I am looking at upgrading to a twin engine boat in the spring. I was wondering if any had any experance with these boats. I am looking at an 08 Formula with 377's. The Fountains is a 08 with 496 HO's. The pricing is some what close but I don't know anyone that has a new 33 Lighting. Would love to here more about that one. I would like to go to LOTO, Lake Michigan and other places for some poker runs.

Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it!

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?

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.

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