I looked at my boat after almost giving up on Fountains because of the low height of the cabins; however, my boat was right next to a new 46 Black Thunder and the cabin on my boat is actually a bit bigger. The height is 6'3" (not quite as high) but it is slightly wider and feels more open. I think Fountain should reintroduce the Sport Cruisers because they are trailable with good performance and a usable cabin.

nice pic :cool-smiley-011:Mine fits nicely too and wants to keep the boat :party-smiley-004:

Then you better listen to her....

Bilge looks like a mud puddle.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/51-Fo...em320207285621

I'm glad you went to see it. Anything looks good on the internet. Pictures are very forgiving. Also, it's hard to tell the size of the cockpit or the cabin with photographs. I thought Sonic 45 and the 47 Fountain Lightning had standup cabins because they are advertised that way but when I saw them I was surprised how small they were.

Indeed.

Oddly, after I've had some time to reflect (and more research into the market) I would still consider making him an offer in the mid $40's. The wife was preeeety unimpressed with the cabin though, so I may just be wasting my finger strength even typing this.:(

Problem is, (as usual) he is kind of hung up on what he has "into it" in the past few years.

Honestly, I think it is just the sounds of it. (42 feet) I have a 30' now,.....

That, plus my old ski boat equals about 42 feet, it's like the "baller" effect or something? Part of which I guess drives all of us to go bigger, better, faster...............?

And another: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/546604522.html

That pretty much sums up that the Ebay guy's boat DID not see 70's, not if this guy is claiming the same thing on supposed blown 600HP.....

Thought on this one?

I'm not a fan of the arch.

Afiend of mine has a very similar boat to that. When we run only 2 of his engines, same length boat, about same HP engines, he has seen 73. His is a little heavier, so 70ish is proably right for that boat.

Price looks good if it surveys out, and actully that is a boat that you can probably make a deal on.

If your wife and kids are not happy with the cabin, you will be looking for something else in a year, probably after sinking a bunch of time and money into that one.

:party-smiley-004:
My son is 13 now, we are thinking that in another 2-3 years he will hate, and want nothing to do with us.

Wife on the other hand, she wants a 30-34 Express Cruiser :argue:

Things will come together, just not sure if will be this spring, or not.....

Long as the market holds or gets worse, I should have plenty to pick from!

Thanks again for the input.

THe older 38 scarabs, black thunders, donzis, and especially the BAJA 38 special have huge cabins.

PM and I can give a line on a 38 special that is a steal and is in perfect shape.

If I could afford another boat, I would be all ove rhtis one.

Explain please...

1991 FOUNTAIN '42' LIGHTNING - $54900



There ya go!

If you have not moored a boat at a marina, I would avoid it in favor of something trailable. You will be shocked at all the hidden charges, etc.

Oh, trailer is a definite. If only just based on gas prices alone. We were filling up at the local gas station this past summer for $2.47 a gallon vs. closer to $3.50 on the water.

Plus, I like to be able to walk out in the side yard and tinker, wash, whathaveyou.

The wife seems to forget the $3,500 a year in dockage, plus 75% more in fuel costs (stuck with marina fuel) associated with those style boats.
I'm not trying to camp out on the thing, just spend 5-6 nights a year out.

Any express cruiser you get is not practical to trailer. You need to stick to the sport cruisers. My experience has been in the Chicago area, law enforcement is very sensitive to width. Almost every express over 27' is more than 8'6" beam and cannot be trailered without oversize permits (No weekends, no after dark, CDL required). There is a very limited selection of boats that are trailable, safe in big water, and have a usable cabin for overnights and weekends. I would make your friend with the 37 sport cruiser an offer. It's ugly but it gets the job done. Don't even try to run a "pocket cruiser" on big water. At the very least you will be a nervous wreck.

Huh. Interesting thought. Thing is, they may not be in reality as to the actual value (considering condition).
I don't know though, I remember him saying something about the floor being soft (as in carpet holding it up) just before the berth. That coupled with the other unknowns about the motor rebuilds, non-working gauges and generator,........

Their NON-maintenance practices scare me. They tend to get hammered up and bounce the boat off the docks and whatnot. :(

Well, then that may have not been a good suggestion. I just think there are boats that are the best of both worlds. You shouldn't have to compromise, especially with the market the way it is. You couldn't pick a better time to be looking. Also, you may be surprised, your wife may be happy with the cabin of one of the sport cruisers and you will spend a lot less if you keep the power reasonable. Who knows, maybe your 13 year old will want to invite all his friends out because he recognizes the unbelievable freedom of open water.

Ah Ha!

I think I finally found something that fits the bill across the board, check it out:

Motors are queer looking with the older style flame arrestor shrouds, that can be remedied.......
http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o20895-en.html

Comments, concerns, complaints?

I bought my boat from Shogren. My experience has been excellent. That is a good boat for what you want and the price seems great for what you get.

Sure does, now I just wonder how bad they would rape me on my current boat :(

Honestly, in this price range, I could just go ahead and get it, worry about selling mine later in spring.

That looks like a "sherwin Williams Overhaul" You just take it apart and paint it and put it back together.

Price is good on the boat even if there is something wrng with the boat.

Good luck with that. If I had the ability right now I would make a run at that boat.

Hmm.

Looks like they are trying to lose it in a hurry. I leave for vacation out of the country tomorrow, returning next Sunday, definitely can't turn around and leave for Chicago.......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us