Cig vs Fountain. They are saying the cigs are a better build quality and ride better. The Fountains are faster and not built as well. That explains the difference in price of the 2 boats that Ive been seeing. Im going by reference only. Ive never been on or operated either boat. I do see the Cigs are priced more then the Fountains.

all depends on what’s important to you...

formula = more creature comforts / build quality is so-so / middle of the road speed

fountain = fast and flat / build quality not so good / small cabin and cockpit

cig = flat bottom slower / good ride / resale / best build quality

whats the budget and what length?

Just saw a Cafe in New York for 58k that looks pretty nice. Not in the market just yet. Not quite sure what route I want to go or just keep what I have. I do keep gravitating to the Cig Cafe.

cig.....

With the way inventory keeps disappearing you better $hit or get off the pot son

If I didn't live on a mud puddle it would be a done deal. At night you can hear the banjos playing. All bs aside Im totally conflicted. I use my boat almost every day from spring until November. Its not that much trouble fueling my 70 gal tank with my 8 quick fill gas cans (No gas available on the rive). So a big boat Ive got to load it every time I want to fill it up. My boat is 24 ft and Ive got the second biggest out here lol next to a 26ft SeaRay. Also my dock floats because the river rises and falls several times a year. Its going to need LOTS of love to handle the weight of a big boat. I got one estimate of $30k just for the dock and cover. Just paid my daughters last semester of college yesterday and my house is almost paid for. Im really leaning towards paying it off and going all in on a nice rig and traveling with it. Do some poker runs and rallys. We also love the Orange Beach area. For now Im enjoying living vicariously through y'all and just sitting the side lines for now. One day maybe one of my OSO friends will invite me for a ride hint hint lol....

That’s actually the best way to go when it comes to boats and planes.

You are on the right path- Kick the kids to the curb- get house paid off- then get what you want and not worry too much about the expense because it will be Way more than most people think.

Agreed, I was into offshore boats years ago, then kids, college, and a second home came along. I always had a boat but still wanted another offshore, be patient get things paid off and then save for the one you want. In the long run you will be much happier knowing that when something breaks ( and it will ) you will be able to afford to fix it and get back out there and use it.
As far as availability, they are getting harder to find, however with cash in hand and a little patience you will be able to find one. As for insurance, many companies will insure them as long as you have a survey, photos and stated value. Thumbs up

Oh man I don`t know sounds like your boating lifestyle is pretty sweet right now and cheap .
You go down this road with a boat that needs work it can be an expensive one.
Do you have a place to work on the boat? The ability to do the mechanical work?
Best thing I love about a boat I can trailer is we see a ton of places and experience lots of different boating. I try and do 2 new destinations annually .
Is that something you will do more often? if not your boat sounds pretty good right now .
If you buy a project the price of the boat will be the least expensive part.