I've been in 6 - 7 foot rollers in a 42 at 82. 4,5 and 5 footers more and many times. We were dry. The right trim, tab and throttle modulation all was fine. I have a 38 which runs fine in the ocean. Fountains are real offshore boats guys. They are made to run in the rough stuff. They even win races, as we know - in rough stuff. Drenched? No kidding. How did you do that?

Anyway, an Appache probably would ride better and at some point maybe even dryer. Cigarette's are heavy boats made well and if you want to spend a small fortune OL makes a great ride too. But I think the Fountain holds up well with these boats.

And too my point, the Fountain is faster with less power, sucks less fuel and costs less last time I checked. Love the fact that Fountain tweaks and improves their product continually. I like the old man with the balls at the helm too. Certainly a guy in everyone's crosshairs, but still out in front. These are all fine boats and all boats present compromise, I'd take the beak, It has more going for it IMO....

I think you summed it up well....

In the end it really depends what you're looking for..... Is comfort more important than speed OR do you want speed at the expense of less comfort.

I stayed dry.

Thnx..

Still think it's relatively close though. I guess it also depends on what conditions you think you will see most of the time...

42 Fountain runs pretty well in all kinds of water and handle better then all mentioned above

I'm sure the passengers of the QE2 stay dry in rough seas also.....

Hey steve. I see your selling the 38. Whats next?

Here is a 42 Fountain made for the big water

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=173859

I own, and love, my 42 Fountain. But I don't think I could beat this.
http://media.boatmad.com/gallery/v/m...che_2.wmv.html

That video is tough to beat. Very cool. That Apache was running perfect.