Considering a 24 fountain. Anyone know anything about the ride of the 24 in rougher water. The one I am looking at has a 502 in it. Also considering 24 panteras and pythons. Not sure, but looks like the pantera and python might be bigger 24s. Concern is how it would ride in 2-3 footers. Would be on a larger lake in NC (Lake Norman). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Get the Pantera!!! The Fountain is a speed/ski boat and will be fast on smooth/calm water. You will have to get the 27 fever to get the dead rise suitable for slight chop. I love Fountains but the 24 is what it is and does not match the others in the line-up.

I agree

I'm a huge Fountain fan but the 24cs Fountain is not a rough water boat. It has a 17 degree deadrise, sit down seats and was built as a lake and ski boat. Actually Reggie's ski boat. It even has a water ballast tank in the bow to keep the nose down for skiing. In the old Fountain catalogs I have they say it is for fun and skiing on small lakes.

Get the Pantera if you are 24' range.

I had a 24, rough ride, would not turn around in a small cove, thought I was in a Malibu or some other ski boat. Go for the deaper deadrise.

I have a friend here in up state new york that has a 24 fountain , It also has a 502 but with a pro charger, That little 24 will out run 90 % of the boats around here and handles small chop great ,2 to 3's you had better have big balls. It is cool to be running a 38 cig and let him go and pass him like he is standing still. I had him go by me and if looks could kill , all I was thinking was What ta Fudge does that thing have in it.

Regardless of the ride in rough stuff, it was a cool looking boat with that Comp Series looking deck profile.

Buy a Velocity if you want a good all around boat or the Pantera they are both very good all around boats,they will both go through the rough and give you some good speed in all conditions,the Fountain will beat the crap out of you.

Welcome to the land of the Beak Boaters ! Nice you could stop in for a visit Bill.