Another Vs. Question I know I am sorry
 

Sold my 91 29 fever with twins two years ago. Bought a Chaparral to be more family friendly with the new kid, didn't use it, so dumped it in hopes of saving some money, letting the kid get bigger, pay of some stuff etc.

Either way looking to be back into fountain probably 2 years from now, I know its early, but I kind of like to track the market, research a few years out.

Now for the Vs question. 29 vs 32 kind of want twins and boat doesn't need to be speed demon, 70mph +

Question is what is the 32 doing that the 29 isn't. Whats the added three feet getting mem cockpit, cabin, engine compartment etc. Any comparison that have had both would be great. I know the engine compartment on the 29 wasn't much fun.

On my budget I will be more than likely looking at a late 90s or early 2000s model, haven't determined exact budget but looking at whats out there now, those look to be in my price range.

No I don't want a 35, just to big for storage, towing etc,

Im kind of under the idea when I get to looking 29 or 32, is going to be the best boat for the price in whatever size it happens to be.

Just wondering any difference and if I should target a 32 over a 29. I would be apt to more cockpit space or engine compartment space specially cockpit, cabin size increase doesn't interest me.

Thanks for the help.

The increase is in the cabin.

Unless you are talking the newer twin SBC 29's. The ones with the lighting style cap have more cockpit then the 29-32 fever.

What year are those 29s? and with SBC we talking 350s or 6.2l what kind of HP and performance.

I think the lightining came out in the 29's around 2002? The guy I talked with had 350's I believe. He said It was a mid 70's boat.

Look at the archives in powerboat magazine they did a test of one. They liked it as it came on plane quick and gave a little bit of a safety factor if you ever run offshore. It will be better balanced then your old twin BBC.

Thanks for the info. So the 29 became a lightning in that time frame? Yeah I mean if two SBCs are doing 70s should be better on gas, cheaper maint. Good idea. And I would imagine two years from now those will probably be in my budget.

Any idea when the windshield changed from that plexi to the steel rimmed one.

Just did a quick search today lots of 29s with singles. A few with a single 496, a few with HP 500s and some with 700-750hp singles. Now not looking for a speed demon, but want to get 70-75mph. I don't see where a 496 is doing it. My other worry is a high HP 700 might cost more in the long run than stock 454s or 502s. Any thoughts. I know gas consumption for a big single and twin bbc are similar. Granted a single equals one less oil change and one less drive to worry about

I'm no expert so if someone corrects me I won't get offended. I had a 1998 29' Fever single and my friend currently has a 98 32' Fever. In those years, the 32' has approximately 1' more in the engine compartment taking away from cockpit space and 2' more in the cabin. The 29' twin has same cabin space as a single (in those years) and a larger engine compartment taking away from cabin space. So the twin 32 and 29 should have the same cockpit.

I have a 2000 27' Fever and it has the tall frame windshield. I've seen the same year with the plexiglass. Not sure about the 29.

I have 2 friends with a 27' and 29'. Both 2006 with low profile framed windshields. Both 496s. Both take a very long time to plan. Both have/had issues with the motor going into safe mode for minor issues. The 29' still randomly does and not sure of the problem.

IMO I would stay away from the 496 single. Not enough power to plan and you will only see mid 60s in top speed.

Thanks for the info. I didn't think the 496 would cut it. Even the Hp 500, im not sure on.

Im actually debating maybe buying older as in pre EFI and sticking with carbs. Two reasons, probably save quite a bit of money, two I just got rid of a boat with EFI and it was always something.

I like carbs. Water/moisture around electronics don't make sense to me. Haven't had EFI personally so I'm in no way bashing it. My HP 500 was supercharged when I bought it so I can't comment on the stock side. The 32 I mentioned has twin stock 500s runs 80s. For the time I've been around them, they have been good motors for us.

JT.
Did the 2006 29 single have more cockpit then the 32? The twin I seen did.

As for EFI, I have HP500EFI and other then doing the top ends these things have been nice. Easy to start and go. Only issues have been caused by me:(

The 98 and 2006 29' single cockpit is significantly bigger than the 32'.
My 27' seems to be the same or a tad bigger than my friends 32'. His seats are a lot closer to the dash then mine.

