I have a 2001 model and the steering was getting a little tuff when really hot, anyway I was told I should start with replacing the Hydrolic steering FILTER, OK so i call Fountain well they no longer make their own steering systems, tell me to call Latham, Latham has no idea what Fountain used?????

RUN AROUND, so has anyone replaced their Fountain filter?? I can't be the only one out there with Fountain steering?

Thanks

WILL

call some dealers

Who did you talk to at Fountain? I'd bet it's the same filter that Latham uses but you need to make sure. When you call Fountain again ask for Marty Bosinger. He knows everything. It's there steering so they have to give you a part number to give Latham. Let us know what you find out.

Dan

Why can't you just use a Lathem filter? Surely they are pretty much the same, other than color. Both have to have the same specs as they are for the same application. I have the Fountain system also and my filter looks just like the Lathems, but only red instead of blue.

2001 boat...shouldn't you still be covered under the Fountain warranty?

I will call Fountain back??? As for still being covered, the warranty is for 3 years, and I purchased the boat in 8/00. I guess it was one of the first 2001 out?

As for using the latham, the color does not bother me, I talked to them and they are saying it may or may not be the same? Basically hinting the only way to be sure is to replace the whole system with theirs

I have to admit this is just another small annoying detail that I feel Fountain should, be or have taken care of. My love on Fountain boats is great, opinion on service is slipping.

WILL

27,

Once you get the Latham part number, just remember they do all their business via UPS with COD delevery. Since UPS requries a bank draft or money order, there's no way to get the parts without someone being at home when its delivered...unless you just leave checks on your front porch.

Same problem as you, half my steering system has Latham on it, the other half Fountain. Latham plays dumb as to which parts Fouintain used. Most of the hardware looks the same.

I need some stainless hardware and I'm forced to go elsewhere since Latham is too hard to work with.

Bill

Latham is being difficult for a reason... when Fountain was building their own steering systems, Latham thought some of the similarities to their designs were a bit more than "coincidental".

As long as the fittings are the same, I think they're AN8 on both ends, a Latham filter will work just fine.

Good luck,
Brian