27 vs 29
 

Hello,

Just curious if there is a huge difference between the 27 Fever and the 29? I have been on neither boat, but I am looking to upgrade in the future and trying to identify possible boat choices.

Is the only difference two feet? Or are there other differences (in performance and handling).

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

Re: 27 vs 29
 

had a 27, been on a 29 w single/525, get the 29 it is a better balanced boat, there is a reason they dropped the 27 from there line up.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

get the 29 its handles great

Re: 27 vs 29
 

29 hands down! The boat is better balanced and is hard to beat with a single 500hp/efi or a 525. 1998 or newer has the larger step so it is way more efficient. The Boat was a solid performer in factory classs racing and still today is one of the best performing singles out there. Other things to consider for us beak boaters is the 27 is really a 25ft boat. A 29 is 27. Little more length in the chop will provide a nicer ride.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Biggest difference to me was the size of the cock-pit a lot more room inside on the 29....BZ

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I agree 100% with Bob - most notable difference is cocpit size. The 29 with single engine was called the "extended cockpit" version, and it is nice! I had a 1996 27 Fever with carbed 500 and then a 2000 29 Fever with 500EFI and then a twin step 35 with a pair of 500EFI's. Hands down, the 35 is a huge difference from the 29 or 27 - no comparison! The 27 and 29 ride about the same, but the additional cockpit room in the 29 makes it my choice as the perfect trailer boat. Many of the places we boat don't have ramps or parking lots that are set up to accomodate a 35 foot trailer + truck. Difference between trailering a 27 or 29 is trivial. The 29 was a little slower to get on plane, but not bad, and ok with me, for the extra space you get.
I still regret selling the 29. For trailer boating, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. My only gripe with the 29's is that between 2000 and late 2005, Reggie didn't put any cup holders in the cockpit :rolleyes: . Might sound nit-picking, but it was annoying. My wife likes having a swim ladder on the boat, and the "windshield" boats have one, which is nice, but it is centered right over top the outdrive! (what was he thinking :rolleyes: ) Ok if you get one with twins, but not, if you get one with single engine. Now, since you can only get twin small blocks, the cockpit is the same whether you get twins or single engine. My vote goes to the 29! (single 500 or 525 preferred!)

Re: 27 vs 29
 

The 29 is a much "beefier" boat with bigger hardware and stringers. It has the positive step hull, and is much better balanced. Also even though it is a bigger boat in length and weight it is also faster with the same power between both boats. I've been on both and owned a 29 Fever for awhile. My neighbor 2 houses down had a 27 and we both had HP500. I out ran him everytime...smooth or rough I was faster.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Thank you everybody. Kind-of confirmed what I was thinking. Interesting that the 29 was faster with same power.

Thanks again,

Tom

Re: 27 vs 29
 

29 :d

Re: 27 vs 29
 

That is not the only boat like that, that is faster and bigger with the same power. The 35 Fountain is faster than the 32 Fountain with same power.
My 29 Fountain with a carb HP500 was faster than a 25 Powerplay with a 525hp engine. I was faster than a 29 Baja with twin big block engines. It's not all about size and power but balance of a boat.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Go with the 29 and you'll be happy.

I took care of the issue with the cup holders

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I have the cheapo suction cup holders down by the knee & they hold the beverages fine.

Also, don't forget the 29 has a much bigger fuel tank over the 27.
The 27 tank is actually pretty small when running in a weekend event.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

the step is much taller on the 29 than the 27, that's probably the main reason for the speed increase on the same power. A single 29 flys level and is well balanced. It's hard to tell I'm airborne until I start coming down :D It can be a dog to plane though. I step down to a 26" prop in the heat or rough water. That's a guaranteed 75 mph........even on a full tank of gas!!!! 131 gallons is a bonus as well. I have touched 80 with the boat in good conditions too.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I agree with most comments, but I have never been passed and seriously hurt some bragging rights to some 29 owners, I disagree with the claim that a 29 is faster same power and personally know it not to be true. I am not going to get in a pissing match here, but one of the above claims is comparing a stripped down F1 boat to a pleasure27.

That being said, I do think the 29 is a better boat, more room bigger fuel tank, no chine walking in 75mph.

