Looking to Upgrade
 

I would seriously consider looking at a 35 Fountain rather than the 33. The 33s were only made for a couple of years, so your choices will be rather limited and that may effect your resale. The 35 had a long run with a single step, and is now a twin-step VERY fast hull. For the money you are looking to spend, you can DEFINATELY find a nice 35...I can't imagine the weight difference for towing would be too significant?

One thing you should weigh in your Formula vs. Fountain dilemma (I read your other thread) is cabin space vs. performance. The Fountain will most likely be faster and perform better in rough water (I boat on Lake Michigan and LOTO), but even if you went with a 35 Fountain, the cabin will be more comfortable in the 29 Formula (more headroom for sure!).

BTW...you are coming to the right place (OSO) for info...there's gobs of it here.

Fountain 33 or 35 is a TOTALLY different boat than a 29 Formula. Way more boat for the money. Speed and handling are far better with the Fountains your comparing to. If your going to go in big lakes, go for the bigger Fountain. Just my .02

I've owned both and been on both and I have found the Fountains seem more structurally sound and are way faster. They also seem to run flatter even when comparing stepped Fountains vs. Stepped Formulas. The Formula's are heavier and seem to have better tooling and attention to detail than the Fountain I own and the ones I've been on. I will also say go for the twin step 35 Fountain with staggered 525's. It is unbeilevably fast given the room in the boat and the power. Formula also has a big issue with the cabin ceiling coming down on the boats. Formula uses wood panels screwed to the deck and Fountain uses a vinyl headliner streched across the headliner. The Fountain headliner is going to fall down into the cabin like so many Formula's have. Also, look at used Fastecs in the 1997 to 2002 range and you will see the headliner material separating from the panels. I've also seen and experienced the panels falling into the cabin. My $0.02.

If you don't buy a boat over the Winter and you make it down to LOTO this Spring/Summer I'll take ya out in my 353 and you can try and see what you think, it's free, good luck.

314joey I might take you up on that. I have a bunch of friends that come down for the shoot out and also one of the guys I know is the Spertre dealer down there. I understand what your saying I will have to look into the 353.

Small world! Who do you know at Anchor Marine? :drink:

You said you are looking to spend around 100k. I also read your other thread. You can buy a ton of boat for that money. You should be able to pick up a newer 353 or 35 Fountain for that kind of money if you play your cards right.

No problem Fast, jst let me know, I have a beer when you driving.:ernaehrung004:

The guy that I know is George he is splitting his time between LOTO and Chicago.

The One nice thing about both boat is that they have a windshield that kinda nice to have in the early and late part of the season.

I know Mr. Humann too! Small world. Here is a good expample of what you can buy for around $100k now:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o36964-en.html

If you are looking to spend around hundred, not sure what you have for a tow vehicle but this may be worth looking at.

The cabin will be smaller then a formula but it's also easier to work on the motors.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o36664-en.html

George is a pretty good guy he has helped me out with a couple of shows I have done in the area.

If i am looking a 05-07 what do you thing would be a good range in hours to be in when looking at them?

I have found some new 08-09 that have no hours for the 100k which is kinda nice.

20-30 per year, depending on where it was used, but the care and maintenance is just as important, no salt water for me.

Hours depend on how much you boat, money you want to spend and if you're worried about resale. I had a 33 Outlaw with 650 hours on 496 Mags (375hp) ran perfect when I sold it. Blue motors tend to need some type of work (head, headers, etc) around 500 hours so keep that in mind. I don't mind having a few hours on a boat, run it for a few years and not lose a ton of money when your ready for another.

i have a few fountains to see. both new and used. 35's and 38's as well as 42's. 525 and 496 and most with warranty. shoot me a p.m if u want.