One to thing to think about it as well and this goes with any boat, size, brand. Is do you want to be tied to this boat, with every extra dollar and hour spent to it. My wife and I do fairly well for ourselves and are only 30 and we could have gone up to something bigger which would mean more time and money consuming, and werent really willing to give up other things such as camping, vacations, eating out at will, etc. just to have a huge nice boat that we use 3-4 months out of the year. I know theres a lot of guys out on the water I have seen that I have seen around town and see what they live and their jobs and know dang well that they do nothing but work go to home to a small house and their boat, and thats it. I love boating more than anybody but I wouldnt want it to consume my life

Well said - need to have balance in life and the boat, although a dream needs to be put into perspective as just an accessory to overall enjoyment.

From afar, I would recommend a 27 or 29 Fever - a big step up from a V6 bowrider and gets you into solid performance and ride without initially going over the top.

To the guy who said you don't how I can put 600 in a 27 formula. 130 gallon tank and last time I got fuel it was 4.80 at the marina. You do the math!! I never put that much in it as I haven't emptied it all the way before refueling. Just a realization of what fuel costs these days!

Thats why I was asking didnt realize a 130 was put in a 27, either way I wouldnt be paying marina gas price which is adding a solid 130 bucks extra to your fill up. Either way your point in fuel is costly is valid.

thank you all for the replys,, and wow,, you are all correct.. i was just so excited about a long dream, i never gave it much thought.. decided to go with a 25-27ft single.. least this way ill not be tied to it as mentioned.. also with the cost of fuel, it just makes better sence.. thanks alot guys,, and ill take my time in searching.. be safe....semper fi

No problm. I have had boats forever and bought into performance 3 years ago, and my dreams were higher than I landed as well. I mean performance is one thing but once you combine that with a 40ft boat there is so many factors. A 40ft boat regardless if its performance or not is a heck of an investment. It can be done and is done. Good luck.

There are a lot of nice 27 fountains out there and thats the smallest you will find one in a fountain.

But if it were me brands that I would stick to first would be Formula and Fountain, from there I would go Powerquest, than checkmate or Baja.

I have a 27 fountains with 496HO. I have had it for 8 years and have not made any repairs. Just maintainance. A great boat.

No problem. Alot to be considered when making a big boat jump. My first jump was 8 ft and an extra motor. Next jump will be 11 ft and to big blocks. I hope whatever you choose you get to thoroughly enjoy.

myself,i would be looking for a 27-29 w/single engine.it may not seem like alot more boat than what you have now,but when i gave up my 22ft boat to get a 27ft is was like day and nite diffrence.cut your teeth on something that if you stratch the paint,or get a bad case of dock rash you wont be as mad as with a new/bigger boat.trust me,its going to be a learning curve.thanks for your service.freedom dont come cheap.you paid a price,and i think you.

I think he should look at a 42' with 1075's or 1550 Sterlings personally.....jus sayin.