ken

Forgetting the difference in top speeds with standard engines, is the 35 X with one step, more forgiving and less likely to hook or spin out, than the 35 Lightning with two steps, if appropriate trim and tab settings are inadvertently not used? Not wanting to be foolish, but at the same time not wanting to go through 1 or 2 boats only to ultimately buy a 35, is a 35 to big and fast for a level headed family man getting back into boating after a 25 year hiatus?

Thanks,
Ken

blownincome

The 35 x w/525s new is a lot of bang for the buck!

Beak Boater

I had a 2000 35 Lightning, used the boat 100 hrs a year mostly on inland waterways, It never exhibited any tendency to hook or spin out. I didn't try to turn the boat tightly at high rates of speed either. Don't think you could go wrong with either boat. Its a matter of what you like. Is it too big or fast, thats a matter of your experience. We trailered our boat and my wife and I launched it with no problems at the ramp. Dont know were you plan on using it but If you boated befor you probably will do fine. They are as safe as you make them. As far as speed they only go as fast as you make them go. Don't go faster than you are comfortable with. If possible water test both models. You will come to a conclusion based on your needs. Good luck

Downtown42

Go with the 35 you will be fine. Not sure which one, test them both and see what you like. Use common sense and NO high speed turns-this will get you in trouble fast. Also PFD's while on it and wear your kill switch.

This guy just got this one and most likely ignored all above.

Marginmn

I've owned a 35x and have driven 35 Lightnings. In a straight line they both feel secure. However, in a turn the 35 X is much better. In a hard turn you can feel the lightning getting loose and walking while the 35 X comes around like it's on rails.

I can only speak for my own experiences, having test driven a 35x one day, then a 35 lightning the next. The 35 x turned harder and felt more secure doing it, had a better cockpit layout, but was a couple of mph slower. The rear bench on the lightning makes passangers feels like they are sitting in a hole - there's very poor forward visability for them.

Other people may disagree, but hands down I prefer the X. And by all means, if you can swing it, skip the smaller boats and go directly to a 35. In a few years you'll probably be looking at 38's and 42's.

The best advice I can give is to test drive both models and then decide which you like.