Which one?
 

Beeksters, fellow fountain owners, I have a question and would appreciate some input from experienced owners or lovers of Fountains. Based upon the premiss that no question is stupid ???? Here it is.... If you where going to buy a fountain and it was going to be the only one or the last one you bought, which one would it be? Please base the opinion on at least considering resale values and resale ease, and not the ultimate dream boat but a reality purchase. Obviously people with more money can afford bigger and faster but I'm looking for a median winner here. Thanks in advance for sharing your opinion, I am not going to ask follow up, just want a snapshot of general concensus in todays market.

Re: Which one?
 

42 Lightning seems to be the hot set up these days - stick with 35 or above & you can't go wrong.

Re: Which one?
 

My opinion would be the new 38 w/ stock 525's or 29 w stock 525. These can be resold very easily, and both give great performance based on thier size.

WILL

Re: Which one?
 

for me probably a 38 with 525s or custom power, normally asp 572s/650 hp would be really cool, no blowers.....around here anything bigger than a 38 you have trouble parking/ launching etc

Re: Which one?
 

The 35 should do almost anything you need plus it's still pretty easy to trailer. Sometimes finding dock space for anything bigger is tough depending on where you are. I know the 42 is a wave crusher but the price keeps going up. Also I think it will take more horsepower and fuel to go the same speed.
The mechanics at Raymonds, "The Fountain dealer at LOTO"
say the 35 is the Chevelle of Fountains.

My 2 cents worth.

Jerry.

Re: Which one?
 

It's hard to answer that question without knowing your price range, where you plan to boat, weather you plan to tow or keep on a lift, and what your tow vehicle is.

Re: Which one?
 

If a 35 could be as satisfying as a 42 and getting out of it after the BEEN THERE DONE THAT syndrome happens is easier, it could be the winner. More and bigger is not always smarter, but if more and bigger is smarter in the case of Fountains then that would be the way to go. Every boat is a compromise(needing a bigger truck or not etc) in some way, I would like to see if there is an obvious model that offers the least compromise and most potential pleasure (if that is even possible). Fountains seem to be a middle ground of sorts in that they have bragging rights in some areas, but even some Fountain owners seem to semi secretly or even overtly dream of owning an Outerlimits or Ciggarette.The reverse does not seem as common. That seems to be isolated to a money issue though, with the exception of extreme racing with any brand. Oh WeLL, it is sure nice to hear from people that care about the people who are interested in performance boating. This is a great site and of good value to the people who utilize it.

Re: Which one?
 

"secret dream".......Outerlimits....yeah.....Cigarette.... NEVER!

Re: Which one?
 

Not knowing a lot about the price your wanting to pay or trailering it or not. I suggest a 35 with 500 or 525 EFI's.

Re: Which one?
 

I don't really want an outerlimits. they're nice and all but they just don't do it for me... the styling is too generic. I would like a cigarette though. I want an all-white boat, and i want to be able to tell what it is by the lines. I can't afford the fastest boat on the lake, so i want one that looks good, in an understated, classic way. That pretty much means cigarette or fountain to me, perhaps a donzi.

Re: Which one?
 

Do you watch the ads for Cigs. I have not persoanlly seen a 35'+ all white Cig yet. :D

Re: Which one?
 

Like this ? :D

http://www.boatfreaks.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4878

Re: Which one?
 

That would work!

Re: Which one?
 

I have been in your dilema,
but since i have owned a 93 35 fountain and now a 2002 35,,
if i were to do it all over again i would buy another 35,,
trailer easy
very fast boat
handles great
does great in the rough..
all in all i think the best compromise in size speed agility.
when i bought mine i could hve bought a 42 or 38 but i find the 35 to be perfect size,
if you tow its better as gettting fuel can be hell if u dont find a truck stop or a place with some space. we tow with a long bed crew cab f 250 7.3 so its quite long anyway..
all in all i couldnt have been happier with the 02 we own,,
its had alot of upgrades etc, but even stock my neighbor has one of those it sweet too...
you get good power like 575's or the new 600's it will go 100,
and to me thats fast,, we generally cruise 65-75 and its great as not in the boost,,
and when u do want to roll u have plenty on tap, or if it gets a little rough you can run it a bit clued in and power thru as your buddies cant keep their boat in the water trying to keep up.. :D
bottom line for me would be 35 or 38 but the 35 to me is perfect for where we live and do our boating.
good luck and enjoy whatever you get! they are all nice.

