I got a 2000 29 500EFI with a labbed 26 bravo prop. I can run 74.8 on GPS at the LOTO on a 70 degree day I have done it a couple of times, with fuel and more people all day long at 70mph. I get great fuel economy and very low maintenance with a single engine. Also the ride of the single engine vs. the duel engine is much better in a 29' boat. If I were currently looking for a new 29' Fountain I would look for one that has the 525EFI due to the new technology and the added HP. Just my opinion. Try not to get too caught up in the top speed of the boat its not too often you will run there but you will always be paying for fuel and maintenance.

I have the 29' with the twin 6.2s some of you are dissin. I only have my CC Stinger 260 to compare it to so I am not the expert many of you are. I can tell you that it gets on a plane easily. As far as how much fuel it uses I will have to wait until this summer to chime in as it will be my first long trip to the San Juan Islands. Was told by dealer that the 525 motors need valve springs and valve job at 250 hours to be on the safe side. The 6.2 should run 500-750 hours before needing a freshening. He did say that the 525 powered 29' was about 5 m.p.h. faster. Now that would be nice:-)

The 525EFI dynos in at 540-550 using the fairly generous SAE J607 correction factor many custom builders use. But when using the more restrictive SAE J1349 correction that Merc, Merc Racing, Ilmor, Volvo ect use, it's a 525 hp deal. Same goes with the 575.

SAE J1349 The 525EFI is about 525 hp crank and the 575SCI is about 575 crank hp +/- 2%.

Apples to apples here.

Post on NWOffshore when you plan your San Juan trip. Maybe hook up. I'm itchin' to get back up there. Missed my annual trip in 2011.

A good friend has 2006, 29, 525 EFI, 26 Bravo1, w/ 4 people, full of gas, 90 degree day, flat water, no wind, 73-74 on gps speedo.