double checked the article...it was 2'-4' seas...and I have to agree that they play games with length etc but ...it runs 103mph with 1300hp...and it's a 35 footer....with the same power and older hul configurations just 10-15 yrs back we were hurting to hit say 80.....so everybody has made great progress....all builders can probably do a better job on the stepping from what I read...OL has been on the money with the next generation....but needs some work still is the word....DO you guys miss non- stepped boats or do we need too go this route for speed vs reasonable engnie packages?

Non step.
 

Mine Is non step and I like the way it handles....

My 35 Cig is a twin step, and no handling issues whatsoever. Then again, I try not to put it into positions it should not be in.;)
If you want to go circle racing with APBA, then training/experience/common sense are probably what's needed to push the limits. For 99% of us out there pleasure boating, i don't see how steps can hurt anything, unless you have to suddenly avoid something/someone (or you are an idiot). But at that point, the hull design is probably the least of your issues.:D :D

To me, steps are a good thing. Others will argue. Just my experience.

For what it's worth, I think Fountain has been pushed by their competitors to build a better quality boat every year. The length issue is a moot point as long as you are informed.:D

I do wish they would build a decent looking hatch cover though. That was the only complaint I could find about the boat in the article.

Agreed!
 

I Agree on that ! think its that whole if it ain't broke don't fix it thing but I don't like that either.

Have a fountain, building a cig. the reason I switched?

Shocked into disbelief on the Fountain build quality when I looked where they don't ever expect you to look.

ie under carpet, behind headliners, under cockpit floor, inside exhaust hole cutouts. etc. etc.

buyer beware.

How can anyone in their right mind, compare a 35 Fountain to a Top Gun :rolleyes:

Don't even try it :crazy:

For $230K you could buy a 42' Ex by Fountain with 525EFI's that runs 84-85 and as fast in anything a Cig could.

I've got a 9" johnson.... but when you peel back the beak... it's only 6".... roflmao... :eek:Wait a minute... it's not a johnson... it's an evinrude....

well i just bought a 29 fever and climed all over the boat. I was impressed with the workmanship of the boat over all the others i looked at. Could not afford a cig. or ol. so did not even look. Compared to the five other boats i looked at it was the best for me. Just my 02cents.

Terry