Many thanks SDFever!
 

First of all, I must explain that I'm pretty new to the Fountain family, having logged just 30 hours or so last summer on my new (to me) 27 Fever.
But I helmed many different boats in the last couple of decades, including a few comparably fast ones. And I was impressed by my 27 Fever performance and handling, even with the stock 496.
Now, I recently had the opportunity to meet SDFever and go for a ride with his boat.
Exactly the same hull as mine, but with the following red beauty under the hatch.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3.../HL/Engine.jpg
Boys, does that make a difference!!! :coolcowboy:
The boat, which as I said performs nicely with the stock engine, becomes amazing with this one.
We even smoked a coast guard boat rigged with 4 big outboards (not sure what it was, maybe SDFever can confirm that?), at 80mph or so... And with three of us onboard, and tank full!
I am now giving the Raylar package a serious thought.

Besides, I was also amazed at what SDFever can do at the helm of his pride and joy, he really showed me the amazing possibilities of the boat!
The pic in post #22 of this thread gives a good idea of what I mean... :eek:
Btw, I read in some previous posts that the 27 Fever tends to chine walk in the upper 70s.
All I can say in this respect is that I wish all the boats of comparable size I've ever tried were as stable as this one!

I made a clip of our ride in the beautiful San Diego bay, in a warm day which reminded me of spring boating in the Med.
Nothing special, made with a poor quality mobile camera, but it can be viewed here for those interested.
And talking of San Diego bay, the sunset was as spectacular as the boat ride during the day....
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...L/SDsunset.jpg

So, many thanks again, SDFever.
I hope to have the opportunity to reciprocate your hospitality whenever you will be around here!

Thanks!
 

Paul, this wasn't necessary but much appreciated! Someday, If they let me around Lake Como, I may just have to bum a ride from you over there...

Thanks for your kind words and glad you and the wife had a good time.

For what it's worth, the "other" boat you are referring to is a Midnight Express with 4 250hp Merc Outboards on it. It is one of two local U.S. Customs Boats. With the exception of pretty rough water conditions, they can't catch us on most days.

Raylar has treated me pretty darn good!

Aha, Customs! I wasn't sure it was the Coast Guard, in fact.
Anyway, they surely did their best to catch us... No way! :drink:
And talking of Raylar, many thanks also to Ray for his availability to meet and discuss the various alternatives.
Will follow up with him asap, I've yet to make some checks at my end before going ahead with the project.

Allthough I dont agree with or understand the whole "Fountain thing ":poopoo: But I do agree with him being a good guy. He was very helpful when I was thinking about going the Raylar way.

Fountain thing???? Hell, just check out the AT guys. They're convinced it's a 'cult' thing. :)

Back on topic.....that sure is 1 great looking power plant SD!
Is that paint or PC?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Y4oAjLQts

SDFEVER...Your my hero:party-smiley-004:

:op: That's wrong puttin' that up there like that.

Thanks!

All powder. Time consuming. CAP OFF YOUR OIL COOLERS WITH PROPER FITTINGS!!

What exactly is the setup you've got on that 27' ? I would love to see those kind of speeds in mine . I hit 68mph at best with a 502 mag bravo 1 . What drive are you running and what kind of hp ?

2003 stepped hull same bravo you have. Your x dim may be lower depending on year. The 502mpi just ain't enough to get you much past where you are. Actually, at 68 your're doing well as the stock 496ho runs same nearly.