Offshoreonly.com - Donzi 35 ZR or Fountain 35 Lightning

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- - Donzi 35 ZR or Fountain 35 Lightning (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/266305-donzi-35-zr-fountain-35-lightning.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteLT193 (Post 3559006)

The Beam though... I think Fountain is 8'4" vs the full 8'6" of the Donzi.

.

The Fountain is also 8'6".

If you are going to buy a new boat, forget Donzi and Fountain, too many issues with those at the moment. One that has not been mentioned is the Sunsation 36'. It's about as fast as the Donzi 35' and the Fountain 38'. My guess is that it will be in Miami.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.O. Razor (Post 3559609)

The 36' Sunsation has a 3' intergrated swim platform, no way I would spend the $$$'s they want for those things to end up with a 33' boat. Might as well go with a brand new custom built to your specs 33 AT and save a ton of money. Just my .02.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.O. Razor (Post 3559609)

Did they change the boat? from the fountain manual on the fountain web site:

35 Lightning Twin
LOA: 35' / 10.67 m
Beam: 8'4" / 2.54 m
Draft with drive down 35"
Weight, dry: 8,600 lbs. / 3,904 kgs
Fuel capacity: 164 gals. / 620 L
Recommended power: Twin 525 EFI Mercurys with XR drives - 90+ MPH

http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/do...al05online.pdf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beak Boater (Post 3559585)

You really should try to get a water test in what ever you are interested in. What I prefer in a boat or anyone else may be alot different than you. Have owned 5 Fountains so you know what my preference is. That said Donzi, Sonic, A/T are all nice options.
One word of advice...dont price what you can afford to buy. Price what you can afford to fix. They will all break at some point. 50hrs or 450hrs, it doesnt matter. Could be a drive, motor, electrical problem ect. Its just the nature of the beast. Good luck.

Well said!!!

Seems there is a difference between the old and new 35 Fountain beams.

http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/sp...ifications.asp

Bigger rubrail? :lolhit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCBoss302 (Post 3559704)

This was up either on Sunny's own forum or the OSO sunny forum, don't remember. What was said there, was that it was 34 and change w/o platform. Do you know the cost of a sunny 36' with merc 525's, not list price, but what will actually be paid compared to the AT? When it comes to custom boats, I'm pretty sure Sunsation will do pretty much whatever you want.

Each to their own I guess.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteLT193 (Post 3559729)

Yup, but according to Fountains website specs the 35, 38 and 42 are 8½'. I have seen the online manuals, but I think they could use some updating. The weight and other things from the manual does not match with specs on their website and other places either.

To the OP. Have you considered Ilmor power? You should look into that. Check out the Merc vs. Ilmor thread.

Ilmore power, staggered engines, 38's.....heck we may as well go round up a couple of #6's.

Figure out what you want to spend and work from there. Lots of good options have been presented.

For the record, I am a big Donzi fan and just bought a 35 Lightning. Would I own a 35 ZR? Oh hell yeah. Bang for the buck for the dough I wanted to spend landed me in the Fountain. I am very happy with my choice.

AO Razor and ZXXX, thanks for your kind words.

Skyyy, there is a used 2007 Donzi 38ZR for sale in impeccable condition, powered by twin Ilmors and INDY drives. The price is a steal, especially considering the engines, transmissions and drives are all new and factory warrantied. If you're interested, call Mindi Doller at Doller Offshore.... (954) 237-0332.

u may want to consider a 353 formula, 525's cranks it at 85 or better and more cabin then both mentioned, great ride also