Help deciding
 

I have decided that my next boat will a Fountain. Now I need some input because it's between 2 boats. Money's not the issue since they are very close in price. First up is an 05 27' with a 496 HO, if I were to buy this boat, I would most likely spin up the motor (Procharger). The other boat is an 03 29' with a 525. I'm told that it would be about an 80mph boat as is. How fast would a procharged 27 get? How much more water(seas) would a 29 get me? I do like the big gas tank on it though and the extra room but I'm looking for some input from Fountain owners. 29 is the biggest I will get so used 32's and larger are not on my plate. Basically I'm trying to find which one will make me happiest without having to spend a whole bunch of extra money. Thanks

Re: Help deciding
 

This year the guy in the slip right behind me got a new 35 Fountain with 496's. He ran it for a bit and then had his dealer install Prochargers. He blew up THREE engines this season. All told I don't think his boat was running 3 weekends out of the entire summer.

After watching what this guy went through, I wouldn't put a Procharger on a 496 if it were given to me for free. The internals on them just weren't built to take that kind of punishment.

On the other hand, the 525 is about as bulletproof an engine as has ever been made. And that boat is 2 feet longer! Hands down go with the 29.

Re: Help deciding
 

I'd go with the 29 myself for the turn key reliabilty.

Had a 27 with a blower motor that ran 83. That 63 gal gas tank was way to small for a blower motor.

Re: Help deciding
 

29 All Day If those are your only Choices.. If you went for a 35 that would be all the boat you would want for some time...(you wouldn't be disappointed) also the 525 is the Weapon of Choice!

Re: Help deciding
 

29 with the 525 is pretty solid. I've got one and I might be interested in parting with it. Its a 2004, looking to go bigger.

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29 525...I would look at Vortech or Whipple before Procharger if you did the 27.

Re: Help deciding
 

Thanks for the input, I've already got insurance quotes and will put a deposit down on this 29 most likely next week. And with a little good fortune and wrestling about, I should be a Fountain owner within the next 30-60 days!!! Just curious about something. How much water can this thing run in and "not spill your drink"? And how much can it run in period???

Re: Help deciding
 

Forgot the photos

Re: Help deciding
 

I just purchased a 2000 29' with a 500EFI about a month and a half ago. I got to run it 3 times and it is one bad machine. You will not be sorry with the 525.

Re: Help deciding
 

Looks SWEET!

Re: Help deciding
 

That boat looks great with the cut down windshield.

Re: Help deciding
 

I think the low profile windshield is the best thing they've done to those boats stylewise. This boat also has shorepower installed along with a battery charger.
Yea, I'm hoping that this will go through, I've wanted a Fountain ever since I briefly met Reggie in 1990 at a Hydroplane race in Tri-Cities Wa. We all got rides in his boats that he brought and freaked out everybody on the river (those type of boats just aren't on the Columbia river). In meeting Reggie, a lot of us disovered that he has an 'attitude' to say the least and he pours 110% of that 'attitude' into his boats and that's why I want a Fountain. Thanks again for all the help and if things go my way, I'll be looking to hook up with some of you guys down here in Florida!!

Re: Help deciding
 

Best advice on this thread

Re: Help deciding
 

29 :cool:

Re: Help deciding
 

Someone just put a deposit down on that there boat today :drink: :drink: :drink:

Re: Help deciding
 

You too, huh? ;)

Good luck

Re: Help deciding
 

Depends how big the drink holder is the faster the boat goes the smoother it will ride. In 3-4's you will be slobbering your drink. :drink:

Good choice. great windshield as stated above. Nice leather cabin with your suede drapes/pillows and leather pillows.
Remember no high speed turns with the step. They can get away from you. Wear the kill switch and PFD(when needed).
Have Fun!

Orlando? I lived on Livingston St off Orange and Magnolia in '81. Miss FL most of the time.

Re: Help deciding
 

Yea I learned about the turning issue from a few step owners. It will be a change from the boat I'm in now which will eject people sideways if they're not holding on all the time the boat is just having fun. The east half of downtown Orlando has been reborn into WAY OVERPRICED homes and condos. Hi rise condos are going up in downtown. Big changes since you were here. Orlando is still growing and still way too big for its britches!!!!

Re: Help deciding
 

29 w/ 525 is the right choice IMHO.

I bought an '03 27' w/ 496HO new and thought it would be the perfect boat. Loved it (and still miss it some times), but was wishing for more power and another 2'+ after just two summers.

FYI Only reliable upgrade I've seen for the 496HO is the Raylar kits. Wouldn't go with a blower on the 496HO.

Best advice I can give is get the biggest boat and most powerful engines you can afford; if you're like me you'll only want bigger/faster in the future.

I went straight from the 27' to a 38' last year and I'm already looking at 42's and 47's.

Good luck and welcome to the Fountain family!!

Re: Help deciding
 

Try a set of revolution marine exhaust manifolds,should be worth 1 to 4 mph gain.

Re: Help deciding
 

go with the 29! you will be happier in the long run