29 vs 27
 

I am looking at a 2004 27 496 ho and a 2005 29 496 ho. Both are brand new. Was wondering if you fountain guys could give me any pointers on these 2 rigs. The diffrence in price will end up being aprox. 15k I can't decide wether i like the 29 15k more. (I heard the 29 is faster is this myth or true) Is there big diffrence in handling. TX :cool: appreciate any help. Love this sight :drink:

Re: 29 vs 27
 

No matter the brand, longer lenght will almost always make for a better ride. I think the 29 has a larger cockpit. Cabin just a hair larger, but the larger cockpit itself would get my vote.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

I had the same dilema and going with the 29 because, bigger can be better in rough water, but mine has a 525 in it, so there was no debating the speed issue. 496??? You'll have a much easier time getting insurance for that engine, the 525 was a PITA for me.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Bigger is always better. Might want to find one with a 525 or 575. You'll be happier :D

Re: 29 vs 27
 

lofty----whats up with that qoute brother...i havent heard from you..get back to me bro :fish:

Re: 29 vs 27
 

They push it up out of the price range I want to be in. Plus I like the fact I can get 5+ yrs on the warranty. Minimize my future cost as i plan on puttting some seroius hours on it :evilb: Gas instead repair money. After i play awhile Ill probaly put headers on it as I was told this will not void the warranty.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Not sure where you use you boat, but the 29 will be an better buy expecially if you are talking about keeping it a while. The 27 is a great boat, the difference in speed is not that much, but the 29 single will give you more space to move around. Normally after a season, everyone is looking to go bigger, that 15k more for the 29 may be wise money spent. The bottom line is, if you can, water test both boats, buy what fits your needs and budget.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

I'll be using it around Atlantic City NJ and Myrtle Beach SC. mostly intercoastal but im sure I'll go offshore when i get the urge :eek: The performance report on the 27 is 71 (are these accurate?) Havent gotten the report yet on 29 should be in my email soon...I noticed the Cockpit is larger in the 29 but becuase i looked at the 2 boats at diffrent locations hard to tell if cabins bigger or not. TX for the post u all :D

Re: 29 vs 27
 

71 sounds right, have owned 4 Fountains and every performance report was accurate. Owned a 27 with a 500 HP and it ran 74 mph on gps.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

performance report for 29 with 496ho is 70 only 1 mile diffrence from the 27 :rolleyes: not bad :evilb:

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Bob ,why not buy used for a lot less money? there is alot of used boats with low hours cheap ,the 29 has 1foot more cockpit space ,little more enjin space and cabin space,its gets on plane better holds alot more gas your gona want a biger boat soon after anyway.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

I would consider one a year maybe two old so i could get at least 3 year on warranty. I no nothing about engines and becuase of a past experience i will not buy without warranty. All the 1 to 2 year old boats ive seen want just as much if not more then new ones I been considering. :) I've found a couple 05 04 brand new (5+ yr warranty) at deep discounts. TX for the post

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Bob I had 99 27 hp500 it ran 75 was a little hard to get on plane with a load . "as in my fat buddies" a friend has 04 29 w 525 it runs 78 seems to get on plane better.big dif in room in cock pit I liked his better,plus I ran out of gas. 4 months later I bought 2000 38 lightning.your gona love it either way!!

Re: 29 vs 27
 

I think I'm gonna see if I can find a dealer with both in stock so I can see them together maybe take ride.. Hate to waste 2 dealers time and one gets screwed. I'm sure I'll like the 29 better but 15 k can buy alot of gas :drink:

Re: 29 vs 27
 

The small gas tank in the 27's is to small! 63gals goes very fast.

I had a 27, now a 32. Both have the same cockpit size, smaller than the 29's. Not very user friendly especially if you have another couple on board.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Bought a 2003 27' w/ 496HO new, now have a 2000 38'. Loved the 27', but agree with the posts above regarding (1) cockpit too small, (2) gas tank too small, (3) slower than 29' with same power, (4) not as good in the rough as the 29', (5) 29' seems more "balanced" (i.e. not azz heavy) and seems to get on plane easier. Both are good boats, but I would suggest the 29' if you can afford it. Also agree that you will be wishing you got a 525 within a year (I did), and I personally think both boats are a little underpowered with a 496HO. Odds are you'll do some mods that void the warranty long before 5 years are up, and the 525 is a much better platform for upgrades. Also agree with the above that a used boat a few years old is a much better deal for the $$$. Find a good mechanic (with help from this board), get the used boat checked out before buying, and keep it well maintained and you'll be happier in the long run b/c you can get a bigger boat for the same $$$ and you won't take as big a hit when you decide to sell it and move up. My personal recommendation is to skip the 32' (awesome boat, but small cockpit (same size as 27')) and look for a nice used 35' Lightning or Executioner. They're out there for the right price if you look hard/long enough. Good luck and hope to see you join the Fountain family.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

This past year we looked at a 27 first well for a few dollars more your in line for a 29, which we bought. Bigger boat, better ride. If you want the ride skip all of it and go straight to the 35. Just giving you .02 cents due to our hind sight because now I'm keeping my eyes open for a 35-38.

PS
When we shoped / bought I was not a memember of OSO and seeing the comments that are posted I would have shopped for a 35 from the get go.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

This is the ticket! http://www.yachtauctions.com/detail.asp?stockNo=12855 Now if i can get my wife to get a part time job HHHMM :rolleyes:
Bet it can be had for 120k

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Now you're talking!!! Nice looking 35. I'd check out some of the 35's in the classifieds here as well.

Re: 29 vs 27
 

I bought a 27 last year. I like it, but i'd say go for the 29.

My non-step 27 with a single 502 only runs 61. Still needs some tweaking though, it should go 65 with the right a/f, timing, and prop.

You're already looking at a lot more $$ than i spent though. My boat cost $31,500. $250 a month... i spend more than that on gas :)

Re: 29 vs 27
 

This is a great thread!
i agree with the bigger even for the $$$$.
I bought my first boat this past thanksgiving at 30 years old and knew i wouldn't settle for anything less then a 35, i would shop and get right into the 32'+ range, you will want to jump after a year anyway.

Good luck either way and welcome to a great group. (beak boat gang)

Re: 29 vs 27
 

Most of the things being said are true.

Being that I have owned two 27's here is the skinny. The 27 is great I currently have a 500efi and peg 74gps any day of the week, I have never been passed by a 29 with same power NEVER, and Have blown two away one with 500hp other w/500efi, these were done over and over because the owners couldn't believe it.

OK moving on, The 27 gas tank is too small 63 gallons unless you are going to be on a inland lake (like me). Also the cabin and cockpit are smaller than I would prefer, but you give up comfort for speed.

If you want a boat to stack hours on go with the 496 ho, full warranty. I do think a 29 with a 496 will be a hard resale. Best of luck on your decision.

PS: If I had it to do all over again, I would get a 29 w/ 525efi Now that combination is a serious winner.

WILL MURRAY

Re: 29 vs 27
 

I think I like both. I'm shopping now probally gonna come down to which one i can get the best deal on or it will jump out at me some the paint schemes and colors I dont like some I do :drink: Will keep you all posted on my hunt. :evilb: