Keytime

I've been boat-shopping for a while now and checking out different makes/models for a first "big boat". I'm looking at a 1993 35' Fountain Lightning and have some questions about them.
- Is this boat good for 80mph with 415hp per side?
- Does the functional cabin and cockpit space of this boat compare to a typical 31' boat in other models like Formula, Cig, IMP, etc? How many people can I comfortably haul in this boat?
- Anything to look out for on a boat like this?
- How does it handle rougher chop like LOTO holiday weekend stuff?
- Is external steering recommended for a boat like this?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Reggie

They are great boats, I have a lightening Classic, that is a 35 footer. I have the 525 SC in mine, and top speed for me is 79.9 gps. So I would doubt you'd hit 80 but mid seventy's easy enough.
You can haul 4 real comfortable, even 6 is not too bad, but more than that, it starts to get crowded.
We keep ours at LOTO, it handles the slop pretty well, just need to use some tab, get the bow down, and she'll slice right through the crap.
Yes you would want external steering in any performance boat, I would think it would have it on it already.
The cabin and cockpit are about the same, except your FOUNTAIN, won't have any rattle's.
Go take it for a ride, I'll bet you like it, welcome to the Beak side of life.....

Keytime

Here's the actual machine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...EBI:PIC&ih=002

I don't see external steering on it, but the pics aren't too good from the back.

Carder

No external steering seen... Get it surveyed, make sure the stringers are checked for moisture, dry rot, etc.
Carder

Reggie

You are right, there is no external steering. It does look like a clean boat.
I do agree, if you are serious, I would get it surveyed, just to make sure there are not any big surprises.
Good Luck.
I know where you can get a very clean 35 ft. 1997........

Keytime

I think that's gonna jump outta my price range. I'm one of the po' folk on here.

sommerfliesby

I'm running stock 502s in my 95...its a single-step hull, blueprinted bottom, extension boxes, full hydraulic, and I get 75 mph in a 2 foot chop on GPS. With a straight hull, you'll be getting 70-72 mph in ideal conditions. Something I had issues with when I bought was loose deck rails...loose as in bolts missing! Found out with the first downpour I was in...about a 1/2 hour after I picked up the boat! Interior was soaked! That was a bit of a job to repair! Get a survey, it's worth it.

As for handling the LOTO chop...we go every year and once you get on top of the slop, you've got one extremely stable ride. Even topped out on speed, its very comfortable to drive...no chine walking. Mine went 106 with big blower motors the previous owner had.

10x

WOW !! Those drives sure do sit deep. Get a survey if you're serious about buying it. The few hundred bucks you spend up front, could save you 10's of thousands in the long run.

Keytime

The drives appear to sit deeper than others? From pics, I can't tell a difference.

Definitely doing a survey when I decide to buy a boat. No doubt about that.

formula377

I'm not sure if the lake can handle two newbie beak nosers