EFI defiantly starts quicker than mine.

regardless of single or twin wouldn't the cockpit be the same on the 29 from year to year? Unless like Wildman said the 2002 and up 29 was bigger.

So the consensus is regardless the 29 has a bigger cockpit then 32?

Yes 29 cockpit is bigger than a 32.
Rafted up to a 1994 29' twin, they had the same size cockpit as my 27'. 29 twin engine compartment was bigger. Outdrive and trim tab pumps were mounted in front of the motors if I remember correctly.

thanks. yeah I always though the cockpit was the same from a 27 to 29, 29 picked it up in the cabin.

Well maybe that limits my search to a 29 then. Like I said I don't need the cabin, its just storage and would prefer as much room as possible outside.

29 single will be your best bet then. 32 is a big weight difference when towing.

32 and 27 cockpit is tight but I'm fine with it. Typically my wife and 3 year old son is all I have.

Thanks for the help.

pretty much rule out a 496 single. Would what would be the next best option, as a 502 I don't think would work either. Can a hp 500 really get that up to 70mph.

Stick with a Chaparral!!:party-smiley-004:

Have you considered a 31 Sonic? That's always been a favorite of mine and is roomy.

No I haven't. But I like and want a fountain.

Got rid of the chap to get a fountain after I reset things. I understand the size of the fountain cockpit and not worried about having 10 people on it like the chap. I don't want a 27. I want a 29 or 32, just trying to determine which one offered the most cockpit space. Those two can roughly cost the same, so was just trying to figure out what which one to target, as I got 18-24 months, but I kind of like to target what I want and occasionally check the market. When I had my 91 that was bought 6 years ago, and in that age you really had twins and 454s, but a year or two from now my budget and whats out there is going to lend to late 90s early 00s which there seems to be 4-5 different combos of engine packs out there, so trying to determine which is best.


Just trying to maximize cockpit space, get something that does 70, and have reliability. Cockpit space seems to be best on 29 specially in 02 or better, 496 or 502 probably wont meet the performance criteria, and I don't think I want a high HP single and have to worry about it blowing. To me it seems like twin 454s or 502, or an hp500.

I kind of like carb, although efi is nice to start, but their easier to maintain, and would probably mean a 10-15k price difference.

I have always been a fan of the 32 and I was looking at them a couple years ago. The only detractor for me with the 32 is the extremely tight engine compartment. Looks like a nightmare to work in. I've always heard that the 29 is faster than the 27 with similar power.

my 29 with twins was tight, oil changes weren't bad with suction. Impeller sucked but was doable. Anything in back not happening. 27s only cam in singles, but they are comparable to the 29 in speed as you have one less engine and drive, and 2 ft less of glass for weight, combine that with a hp500 or its probably faster. But a 29 with twin 502s or decked out 454s probably win every time.

The 29 will have more room than a 32. The 27 and 32 have the exact same cockpit. If I was shopping for a 29 I would be looking for one with a 525. 75MPH with that power. 2005 or so with a 525 will be in the 60ish range with low hours, as these are highly sought after.

Thanks. My budget will probably put me a little older. Probably not into 60. more around 40

My 98 525sc(supercharger was swapped for a blower shop blower) 29' done 74 mph. HP 500 would need a little modification and propped correctly to hit 70 but easily doable. My current 27' does 78 with a whipple charger 3-4 lbs or boots(29 was similar, sorry I left that out), also has an intercooler.

My friend with the 98 32 has his for sale. Has twin hp 500s does high 80s. He wants a cat. Can get for low 40s if you want it this summer. Very nice boat.

A lot say the 29 and 27 with the same power, the 29 is faster. The ones I spoke about earlier are the same year and both have 496s. They are propped different but for now the 27 is faster. I'd like to see them with the same prop to test that theory. The 27 will do over 70 but takes a while to get there!!

Uh....wut?

Merc and others pretty have marine EFI nailed down. Water and moisture is no more an issue than you driving your car to work in the rain....assuming your daily driver doesn't have a carb, lol.

Opinion only...

