I'd think so too! But fountain are not difficult to sell!

I would rather have Ducks Formula than the one T500 posted. Much better shape and cooler, more rare graphics imo.
the one first posted has been for sale forever.


Walt

I don't know about that. In reality year for year, power for power, condition being equal...in the 35 and 38
they are neck and neck.

The differentiation in value (when there is one) I think lies more in

the additional niceties included with the Formula product + they typically have more convenience options on any given example.

99% of the time the support after sale is unequaled, even to the 2nd or 3rd owner. Fountain has often struggled with taking care of issues for the first owner. I'm thinking Fountain dealers eat way too much $ for the factory making things right when there are issues. Does this make the customer happy, sure, if the problem is solved, but it doesn't make for the strongest network. You don't see Formula dealers coming and going like you do with Fountain.

typically the Formula demographic is a little older, often reflected in how the boat was cared for and or run.

...and the used market is a little slimmer for the Formula, making it possible to fetch more of your money 'cause there isn't as many for sale. If somebody likes your boat when they view it, it isn't as likely they will hmm and haw because they think they may be missing one that turns 'em on more around the corner.

Thanks guys, our last boat was a 34' PQ w/ 525sc's. Lot's of freeboard and room, except in engine compartment.
A few things on my must have list is step hull, adequate room in engine compartment, hydr steering, and lots of others features that are standard on Formula.
I've got to climb on a few 353's, maybe a 382 & I'll have a lot better idea about things.

BL6 - At one time we were looking at Fountain and Formula... For three years in a row at the local winter boat show the wife and I climbed into a 29 Fountain and a 292 Formula. Each of those years we left the show knowing the Formula was for us. Not sure how to explain it, but it had more room and more of a "quality" feel. It just felt right. We are now proud owners of a 292 Fastech. So if you haven't already, climb into some boats, or better yet, test drive...

I've had two Formulas, a Baja, and now a Fountain. The second FORMULA ROTTED OUT THE TRANSOM TWICE. They were nice boats though. The 33 Baja, for sale, has an oustanding rough water ride, is built very well, and beats the pants off 353's here in our area in the rough stuff with the same power. The 353 is faster in calm water due to the step hull, but only has about a 32.5-33' running surface due to the notched transom and integrated swim platform. The Baja is a full 33 feet. The 42 Fountain beats them both!

Dave I sent a PM

I just sold a super clean 2004 353 with 525's and Stelling boxes. I also spent 3 months courting a 2007 38 Fountain. The fit and finish from 15 feet away is the same. My 2004 had way better paint, and showed no wear, even after three seasons use.

My local Fountain store had 07's coming in on trade already (why sell such a fine boat that soon?). Paint falling off the side of the boat at the water line, questionable long term build quality. My local Fountain seller said that the clear is thin, and that is why the paint wwas peeling. Older Fountains have a tendancy of needing floors or fuel tanks. Maybe that is an unjust statement, but it has happened several times in my neck of the woods. I have seen it first hand.

The '07 Fountains fly, but why are some of the finishing touches passed over by Fountain? The carpets in these '07 Fountains did not even snap in. At 100, the carpet wrapped up onto the back of your legs. lift storage lids, and un finished product when digging in.

The Formula that I had, while slower, was a finished product down to the darkest corner of the bilge. My boat also came with a 5 year warrantee, which the Fountain did not. Last but not least, all the "new" upgrades that Fountain releases, obsolete's their prior boat, and the price tanks.

2006 was a rough racing year for fountain, so I would expect a bunch of changes, and big price drops to follow. Reggie just hired the same guy that built the Donzi ZR Comp to help win races again. The ZR Comp is a very compatitive boat. This gentelman will bring the trophies back for Fountain.

In my neck of the woods, I see 10, 15, and 20 year old Formulas regularly. The old boats are spotless. Museum quality in some cases. I have never seen a 10 year old Fountain that compares, let alone older units.

Last but not least, no matter which Fountain, or Formula that WE buy, we will NEVER own a CAT Killer!!!!!

Beak 42 is correct on the 42 being the king of all the boats mentioned. The 42 beak boat becomes the undisputed king if you can ditch the Bravo drives. Heavy boat, and 500 plus horse, breakes drives in the rough stuff.

ZR Comp builder? Are you talking about Jim Caldwell?