Re: Which one?
 

oh and i would get the 2 step not the single i think personally the diff is huge in performance,, driven and owned no step, driven single and currently have 2 step. its a great bottom,, really takes a great set in any water condition and just runs,, very efficent, fountain does a great job.
stay as current as you can for resale purpose as that seems to be a key for you,

Re: Which one?
 

Jonas, thanks for the reply, I think the 35 is coming out a winner for me too unless I hear more for the 42's out there. Sounds like lots of pluses for the 35.

Re: Which one?
 

My Vote for whats it worth! (Bought something else but Fountain was My 2nd pick) Post pics soon..35 twin step with 496ho's or 525's (bigger engines nice if u can afford but forget about getting the money back for resale)

Re: Which one?
 

35!!!! :drink:

Re: Which one?
 

first off there are stupid questions my dad said the only stupid questions are the ones that arent asked


boat question... Ive driven all the fountians inc poker run my choice would be 38 lightning !!!!!!!!!

Re: Which one?
 

i bought a 35 in july am very pleased although not fun i can put in and out by myself.when fuel went close to $4.oo a gall. it paid to pay at the pump.prior post had a good point a 35 easier to get in and around the pumps and docks for that matter.friend went from 29 to 38 and loves my 35.

Re: Which one?
 

I like the choice of the 35 also. Dont own and have never rode in one. But I like the classic lines and would go with the sleeker look of the Executioner. When in the market for the next one. Both the 32 and 35 will be on my short list.

Re: Which one?
 

35 Would be Perfect.

Re: Which one?
 

perfect set-up today would be the new 38 with 525's or my ultimate Fountain package! 47, race fairing, epoxy hull and staggered 1075's.

maybe dreamin' a bit but i have to have something to strive for!!!! :drink:

Re: Which one?
 

fyi i am making some big changes and looking to have to sell our 35
its completely dialed.. all the goodies and fast as :evilb:

let me know if you have interest

Re: Which one?
 

35' Lightning, 525's, XR drives. All day long, season after season. Easy to buy, easy to keep up, easy to tow, easy to sell.

Good Luck!

Re: Which one?
 

35 fountain with 500 efis, 97 or newer. I had an 01 with 500s and xz's. I still miss it to this day.

Re: Which one?
 

35
lightning :D

Re: Which one?
 

I guess the next question is... WHICH ONE? 35 Lightning or 35 Fever or 35 Executioner. and then Which power? I tend to like MPI engines so this limits things a bit. Guess I'll see what the general consensus is for replies. :rolleyes:

Re: Which one?
 

How much are you planning to spend? That will make answering your question easy.

Re: Which one?
 

Definitely go with the Lightning for performance. I have had both and love the lightning T/S the best. I actually know where you can find a 2001 35' T/S dirt cheap with 500efi's!

Re: Which one?
 

My advice is to go to a dealer have him take you out in both boats and then decide for yourself. I've ridden in both and didn't care for the cockpit layout of the lightning, or for the way it handled. But then there are others on this board feel the exact opposite. That's why you shoud climb into both and try them out before you buy.

And if you have any thoughts at all about doing a bigger boat then try one of those too.

Re: Which one?
 

there is a 2005 brand new 35 at jand j in sandusky it is all laid out with 525's custom paint/dash /interior to much to list was in the cleavland boat show somewhere in the mid 130's will take it very eager to sell

Re: Which one?
 

That is a smoking good deal.

Re: Which one?
 

boat is a must see anybody looking for a new boat it is a killer boat.best of everything.wish i had 1 more zero in my check book would upgrade in a min.but i dont want a payment.