Simple, to keep the price down some and make the boat seem more appealing. Your average boater has no idea about HYD steering.

Hyd steering was an option on Fountains yrs ago. You'd think of all the brands, Reggie would have made it standard from day 1, and his boats ran faster than 60 mph back then.

ROUSH97
I don't know were your located. but I have a 1999 27' with 502mpi. I could take you out. It is for sale for $52,000.

I'm in Buffalo,NY

I think you SHOULD have made a decision by now!!!! I agree with some other posts that banging on the sides of both makes you a Fountain owner.

really the only point the Baja has is the lower price, but on the same note the resale is worse on them then the Fountain. I also like the swim platform better on the Baja's but thats about it. I might as well spend a little more money and get a faster and better boat that I'll be happy with.

My '91 27' has stress cracks on the deck in the corners under the engine hatch where it's not reinforced, one stress crack on the bow near the hatch, and a few small cracks around one of the through-hull exhaust holes, that's it All just gelcoat cracks, none have grown since i've owned the boat (3 seasons). Nothing on the floor. It's built WAY stronger than a Baja of the same year. I can't speak for newer Baja's, though, they may very well have improved their construction techniques... but they're still a lower-priced boat, and you get what you pay for.

fountain/baja
 

fountain.....there is reason why they are #1.re-sale on a fountain is better.and yes,you will pay more for a fountain.you pay for what you get with boats.

Hey Roush97,

I have a 2001 29' with a 500HP, I love the boat, has about 500 hours on it and the only thing I've ever had to do is change the oil and tune it up. I'm on Canandaigua Lake and the boat goes in on 04/22 if you want to go for a spin. Might still be a little cold then though. My buddy has a 25' OL, I think it's an 04-05 with a 496. Nice boat but he can't keep up. I could try to get him out that day too. Or some other time later in the season. I'm not sure how soon you are looking to buy.

By the way, my friend owns the Fountain dealer on Canandaigua Lake and they have 2 used 27's there. www.suttersmarina.com. I could put you in touch with him if you'd like. Let me know.

Thanks,
Mike

well I was just wondering about that since A LOT of the 23 outlaws got sent back to the factory after people had them do to the floors on the cracking and getting huge spider cracks in them after less then 50 hours of work.

I'd really appreciate that. What engine is in your 29? Just wondering since 500 hours is pretty impressive on the motor. Also I just got a new job so I'm really not going to be seriously looking until the fall/winter time to make sure everything is stable with the new job but when I'm ready I'd gladly see see what your friend has in stock then since I'd rather buy sometime locally then out of state.