Please share with us your handling experiences with Fountian.

Pros and Cons, It appears by some of your comments, you would have some good advice for Fountain brothers. Tom

Let me know what problems you have as far as handling goes with your boat. I will see if i can help.

WC my 42 rides like a cadillac, their was alot of people interested in your feedback on the 29's. I owned a 29 with twin 502's that would get out of control pretty easy in rough water. i was just curious what you would do to fix the problem with your racing experience. Tom

Hey Tom: I just figured out who you are. Your old 29 is doing pretty good now. We spent allot of cash on it last year. Replaced the starboard engine and transom assembly with all new parts. Minor problem with diaphram in port VST tank but think I have it fixed. I have to put the tank back on tomorrow. It was flooding # 8 cylinder. Outside of that we enjoy it. It can get a bit scary at top speed if the water is rough but my wife is usually on me before I get there. Finally sold my other boat so hope to replace the windshield soon.
Hows the 42? I'm sure it does ride like a Cadillac.

Later, Jerry.

I have a 02' 29 with twin 350's and havent found any handling issues yet. Run that boat at 50 - 55 accross long island sound in 1-2' seas with no problems. I have had a 35 and 42 previous to this boat and the seas is the only variable with the 29. I assume the seas would be a problem with any smaller boat.

Jerry, sorry to hear about the bad luck its sounds like you are getting on top of things. Have you done any poker runs yet? Tom

I think it handles better because of the small blocks, rather than the big blocks. Nice boat!

I was thinking the same thing. My 32 has twin big blocks, and it seems like it is too heavy aft. In most ocean conditions, I need quite a lot of tabs, but that causes yaw and roll instabilities. Also, with only a single step, I get some porpoising at mid speeds (35-45) unless I put a little tab down.

If its really smooth, then no big deal at all. But the ocean is never smooth, and bays and lakes are just too boring once you get used to running for the horizon.

So I was thinking that lighter engines (small blocks) would be the way to go.

Anyone have experience with the same kinda boat with lotsa engine weight .vs. less engine weight? For example: 42 triple versus 42 twin.

bmanafort,

I have an '04 29 w/twin 6.2's. Like to trade some information with you about performance, etc. but was unable to e-mail or PM. If you are interested send me an e-mail address, I run my rig out of Port Jeff and occasionally get to Essex. Have a nice weekend.

U4...as you can see from the above I run the small blocks and do quite a bit of ocean running on the south shore of Long Island in addition to the Sound. I must say that I encounter the exact same handling issues you do...need the tabs to control porpoise at mid-speeds and anything below 30mph is just about impossible. As you know, the 29 is also a single step. Smooth water is fine but very rare around here! Just have to live with it, I hate to use tabs since I feel it seriously impacts fuel economy on long runs but it is what it is! Good luck to all.

Gary