Anyone know this 29?
 

Advice and/ or comment appreciated.

I started looking at a boat purchase in August and have been researching since then. This board and many of you have been very helpful in your advice. Thank you.

I'd like to make a purchase in the next few months. I am very keen on the 29 Fountain.

The attached 2000 Fountain 29 has caught my eye several times. It has 204 hours, 74 mph according to the owner. I would appreciate any comments on this specific boat in terms of condition, price, engine, and anything else that you think might be helpful. I am hoping to see it at some point but would prefer to learn as much as possible before making the trip.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-5251.html

Thanks in advance.

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

wonder why the interior was replaced.......??????

its only a 2000

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

You can't go wrong with a 29' fountain w/ a 500efi. It is a great setup. I'm not real crazy about the wood package that the boat has on it. I guess it has to appeal to you. I would imagine that it would be hard to resell this boat due to the fact that it looks dated. There are alot of 29' fountains out there that look nice. I also know where you can buy a 1999 32' Fountain w/ 500hp's in great condition for 80K which seems like a better deal if you ask me.

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

A buddy I know is only asking 90k (17k more) for a 2004 with Stars and Stripes graphices. Has a 525, 76 hours and runs just under 80. Bravo XR.... The boat in that add does look sweet though.....

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

We have 1/29 500 hp 50ish hrs victory graphics indoor stored (Mint) in the low 70s (fresh water) on a float on trailer white/yellow
www.eastcoastflightcraft.com

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

I am hearing this is a good set-up. I realize that the teak is different. I actually love the look myself which is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this boat. I also recognize that it is a specific look and may not by everyone's look. I think that probably needs to be in the price as a re-sale might be tough. Thanks for your thoughts. I would like to stick to a single engine which is one of the reasons I like the 29. I know twins are recommended by a lot people here, but I have decided to go with a membership at one of the towing companies instead. I am afraid of higher gas prices and twice the maintenance on twins. :D

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...canyachtsales&

You could buy this for the same $.

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

i Have to agree not too many people are going to want the teak package,if you are looking for an all white fountain here is a clean won and I think it has a 575SC http://classifieds.eboatdeals.com//c...uery=retrieval

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

From all that has been written, and all of our own experience
The 29 with a single is the way to go. It's balanced, it's fast and it's economical... Our 29's with 525's run just under 80.
Safe, sane and balanced....
They love running into or away from 2-3 foot rollers, on top and flyin...

Good luck with whatever you choose.....

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

I"ve driven both. The twins get you on plane faster yes. Acceleration is faster to a point after that too - then I give the edge to a single. It keeps it's nose plowing ahead in certain type of cross currents with less attention to trim better. But, the boat is butt heavey and the props sit out too far and pop out when the boat gets too much air. The single is nimble light and feels like a sports car by comparrison. The prop keeps biting long after the twins are slamming the rev limiter. Fountain does not offer twin big blocks anymore, just small blocks - one wonder's why. The blue motors in the singles allow you to dance and frankly is more fun to drive. The ability to pick a course from crest to crest on waves, or cut through the valleys makes me feel like I am mogul skiing on snow. It's very satisfying to slide the back of the boat down a wave and power through the next one in a quick change of course. At speed the boat is better balanced and coming down on landing it is softer. THe single is the feel that builders are shoting for when they stagger motors. Better balance makes it fly straighter and land softer. That means a better ride, better control and better manuverability. It is a different set of compromises. I think the 32 should be the starting point for the twins, the 29 is too short. Currently a 29 with twins have limiters on how far up you can trim and raise the planes so you don't get into trouble. More room to work, less exense. My 2 cents worth..

My advice? Drive both - you decide.

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

During my Fountain tour a couple of months ago , I was told that they dropped twin big blocks in the 29 and halted the 32 for liability reasons , too much power for that short of a hull . Our 32 has twin 509's and will run 83 mph with half a tank and a couple of people ...

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

I have a 29 ft and I wish I had went with something with twins. Now don't get me wrong, it is a great set up as far as maint, fuel economy and a few other things but when it comes time to park the thing against a dock or another boat a twin would be "really" nice to have. I have only owned my 29' this summer and prior to this boat I had a 24' that I could maneuver very easily, but over time I should be able to manage it better in tight quarter's but even if your a novice to boating, twins would be very beneficial.
Just my .02

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

Docking might be easier, but come on guys !:rolleyes: I can dock the thing in wind, backing into a slip with a beer in hand. :drink: Practice makes perfect. :evilb: To buy a second engine and say it's easier for a novice, I am not sure about that. Depends on the novice, no? Four sticks to tug on... Maybe... I just think they should work on knowing what they are doing, and getting another engine seems like killing an ant with a bazoka. It's only 29 feet.

My 29 goes a tad under 80 and in my opinion handles the speed much better than the twins I was in. Not sure what tighter to the water means, because the single big block is faster, turns better and is more responsive. In fairness, I have not driven a twin 454, so I can not speak to that. My experience was with twin small blocks. The guy who owns that ride can drive super well and loves it. As I said, try them both before you decide. But, you really should look into the 525 in a 29 04 or newer. They (Fountain) played with the X axis and the boat responds at high speeds and is a real nice package. You would be making a mistake to not experience it. :(

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I am going with a single engine and will not consider twins at this point. A membership to one of the seatow companies will cover me in case of breakdown, and I'm happy with the performance of the single.

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

Now that's funny stuff !!! Blindfolded?? What about two martini's, two girls, blindfolded in a gale?? :drink: :D A reminder, what I said I have piloted was a 525 and twin small blocks. Is a 525 big power? I don't think so.... But, then again maybe it is.... All the best too you, they are all good boats if they are Fountains.....

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

Thanks Andrew. TowBoatsUS is in Miami, at least I have seen them out on the water. I will check them out, thanks for that advice.

Re: Anyone know this 29?
 

I could dock my 27 alot easier than my 32.

A few yrs ago I went to Lake Erie and hit a reef and lost the outdrive. Well, I know right were it is. :) Tow Boats US towed us the 3 miles back to the marina @ $1100. Evening rate, salvage classification, non member, yada yada yada. Originally was $1800, but we made a deal. The wife could ride back in his boat with him. :evilb:
Never again would I venture to the large waters with no tow ins.