WILL :drink:

Re: 27 vs 29
 

My neighbors (Greg Nash) 27 Fountain and my 29 Fountain were both pleasrue boats with HP500 carbs...same year too. The 29 in any kind of water was truely faster than the 27. This was backed up by Jeff Harris at the Fountain factory and on the Fountain test reports. there is just way more R&D in the hull and balance of the boat with a 29. Of course the 29 cost a lot more too.
Back in 1998-99 there was a 27 Fountain and 29 Fountain running in F1. The 29 was much faster and more stable at speed. However the 29 could not catch those old A class Corsa's! The 29 that raced back then by Tom Ethridge was a pleasure boat stripped down and out of all the stripped down Factory 1 pleasure boats it was basicially the fastest.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Nothing wrong with the 27'. I loved mine and the price difference is fairly big when looking in that size range. Granted yes the 29 is alot more boat...cooler is really nice....the 27 is just fine in my book. I called my 27 the baby Reggie and it was a good starter to move up into the big twin catagory. 24,27,29,32,35,38,42,47,51...pick anyone, as long as FOUNTAIN is on the side everthing will be just fine

Re: 27 vs 29
 

you guys are scaring me i just bought a 1996 27 fever are they good boats

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I'm very happy with my -93 27.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I kept my '93 Fever for 9 years. A great boat. It did tend to chime around 80. Of course, that was with the tabs raised and trimmed out.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I have a 2005 '27 on Lake Lanier in Ga. It's great boat. I finally had my first problem in 2 seasons. The hatch strut gave up. :-) I have had it at 69mph and it handles great. I do not spend the day on it just ride around and then put it in the lift.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Don't be afraid, the 27 is a fine boat. 5 years and 360 hours and It's never left me anywhere. Not just on my little lake, cumberland, Lake michigan, lake huron. St.clair and many others. I'm sure the 29 is better, 1 foot between the front and back seats and 1 in the cabin. A lot of money for 2'. I would like the gas tank though. Best gps 68.5. JC

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Enjoying my 27 especially with the 525 in it running 80+ with 3people in the boat. No major issues at that speed except a little chine walking but nothing you can't drive out of. Easy to trailer back and forth to the lake. I REALLY would like the larger fuel tank!

Re: 27 vs 29
 

how often do you have to get fuel

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I can usually make it though the weekend. But more than a few play times I'll be filling up Sunday morning.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

sunds pretty good this will be my first season with the fountain had a 25 outlaw last year

Re: 27 vs 29
 

That outlaw was probably bigger, not put together as well though. I had a 25.6 advantage that was bigger.The only thing thats come lose in 5 years and 360 hours with a little air time is the screws holding the ladder to the hinge. I fixed it.JC

Re: 27 vs 29
 

love the lines on fountain's faster boat too only had 454mpi in outlaw

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I love our 27......yes, I do long for a bit more cockpit space....but the differance isnt much to complain about. The next step up from a 27 is not a 29, its a 35.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

i'd like a 35 too not in the cards right now gonna wait till the kids get older

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Yes.....cost was the main issue with (not) buying a 29. I wanted a 01 or newer boat or low hrs. Not any 29's in my range with a comfortable # of hrs on the motor....and drive unit. Also didnt want to drive 1000 miles to buy it. It is usually the wife and I on the boat anyway so we do have all the space we need.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

I have a question regarding 27 or 29 foot. Its all about paying for it. Can I get a poll going....How did most of you pay for your Fountain? Large deposits and finance balance? No deposit? Pay in full at time of purchase with a check? I've been dreaming of owning a 27 or 29 since the early 90's and its just hard to open up the wallet for 80 to 120 thousand dollars for a boat. My house is is worth 150,000....it just seems crazy to spend so much. Any Thoughts?

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Put down as much as you can to get a comfortable monthly pmt. Save the rest for somthing that doesnt depreciate so fast.

Re: 27 vs 29
 

As sick as it sounds I paid more for my boat than I did to build my house in '87. A boat payment has been a fixed cost for me since '89. I don't hunt, fish, golf or watch sports. Boats and cars, gotta have a hobby. JC

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Mike - you beat up on a poor defenseless 29 Baja outlaw? I am so disappointed in you. That is like clubbing baby seals

Re: 27 vs 29
 

Yeah but it's fun! Couldn't let him out run me....Reggie would have been proud as I had that 29 Fever flying level!:D