looking to buy a fountain what do i need to know when looking? What shape of boat should i be able to get with around 25 grand?

You want the honest answer? Not much. Go $50K and you'll find something. Small, 27-29'. Probably single engine. If larger or 2 engine watch out. Get a marine survey.

25k you will get a boat that needs another 25k.

You might get a older 27 or 29 fever single with all or a little more of that 25k.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o56450-en.html

Maybe even get this for 25 http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o56054-en.html

There is still the really clean looking 90 42 on Facebook at 27500. No trailer but damn it looks good.

Also be wary upon joining the fountain family many guys (especially with a cig) will tell you your boat is small and shouldn't be used in water in any bigger than your bathtub. Ignore the naysayers. Lol

Why play "second fiddle"?

Do yourself a favor and buy a cigarette and be out front!

depends on what you want. 27-29s in the mid 90's to low 90s can be had all day long for that price. Ive even seen some 32s in that price range and have seen some late 90s 27s in that range. But with age comes more concerns, check for rot in the stringers and bulk , have the engines ever been over hauled etc. Doesnt mean you cant find something good just have to be more cautious. But its all in who owned it and how they took care of it, you could find a newer boat that wasnt taken care of that would cost you 50k.

My boat is older a 91 29 with twins, boats immaculate, engines were redone before I bought it and I was in your price range. I have yet had to spend another 25k on it.


Its all in what you want if your looking for a big boat say 35 and larger and it must be 2000s or better you better save some more. But if you dont mind an older boat or shorter boat, your budget can find you plenty of fountains that in great shape. for that price.


assuming these boats are all in good shape it proves you can find something descent out there in your price range. Do a little search and these are all over the place, right now expect to pay a little more though as its a sellers market this time of the year as all these boats listed are probably 5-10 grand to high.

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/boa/4380269548.html
actually think this a is a little high.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/boa/4357878672.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/4324059479.html

But if you dont know much about a boat get survey done. Even if you do know a lot at a minumum get somebody to do a basic leak down test and engine function. Just because something comes back negative doesnt mean the boat isnt worth while buying just means you can bargain more on the price and get a better deal after you figure in repair cost. And this goes for a boat that is 20 years old or 2 years old, both can have equally as many problems. I wouldnt say be leary but maybe more cautious on non standard motors like engines that arent 454 or 502 typical big block motors or engines with blowers. Not saying they are bad but typically these engines produce higher power but they also self destruct quicker and if the person doesnt know what they were doing when building you could have problems


Other factors when you buy look at insurance, do some quick quotes on various models that might channel your search. Also storage as in winter storage you have a place to put it or what does it cost to store by you, longer the boat the more money or harder to store. Docking, will you trailer or get a slip, again bigger boat could mean more money. Another area to look at is towing can your truck handle the weight. My 29 with twins is 7k dry plus trailer, 27 is a little lighter a 32 a little heavier. 1/2 ton would be fine with a 27, I tow my 29 with a 1/2, 32 and bigger might want to start looking at 3/4 tons or bigger. I dont want to spark a towing debate here, but things to think about. Lastly twins or single. Single the largest you can go is 29. There is pros and cons to each. In a single initial cost is less unless you have some big monster non standard engine, annual maint is half the price. Twins you'll have less of a chance of getting stranded and tows arent cheap. With twins manuevering is easier. With twins youll have more fuel consumption but if you look at the math and other threads its not double as many would think.

Also keep in mind where you boating for big water having a bigger boat is always better but then again it comes down to your budget. If you on small lakes that are shallow I wouldnt want something over 27feet.

http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=221412208503

Not sure what the reserve is but might be able to get a good deal.

I just picked up my 1995 27' fever for 22k no trailer a month ago. ICU are you talking about this boat at LOTO? I have seen it a few times driving down there but last weekend it wasn't in it's normal spot.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/boa/4408572397.html

looks like a nice boat. but with NA 454 i see that as fuel hog that cant get above 55