Ok pull up an 89 fountain dash and 2007. Post side by side. I bet the difference is about the same as the basic dash is the same. I can't post pics or I would.

Id like to know how many Fountain sports boats were built in the last 7-8 years. Compared to a few other brands (ok, use Cigarette as an example) there were so few built its not surprising there is a hole in the used market. The number of used boats on the market is simply dictated by the number they built....... Not very many.

Fountain design has always been individual, lower freeboard, beak and sits stern heavy at rest. Sales didn't slow down because of their design, sales slowed because of the trouble at the factory, Reggie's departure and of course the economy. Trying now to bring back the classic Fountain design is very hard because we've become used to seeing all the other boats on the market and it makes the Fountain seem outdated. It's not outdated, it's just individual.

Take a look at Cigarettes, greats boat but have they really changed much over the last 10 years? Most of what I can see is upholstery and paint. I think we're all liking the cosmetic aspect so much, nobody has noticed that the boats haven't really changed.

Fountain could and should try something with upholstery and paint. Their efforts on the 38' we've seen pictured have come under fire so try something different. I've looked at the pics of that boat a few times and I'm getting used to the paint. If I was a buyer with 400k in my pocket I'd ask the factory to look at a re-trim with some quality marine vinyl in lighter colors to match the exterior.

The lack of Fountains in the last few years is a stumbling point in the new market but I think they can overcome that with new paint work and fresh trimming which is about what some of their opposition have done.

My 2 cents worth.

RR

Fountain dash hasn't changed but a splash of color and some shiny bezels makes a worl of difference.

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As for cabin interiors, I think the '08 cabin still looks great.
(I know these are professional brochure shots and make things look even better)

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Sorry, I'm just a Fountain fan.....

RR

I am too but show an 07 lightning dash. None of those are that. Lol

This is a '98 lightning (the cig shots were a '93 and '07 respectively)


'08 lightning

If anything the flat dash panel has just gotten bigger

Yes, the fountain cabin is hands down one of my favorites

Yes it's larger. Shaped different. Better styling. The same as the cig. They have some molded gauge pods otherwise it's the same as the older one. The fountain also added the gps/smartcraft screen. I've always been a fan of the way fountain does the indicators integrated as opposed to a bolt on piece. I guess that's why it's to each his own


Still no one has said what they would do to update the fountain interior. Lol

[QUOTE=IGetWet;4513016]Excellent point. And Fountain needs to do the same thing - no need to change the hull - AT ALL. No need to change the driver and passenger bulkheads. Or the cabin trim because they nailed it back in '08 with the new tan/wood grain. That said Fountain needs to blend modern appointments with their classic parts.

I love it that new Fountains are being built. But if the price tags are going to be where their at then the product needs to reflect it. I have not seen the new 38 Lightning Big Thunder has so I cannot comment on the fit and finish. If it is like my '08 or my B-I-L '10 Lightnings it needs some polishing. The paint is love it or loathe it - reminds me of stuff Sunsation did 6-8 years ago. The cockpit interior looks disastrous. To be fair that was not done at Fountain - a local shop to LOTO known for high end work did it - and botched it IMO. It has cues from a sit down boat that don't work here. Total rework needed.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the sale of this 38. I would have thought the first new Fountains out of the gate would have been over the top. Over the top paint, interior, etc to make a statement. Make them gotta-have-it boats. Because frankly another $75k to make this one over the top would easily be justified. I don't think this one is anything special. And it's quickly becoming a demo boat at a new boat price. No offense to anyone, especially Eddie.

Uh that's what I've been trying to get across here. I would make the dash layout more modern and sleek. I can't draw you exactly what I think should be done because I don't design boats. Maybe more like a donzi ZR dash, heck even a fastech layout is sleeker. Don't take this thread personally because you own a fountain. If anything it shows that fountain has a following and that there are fans that would like some improvements made to keep them towards the top.

I don't take it personally at all. I keep seeing a few claim they need to update the interior and trying to see what they would do to update it. You think a fastech dash is updated? They are the most plain and hideous dash of all the ones you mentioned. Lol.

I have an 07 38 Lightning with the new style cockpit and old style cabin. Couldn't find a new cabin, new cockpit boat in the condition I required at the time we were looking. First, I have not heard or seen posted too many gripes about the design, finish or feel of the new style cabin. To me it feels current, and has the style of a boutique boat like MTI, Statement or Outerlimits. The vinyl, metal and wood (faux or whatever it is) design combination and colors are a home run. Now take the new style cockpit and incorporate the same exact color and surface components as the new style cabin. Sprinkle the metal, the faux wood and change to cream colored seats with inserts that accent the boat paint. Also, the white gel in the cockpit and under the hatch needs to be kept to a minimum. Use the paintwork from the hull and bring it inside the cockpit to accent the interior. Same with the under the hatches, the engine bay and the stern. Sunsation does a great job with this. The Fountain dash seems to work well but again some updates like Cigarette molding in a few things would add to a more high end feel versus a flat panel at a tilt with a bunch of stuff bolted to it. We enjoy our Fountain, favorite boat we have owned up to this point. Times have changed and to get buyers to drop 1/2 a million, by the time its all said and done, the boat better look and feel the part.