29 vs 35 Fountain
 

Hello, I currently own a 2005 29' Fountain Fever, 525EFI, XR drive, 160 hours. I have a good opportunity to move up to a 2001 35' Fountain Lightning, twin 500EFI, XR drives, 160 hours. Both boats are in excellenet condition and have been well maintained. I mostly run on the rivers of the California Delta. I'm trying to decide if it's worth stepping up and would appreciate any feedback on the pros/cons of these boats. Thanks in advance.

absolutely, you won't regret it, I went from a 27 to a 35 , never looked back

sounds like someone is going to get a very NICE well maintained 29 Fever

Most people prefer bigger boats with twins, but I'd say stay with the 29/single.
You have plenty of boat for the water you run, as opposed to a 10 year old boat with potentially twice the issues. But if you really WANT to go bigger, sounds like a fine opportunity.

In 2005, we moved from a 2000 29 Fever to a late production 2000 35 Lightning twin step with 500 EFI's with XZ outdrives ... I always wanted a 35, and finally got one! (still is my favorite boat). Just a couple of things to consider 1) do you have enough truck to tow it ... legally. 2) what class driver's license is necessary to tow it in your state - in NC, where we lived at the time, you must have a commercial class driver's license to tow a trailer rated over 10,000 lbs ... even says that on the back right on the back of the driver's license :eek: and it can be ugly if you get caught over your limit - the vehicle enforcement officers know that most people towing bigger boats don't have the proper class licenses and they would target such unfortunates! 3) storage ... we found it there was a big difference in cost and availability for storage rental for a 35 vs a 29, unless you have your own place to store it. Also, if you are going to trailer it, it can can be a real hassle on 2 lane streets, especially with traffic.

If the 35's outdrives have only low water pickups, you will probably have excessive water pressure, which, over time, can hurt the head gaskets on the 500EFI's (they are otherwise nearly bulletproof). You would want to install the Merc pressure relief valves. In 2001, those drives are probably XZ drives ( big propshaft, helical upper gears), unless you are sure they are XR's ... many say the XZ's are actually better.

Having said all of that, there is no comparison between the ride of a 29 and a 35 in sloppy lake or river chop. The mid-range acceleration of the 35 with a pair of strong 500s' will definitely bring a smile to your face every time you push the throttles and the sound of twin 500's, whether at idle of WOT, has a music all of its own, that almost makes all of the hassle worth it, too. :D.

We eventually went back to the 29 Fever (a 2002 with 575SCi, and later, a 2006 with 525 EFI, which BTW is for sale) primarily due to the hassle factor of the 35. With just me and my wife (all 110 lbs of her), the 35 was just too much. I think the single engine 29 is an ideal lake/river trailer performance boat. Just my opinion, after having both boats (sorry for the long winded post ;) )

I wanted a 35, could not find exactly what I wanted so instead I bought a 29. I honestly wish I had waited till I found a 35 I wanted. this is my second season in the 29 and I have enjoyed it, however, I would sell it in a minute to get a 35 of my liking. most 35 's have features the 29 doesn't have like anchor storage, enclosed head to name a few.
I say go for the 35 and don't look back. if you have the tow vehicle and room to store it I think you will be pleased.

If you are boating on smaller rivers u will probably prefer the 29. A good friend that has a 35 told me he feels like a whale in a fish tank at our local river, and this is a river that sees barge traffic. When it gets crowded it gets dangerous with the big boat because it takes longer to turn and slow down. Just my .02. That being said the 35 is awesome on lake Michigan.

I would stay with the 29' perfect boat all the way around. I think we always want what we don't have. Been both routes, im into keeping things as simple as possible. 29' offers: Less weight, less fuel, less maint, = less stress and more time on the water with more beer money in your pocket.

ever consider the 32'?

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