r015

Has newer single 525EFI w/XR , is a single big enough for this boat and how do they run and handle.
Never had a ride in one? Could it run 79-80mph?
Prefer single only because of weight and maintenance.Don't need to buy a new diesel to pull it.

Are these good boats,if not in what way?DON'T WANT A BIG MISTAKE IN THE BARN!!!

Long time boat owner would be my 10th boat probably.Had Cats and V's,but nothing over 24'

Thanks for the help guys.

malo29

iTrader: (1)

29 singles are great boats and cheap to operate. I just sold a 96 with a 500hp. The only thing bad I can say about these boats is the amount of cockpit space. They are capable of speeds well above 80 however I don't think the 525 will get u there prob mid to upper 70. Plenty of boat to play in some rough stuff, you really can't go wrong with any fountain imo

flying J

Best single engine boat u can buy for the money! 75-76 all day long any day of the week.

sonickevin95

I heard the 29 single is a slow boat to plane with a full load? Just asking myself really... that's what I hated about my old boat the most, the 5 other boats I was out with we're a half mile up the bay and im just getting on plane!!!!! At least the fountain could make up for it considering its such a fast haul. Just wondering, a guy at my marina has a 29 with twin 600hp's. The boat is a monster!

Mark D

Isn't going to be a wakeboard boat but the 26" prop is better than the 28" prop in terms of out of the hole acceleration.
I have never had an issue & I bought mine new.
The boat above as you describe is the best package available for the 29 Fever.

soldier4402

you start getting up close to 30ft and get a boat weighing that much twins are always better than singles. Maint cost will be a wash over time and your fuel cost will not really be any different. That bigger single and bigger drive to handle it will probably only net you 500lbs in weight savings. Also a 525 to rebuild probably cost the same or close to it to rebuild 2 454 or 502s.

techman

A late model 29 with a 525 XR is the best combo in that boat. The older twins have a slower hull and not balanced as well with big blocks in the back. Also, working in a 29 bilge with twin big blocks is a bear. A late model 29 with twin small blocks is another option. Slower than the single 525 and more to do with twins but a reasonable option if you want the redundancy in power. Most of the late model 29 twins had the 6.2 base engines but a few were build with the 377 scorpions which brought the top end a little closer to the 525.

techman

In regards to time to plane in a 29/525 boat you just have to bury the tabs and tuck the drive in on take off. With the aggressive X-Dim and big prop/gearing it will not be a ski boat to get going especially with a lot of weight on board. A smaller prop or gear change can turn it into one but you will lose the cruise/top end.

It's not a drag boat, but will outrun anything in its class once it gets its legs under it. And looks really good to boot.

sonickevin95

Yea I had aftermarket k planes on mine, which I would bury and hammer the throttle. It was still an absolute pig! I always kept gas tank full also. The 29 fountain single is an interesting boat. My 26 prowler sat on the boatel right next to the 29 fountain and damn I swear they looked to be the same exact length. The 29 had twins with overkill as far as power and he was night and day faster then me. Due to all the aftermarket power he put on it his boat was absolutely NOT turn key though.

soldier4402

I would not be against twin SBC but resale will kill you and top speed probably isnt any better then low 60's to max 65. I dont know what late models your talking with 6.2s anything pre 2000 is either 454 or 502.