1999 Fountain 35 Lightning
08-29-2003, 11:29 PM
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1999 Fountain 35 Lightning
I am looking at a 99 35 Lightning with 500's in it. What do you Fountain guys think about this boat? I would be moving to this boat from a 99 Formula 271. How does it handle and how is the ride in the rough stuff? Thanks for any input.
08-30-2003, 12:50 AM
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The handling (close-quarters) is touchy, due to the fact that most 35's are spinning props INWARDS. Takes a little practice.
At speed, you will have to be aware that the handling/turning characteristics of a step-hull will differ dramatically from a non-step 27 footer.
You would be well-advised to get some pointers from someone with extensive seat-time in step-hulls to help acquaint you with the step-hulls unique handling characteristics.
The ride in the 'rough stuff' will be a hell of a lot better than you are getting now. A 35 Lightning CAN be a competent offshore, blue-water hull, in moderate conditions.
At speed, you will have to be aware that the handling/turning characteristics of a step-hull will differ dramatically from a non-step 27 footer.
You would be well-advised to get some pointers from someone with extensive seat-time in step-hulls to help acquaint you with the step-hulls unique handling characteristics.
The ride in the 'rough stuff' will be a hell of a lot better than you are getting now. A 35 Lightning CAN be a competent offshore, blue-water hull, in moderate conditions.
08-30-2003, 01:58 AM
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rouxsterre,
My 99 Formula 271 is a stepped Fastech hull and I have put about 130 hours on this boat. I boat alot on Lake Ontario in New York that can get pretty rough, I'm not going to be in any "blue water".
My 99 Formula 271 is a stepped Fastech hull and I have put about 130 hours on this boat. I boat alot on Lake Ontario in New York that can get pretty rough, I'm not going to be in any "blue water".
09-02-2003, 06:35 AM
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Formula 271,
The 35 Lightning Classic is an outstanding boat. We've ben out in 4 to 5 footers in the lower Potomac and the boat really rides well. We upgraded the power to 500Hps when we ordered it and that has really made a difference in the boat. I think the big thing you would find if you shop the 35s out there is that the Fountain comes with everything you need as standard equipment. You won't find most of the standard Fountain equipment on the competition.
I urge you to get a marine survey on the boat...you'd want to do that on any used boat. Gives you piece of mind on the drive train.
My 35 is currently on the classified board. Its a 2000 and ready to go. I'm attempting to sell and move up to a 38. Good luck.
The 35 Lightning Classic is an outstanding boat. We've ben out in 4 to 5 footers in the lower Potomac and the boat really rides well. We upgraded the power to 500Hps when we ordered it and that has really made a difference in the boat. I think the big thing you would find if you shop the 35s out there is that the Fountain comes with everything you need as standard equipment. You won't find most of the standard Fountain equipment on the competition.
I urge you to get a marine survey on the boat...you'd want to do that on any used boat. Gives you piece of mind on the drive train.
My 35 is currently on the classified board. Its a 2000 and ready to go. I'm attempting to sell and move up to a 38. Good luck.
09-09-2003, 03:37 PM
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Formula 271,
I had an '92 271 with 502 Mag. After a few years I upgraded the motor to a custom built 548 c.i. engine that took the boat to 75 mph. This motor really made the boat. We live in the Chicago area and routinely put 100 hours in a season because we enjoyed driving it so much.
But just before this season started we got this crazy idea that maybe we should treat ourselves to a newer boat. With mixed feelings we listed our 271 on the internet and sold it quickly to a local party. We then bought a '99 35 Lightning with HP 500's.
The boat is awesome to drive and handles very well. We take it to Lake Michigan on occasion if the waves are tolerable. The boat will handle tall chop (2 to 3') no problem, but Lake Michigan often dishes up a different kind of wave on a windy day compared to a busy inland lake or river. They are often wide and far apart and serve as launching ramps. Suddenly your 35 footer feels like a small family bow rider, until you realize that you can still run faster than many other boats you encounter.
Things I installed after I purchased the boat that I took for granted on the Formula: a vhf radio, a transom shower, a depth guage and a swim ladder. Also, those twin cabin entry doors are really STUPID compared to the sliding door on the 271. They are fragile and must be closed any time you are running. When you are stopped and have them open you must strap them down or they will swing back and forth and crack at the hinges. Also miss the in-dash glove box and the trash receptacle the Formula had on the port side.
P.S. If the boat you are looking at has HP500 carb motors, check the valve springs before you buy it. If it has more than 100 hours on it there may be some broken springs just waiting to ruin your day. There is no debating whether to change the springs. Just do it!
Good Luck. BTW, my internet address at home (seldom used anymore) is form271. Go Figure!
I had an '92 271 with 502 Mag. After a few years I upgraded the motor to a custom built 548 c.i. engine that took the boat to 75 mph. This motor really made the boat. We live in the Chicago area and routinely put 100 hours in a season because we enjoyed driving it so much.
But just before this season started we got this crazy idea that maybe we should treat ourselves to a newer boat. With mixed feelings we listed our 271 on the internet and sold it quickly to a local party. We then bought a '99 35 Lightning with HP 500's.
The boat is awesome to drive and handles very well. We take it to Lake Michigan on occasion if the waves are tolerable. The boat will handle tall chop (2 to 3') no problem, but Lake Michigan often dishes up a different kind of wave on a windy day compared to a busy inland lake or river. They are often wide and far apart and serve as launching ramps. Suddenly your 35 footer feels like a small family bow rider, until you realize that you can still run faster than many other boats you encounter.
Things I installed after I purchased the boat that I took for granted on the Formula: a vhf radio, a transom shower, a depth guage and a swim ladder. Also, those twin cabin entry doors are really STUPID compared to the sliding door on the 271. They are fragile and must be closed any time you are running. When you are stopped and have them open you must strap them down or they will swing back and forth and crack at the hinges. Also miss the in-dash glove box and the trash receptacle the Formula had on the port side.
P.S. If the boat you are looking at has HP500 carb motors, check the valve springs before you buy it. If it has more than 100 hours on it there may be some broken springs just waiting to ruin your day. There is no debating whether to change the springs. Just do it!
Good Luck. BTW, my internet address at home (seldom used anymore) is form271. Go Figure!
09-12-2003, 03:08 PM
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Originally posted by 35/25
FTN MAN,
didn't you say you just got that 32 this year from Chris?
Are you looking for a 35 now?
FTN MAN,
didn't you say you just got that 32 this year from Chris?
Are you looking for a 35 now?
I bought the boat last year from Chris...Its been a great boat, learned alot with that boat. I'm going to get a newer 32 or 35 next year....I figure if my boat sells, great (no payment for awhile) if not I'll still have a nice boat for next year. Either way
