looking at a 1999 fountain 47 lightning. Opinions?
 

Hello all. I am looking to upgrade from my last boat which was an old Formula sr1 with twin 425's. The boat I am looking at is a 1999 fountain 47 lightning. Triple 500's. Any opinions on this boat are welcome. i do have a few stupid questions

1. How much more fuel cost do you see on a boat of this size with stock 500's
2. Any common issues with the 47?
3. Top speed high 70's?- 80? Stock?
4. What is the fair price with a trailer and motors that are kinda high time? (400hrs.)

Thanks

I had a '99 47 with triple 525SC's for several years. Best boat I ever owned and still miss it today. Great ride with seating for 7 adults and decent cabin although we were "day" boaters. I ran the boat at 2800 to 3000 RPM's which was right at 40 with 30" props. Best I could tell used about a gal a mile which is probably less than you use with your super heavy non stepped Formula. Boat ran 88 MPH at 5200 on the few occassions I let it loose. I would think 80 with the 500's. Only complaints I had were it was a big boat to clean and wax, three engines were more costly than two for oil changes, tune ups, etc. and the 525's used 91 octane which was not readily available where we boat. Sold ours on a trailer for $88,000 4 years ago. Market for triple engine boats is dead so I would think should be in the $60 to $70 range if engines have good compression and valve springs have been changed. I have my neighbors 43 Black Thunder listed that has twin HP 500's with B&M blowers. Clean boat at great price Good luck with your decission.

1. Fuel cost depends a lot on your boating habits but triple 500's will definitely consume considerably more fuel than twin 454's. That boat will cruise in the high 40's / low 50's.

2. Common issues: check for wet transom.

3. Your top speed is about right, high 70's, low 80's..

4. Price depends a lot on condition of the boat and power packages. But at 400 hours, you should be redoing the top ends at a minimum right now if they have not been done.

If the one your looking at is in MO, Talk to Ed Champion, he had info on that boat..

Spend a little more and get one with 525EFI's like this one:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o60128-en.html

Thanks for the info and suggestions...

Oh! Looks like you are looking for the yellow one with race fairing, right?

I am considering that. As well as a few others. Does anyone know the story?

Were you able to speak to the seller/broker? I did not succed by email neither by phone...

I called on that 47. The broker went to the 65 ish price super quick. Sounded like it has been sitting outside and not used in a long time. I never did go see it though. I also called on the all white one in Utah. It's advertised as Teague engines but teague never touched them. I ended up getting a staggered 42. Better fit for me. Good luck!