I was in this position last year. Budget was around 40K so I was looking for either an '02 25OL or a '99 or so 27 Fever. There are things I like and dislike about both boats.

Fountain has better construction, fit and finish, way more standard equipment, little faster on top end, little more cockpit room.

Baja's have bigger gas tanks (95 gal vs 63) which is a big deal to some, tend to plane off faster, bigger cabin. Also, I like the lines of the 25 OL better and like the Baja graphics better than most of the older Fountain graphics. Those are both pure opinion though.

Personally, where my budget was I had decided on a 25 OL mainly because I could squeeze into one with a 496 HO vs an older Fountain with a 502. Minor detail but I wanted the newer engine, lower hour boat, etc. I did come very close to making an offer on a friends 27 Fountain though and think I would have been happy with either. Then things changed and I ended up in a 29 OL. :D Also before anyone accuses me of being a Fountain hater my next boat will probably be a 35 or 38 Fountain. Especially when you get into that size range I like them over the Baja's.

this thread is pointless now -

Reggie is buying Baja....cant we all get along....

well not really since they aren't even close. A used 2000 27 fever is very different then a 2000 25 outlaw no matter who owns the company now. I have nothing against Baja since that was my original choice but after looking up performance, re-sale, and quality the choice is clear to me.

rjcardinal on this site has an immaculate, low hour '99 27 for sale. Great boat.

1999 Sold new in 2001 27 Fever with 158 hours. As close to perfect as a boat can be.

PM for details

More pics

link to ad http://www.bbrvs.com/details.php?id=432&cat=BO

Damn man, your ears must have been burning. :D

Been watching this thread.

Ron

where did you get that full cover for your boat?

Had it custom made at a local tarpoleon shop.

Ron