ill be in freshwater lakes 99.9% of the time. My local lake runs north/south with lots of choppy days. I want something that will at minimum run atleast 75 mph, good high quality craftsmanship that wont be hard to resell when i get ready to step up. Now im trying to decide what boat brand, powerplant, year, etc. I keep bouncing between 29'-35' boats. I think ill need twins to get that kind of speed.

I suggest that you buy the biggest boat you can afford to own and OPERATE. I stress 'operate' because feeding and caring for twins is obviously twice as expensive and you'll need a diesel to tow any 35 out there. A newer 35' Fountain (Lightning) with 525's should be a 90+ mph boat. Back it down to 496's and you should see around 80 on a good day.

how do you like your fever 29? glad you bought it? what speed will it run? any issues with yours? I have a truck that can tow whatever I buy, just need to find the right boat now. The fountain fever 29 keeps getting my eye for some reason, maybe because I found a few local. Is the 525 the best engine for the fever 29 from the factory? I see some older ones with twin 350's, twin 454's, twin 502's, 496HO, 500EFI and 525. Would you go 525 or twin 350s? (just for debate sake)

I love it! The single 525 is the best version of the boat yet most likely. Fountains are not the best rough water machines (they're not bad) but when mine flys, it flys very level. The twins, especially the older BB's will drop their butt and that can be not a good thing. The twin 350's will barely get you 70 or so. The 6.2's are supposed to get to 74. The twins will be easier to dock and quicker to plane. A single can be.... IS a dog out of the hole. Now you're not in the ocean launching off of 3 and 4 foot swells (where the single engine versions really shine) so I wouldn't rule out twin sb's and insurance will be easier as well.

Suggestions: take your time. I know it's summer and you want to get out there right now. This is a big purchase, you want to get it right. Ask questions, get demo rides like you have already. When you narrow it down, get a surveyor. I learned that one the hard way. I did not emotionally disconnect myself from the business end. So don't rush it!

Good luck!

PS: this is what it's all about!!! Now THIS is a real rough water boat. 20year old Apaches are still out there kicking the crap out of people in rough water races. Learn some of the history!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=r7mSxOAg-UU

www.predator41.com

yea, that is what im doing now, i must have searched over 200 times in the past few days on this forum looking up old info. I see Cigarette makes a good boat, see a few 30'-35' range, but they may be out of my price range, albeit great looking boats. (edit- although this one is nice and in my range) http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o16477-en.html

Also doing some research i see the fountain fever 29 could be had with the 600 and 625, correct?

I'd be checking out that Cig if I had the cash to feed twins...:drink:

I'd check out the 32' sunsation SS. Very comparable boat to the fountain. Fast for its power. I've never owned one, but have heard nothing but good stuff about factory support.

We have two trade in boats right now that might fit your bill.
a 34 Powerquest Viper and a 35 Sonic. both around 100k. both 2002's. Or we can build you a new Active Thunder with whatever options / power you want!
Give me a call if you want more info.
Thanks,
Jeff
314)412-0392