Why would you not buy a twin engine boat because it's harder to work on, are you planning on working on it all the time?
I have no problems working on my 32, the once a yr job, oil change and impeller. Even if it was a problem, I sure wouldn't pass up on a twin cause of the couple times a yr maintance , if that's your only reasoning

I talked to a guy that had a 03-04? 29 with twin 350's.

He said it was pretty good on gas, got up on plane will easy, didn't set that low in the back and was reliable as a rock.

I would take one nice to have a gas and go, no valve spring issues, no header issues, etc, when comparing to a Single 525 boat.

I had twins in my 280 Sundancer, I don't miss the X 2 with maint. and up keep at all. I love the room around the single engine as I'm not as flexible as I was years ago. LOL

x2

I really value both opinions. Looks like the general down side of the twins are the double maintenance and the tight space. That is not the end of the world for me. I have always done maintenance on my boats once a year at my shop with my mechanic who is a GM master tech and has no problem working on Mercs. I am a bit drawn to the ride quality of twins, I love the 350 merc motors (not the most powerful, but reliable as hell and easy to work on). The 525's really worry me with the pressure testing the headers, valve jobs ect... Please don't get me wrong. I love a 525 blasting alive at the dock as it scares the hell out of small children and pompus boaters, but every one out there I have found is either out of my desired range or has the uh-oh ammount of hours where lots of work could need to be done. I'm still undecided probably because all of you have given me such good info and things to consider either way. Nice thing is.... to buy a big block 29 or twin 29 is the current question.... life has definately presented worse dilemmas :)

After reading everything on 525's I think I will pass. Personally on a lake I can't see why you want twins. A 27 is a great boat (I have owned one for 10 years) a 496 '29 would be great but why spend the money.

My 29' has a sink in the cabin as well as a built in cooler. Not sure the 27' has either.
I have twin 6.2s (377 cu in small blocks). The boat gets on a plane with ease.
The rub rail is several inches above the waterline. Never an issue.
It also has more than twice the fuel capsity of the 27, 132 gallons.
Like other opinions listed above, I would get the longest, newest Fountain
you can afford. Not sure how fast a twin 350 29' Fountain goes but I would guess
65-68 if they are the 300 h.p. versions. You might get to 70 with labbed props and
a light load of fuel.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/27793

Here's my 99 27ft Fever if you're interested. 240hrs, on a bone stock 502 MAG MPI

Well, a dream come true! Finally purchased a Fountain. It's a 2002 29' Fever with 218 hours. Twin 350 mags and bravo one drives. Water flush system and fire system as well. I could not be happier with my purchase. I love the out of the hole performance and mid range power of the twins and enjoy learning to dock and maneuver properly.

I was a bit humbled by the ride quality and performance of this boat.

I would like to thank each of you for your input and advice! The help you have given me was so useful in making my decision on the right boat.

I will post pictures soon (I believe I have to upgrade my membership?).

Also, everyone who sent me listings of boats for sale, I really appreciate the information.

See you out on the water!

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