Not really going to try and start an argument as EFI end of the day is a better system assuming it works. Ive owned both now. Pros is EFI starts every time carbs you need to prime and choke etc. Problem with EFI is there are more parts more electronics, and one needs a scan tool to often times diagnose the,. Carb engine is fairly easy, as you check for fuel, check for spark, and if problem still persist you probably need an adjustment on the carb.

But I did hate carbs in the old fountain, even had them rebuilt, and the bowls must have drained after sitting for a week or so. 6-8 pumps, turn it over, 2-3 pump, finally start to stumble, third time, a go. Then good for rest of the day.

Throw a wrench in it. What about formula in the 29-31 range. Comparison wise. I love the looks of them but they seem to be well I wouldn't say under powered but slower? What about size of cockpit in comparison. Any thoughts. From what it seems, they tend to be a tad cheaper.

Today was my first time out this year ran 60 miles to Atlantic City with 540s carbureted, 4,000 Rpm at 70 nice chop all the way with a few bursts 47 gallons of gas one way.
Rich

Soldier, I have a 2006 29' with twin 6.2s. Depending on the number of people and the gallons of gas (130 gallon tank) it runs between 67 and slightly over 70. Cruise is between 38-40 at 3200. Even Fountain stated "up to 74 m.p.h.) but how many people run with 10 gallons of fuel and who will tow you back (meant to be funny...) after your speed run? I would forget topping 70 if you are talking "stock." The cockpit is full-sized. The cabin is small. It easily gets on a plane. The only real issue with the small blocks seems to be the Idle Air Control Valve. I have replaced these on both engines (on the top - easy to swap out with just to allen head bolts and a plug in wiring connection). The symptom can be hard starting, setting off your alarm(s) while cruising - beep beep every 5 minutes, or not starting at all. Sometimes a bad valve will throw a code, other times (like my lst time) no codes thrown at all. This is not a HUGE issue as the part is $110-140 and a ten minute swap out. Just giving you an FYI. I carry a spare! As I trailer the boat and launch solo this is about as big a boat as I can handle alone.

Thanks the info Im looking for. I say 70mph boat, my old one did 73, im not getting excited about only getting 67-68 etc. Just a bench mark. twin 6.2 would work it seems. Did some reading the other day on the 525s and it seems they were talking top end rebuilds and headers every 200-300hrs. That's the kind of thing I kind of want to stay away from and worried about a big single instead of twins.

We have a 2005 32 Fever with 377 Scorpions (blue motors). It does low 70's at 2100ft above sea level. I cruise at 50 with the occasional WOT run mixed in and get 1.5 mpg.
I was rafted up next to a 29 last weekend and thought the cockpit looked the same, maybe I wasn't paying attention. It is tight between the front seats and the dash. As a driver I really like it though. I drive sitting down and my legs are long enough I can hold on to the underside of the dash with my knees while my feet are still on the floor. It's like having a seat belt on. As far as sitting on the boat while it's rafted up or docked we never sit in the cockpit. We are either on the back or laying or dancing on the bow, or in the cabin with friends. It's nice to have the extra cabin space. It's very comfortable and fun to party in there with four people, we end up in there a lot.
We also ran next to a 29 last weekend in a poker run for a while on rough water and he was in the air a lot trying to keep up with us, we finally left him behind.
So in my opinion if you find a great 29 that fits your budget they are kick ass boats. But if you can get a 32 I'd say bigger is better.

Thanks for the info. Really I want bigger cockpit, but I think when it comes down to buying its going to be a best buy type scenario.

Looked at my video tied next to the 29 and yep it looks like 8-10 inches more back seat legroom in the 29. Also maybe the front passenger seat is moved back a little to make more room in front of it.

Thanks. Yeah I thought my 29 was cramped, I don't think Id really want to give up another 10in specially when I don't need the cabin.

Yeah, but the long nose on the 32's are sexy!

I guess some questions.

1. What is the cockpit dimensions of a pre 2003 and post 2003 29.

2. What year did they start putting anchor lockers up front on them

3. What year or models have the integrated swim ladder.

Two things that bothered me about the 91 I had was hauling that anchor over to the front with a non exsistent step or mechanism to get to the front. Also not really easy to get back into the boat from the water.