied? Bolt in the Mercury 1075s and blast into the stratosphere at more than 130 miles per hour.