353 Or 2008 33 Lightning

[turboz67]

Would Like Some Help: Was At Trenton Marine This Week. Thinking About Trading In My 06 292 For Either A 09 353 With 525's Or 09 33 Lightning. Love The Formula But The 353 Would Put Me Back Around 320,000 And The Book Says 77mph With 525's. The 323 Lightning Would Cost Me 245,000 With 496ho's And The Boat Runs Over 80mph. Big Saving's From One To The Other. Need Some Input. Does Anyone Know What The 353 Runs With The 525's

[jeff32]

if you are talking about cabin space, then go for formula... I climbed in a fountain 42 this week, and when I compare with my 35-7, wich is in reality total 37,7, there is much more space in mine !!!! I was surprised and honnestly dissapointed. But it all depends on what you are looking at in terms of priority... If you overnight in your boat and like me, have 3 child, Formula is your answer. If speed, than go fountain.

[Expensive Date]

What are you looking for space or speed.The 35 lightning would be a better comparision to the 353 and price wise between the 353 and 33.You would have to run both boats.If you don't mind me asking what are they offering you for your 292

[ThirdBird]

I don't think you can compare a 33 Fountain to a 35 Formula. A better comparison for the 33 Fountain would be your 292.

Fountains are very nice, nicely appointed, upholstery is top notch, and they're cool looking. However, they are just plain tiny, everything is small. The cabin, the cockpit, the bolsters. I'm 6-2 and I feel like a giant in a Fountain. They are nice though.

[jeff32]

I don't think you can compare a 33 Fountain to a 35 Formula. A better comparison for the 33 Fountain would be your 292.

you are right, and to compare a 353, you'd have to compare with a 35 lighting minimun...

[RaggedEdge]

If what you want is performance, handling and speed it's a Fountain, hands down. I have not been in one of the new 33 Lightnings, but have heard they perform well.

Having spent a fair amount of time in several of the 35 footers from both manufacturers my money is in a Fountain. But that's just my opinion.

Your best deal now would likely be a new '07 in stock model, either brand here. Try calling East Coast Flightcraft in Middleton, Mass. Last I talked to them they had an '07 35 Lightning in stock that you could buy for quite a bit less than the number you stated for a 33, and it's a staggered 525 boat. They also had an '08 33 in stock, the number on it was also way under what you're being quoted. The number is 978-777-1721, ask for Rick Patrie in sales. I bought my present 35 from Rick last fall, he's a straight up guy and treated me well. Good Luck.

[macjazzy]

Other than size and speed between the two boats you are comparing. To me the bggest difference between the two brands is quality. The Formula will have substantially better rigging and build quality.

Reggie doesn't do anything that doesn't make his boats faster. The Porters spend a lot of energy building boats that will last and are of extremely high quality.

[5PMSMWHR]

Originally Posted by ThirdBird

I don't think you can compare a 33 Fountain to a 35 Formula. A better comparison for the 33 Fountain would be your 292.

However, they are just plain tiny, everything is small. The cabin, the cockpit, the bolsters. I'm 6-2 and I feel like a giant in a Fountain. They are nice though.

Bird, you are a giant...I thought the 33 was an Outlaw

[Phazar454Mag]

If I were you I would try both boats for yourself and then I think you will be able to determine what fits your needs best.
Would be very interested to hear what you say.
Personally I prefer the styling of Fastechs over Fountains.
To me the Formula Fastech design/style is so beautiful and it seems to me that a lot of thought is put into the design, where Fountain is not as stylish, if you ask me. Hope I don't offend anybody with this comment.
I do acknowledge the fact that Fountains are fast compared to engine power and with current fuel prices that is a big bonus since I guess the Fountain will have better mileage.
I would doubt that the 33 Fountain has a better ride in the rough compared to a 353 Fastech, but I am just guessing here since I haven't tried any of the boats.

[ThirdBird]

Originally Posted by 5PMSMWHR

Bird, you are a giant...:

Just my gut!!!!