Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Ray,
I'm so glad you are finally able to use that beautiful boat.
This thread was my favorite thread to watch for the longest time. You really did a nice job on that boat.
DS

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

I got it fixed today! stupid simple problem, The ignition switch had a loose wire going to it. It would shut off while accellerating and then turn back on/off/on.... Now it is fine I am breaking in the engines. I will have more picts tomorrow. I did push it to 70 once today.

THis thing handles way different than my Powerquest. It will take a little time to get use to it. When you turn it leans way over compaired to the PQ. But at least everything is working fine.

I dropped 600.00 in fuel today. Full tanks for the weekend!

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Ray, Glad to here it was just a minor problem. Yes, the 47 leans way over into the turns, unlike the other Fountains, too. You will get used to it. You will also notice it does not need much positive trim (I usually run it at about 3.5 to 4). The test sheet said not to trim above 5. It's fun to put it into a fairly sharp turn at around 60 mph (keep drives at 3 or 4). People watching say it looks very cool to see a boat that big turn like it does. Also impresses the folks in the boat, too! Have fun with it, you have a very impressive ride there!

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

I just got back from a 4 hour ride, pretty much everything is fine. I ran it up to 76 for a few seconds felt great. I am still braking in the engines so I mostly crused at 40 - 50 mph.

I did have a problem with the silent choice, the switch would not release the air pressure. I had to cut one of the hoses to open the exhaust up. I will look into it tomorrow.

So far so good, I will be back out tomorrow!

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

that thing is huge..
and very nice!!!!

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

The silent choice was a 15A fuse, I may have a short or the fuse is too small. I replaced it and it works now. Depth finder does not work yet thats next on the punch list.

Here is a pict on the Manning cradle and my boat lift.

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Ray,
Saw your boat entering Metro either Friday or Sat.evening. The graphics are great !

ed

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Thanks, I was going to be out this weekend but otherplans have overruled it. Darn I have 3 new 5 blade props to test too!

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

here it is Hydro......

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Very sweet boat...Was wondering what ya got out of it after all the dialing in was done, any problems over the year? what ya finally pay for the 500 efi's? do you ever plan on adding whipples to them?

mike

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

I have had it up to 83, with about 1/2 tank and 6 passenges. Conditions were like glass. IT may have a little more in it but not much. I am using stock Hydromotive P5X 27" They seem almost perfect. I had a loose ignition wire at the keyswitch that would cause one engine to back fire but that was early on. I had tons of air in the power steering circuit which I blead off through the resivour. Nothing wrong after that. I am starting to concider putting it back in the water soon as long as the weather holds.

The 500's were about 23 - 24k each if I remember. I do not plan on supercharging them at this time. It is a real reliable package at this point. Thats wat I am shooting for with this boat. I initially was going to go with some 540's x 3.3 L but decided the 500's were a better choice in the long run.

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Hi Ray,

I have been following your project since your first posts. Great to read about your progress.

An early post you said it handled "differently." How do you like it now? Have you had it in any rough conditions?
On my 2000 32 (single step), the ride and performance is very sensitive to tabs: put the bow down and it rides the rough stuff like a cadillac, but the safe top speed is about 35-40 (gets real squirilly faster than that), with a top speed of about 45. Tabs up, it flies to 70, but its flying -- a lot of time airborne with pretty hard landings (in the rough stuff of the Pacific Ocean). What happens on your boat?

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

A couple more questions, Ray:

Have you weighed the boat as is?
Have you weighed the boat + trailer?
Is that a steel trailer?
Looks like you tow with the same truck I've got: F350 V10. Works OK?
How long is it, including your truck, on the trailer?
How do you like the bimini? Can you still get to the foredeck to do lines, anchor, look at the dolphins (OK, no dolphins in lakes) with the top up?

Do you ever cook and eat on the boat?

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

A couple more questions, Ray:

Have you weighed the boat as is?

No

Have you weighed the boat + trailer?

No


Is that a steel trailer?

Yes - Manning

Looks like you tow with the same truck I've got: F350 V10. Works OK?

OK for short distance Mountains = bad Need more power, gooseneck is awesome


How long is it, including your truck, on the trailer?

68'

How do you like the bimini? Can you still get to the foredeck to do lines, anchor, look at the dolphins (OK, no dolphins in lakes) with the top up?

No bimini or top yet

Do you ever cook and eat on the boat?


Snack and drink no cooking

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

A few pictures from this weekend, All is running great best speed so far 82. It is full of gas though.

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

a couple more

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Looks great Ray!

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

She looks even better flying across the lake. The boat turned out great. I got to see your other toy at Hammond last week. Very nice boat. Sam looks very happy with his purchase.
Dan

Re: 47 Fountain Lightning Project
 

Wow,
The boat looks great...doesn't look like the same one you started with.