1988 29' Fountain???
 

I am not exactly looking for a new boat but this '88 29' fountain was brought to my attention. It has twin 454's (HP is unknown by me). On a loadmaster triple axle aluminum trailer. I asked how fast and the owner said he doesn't know exactly because the speedo never worked well. He is asking about $30k It needs some updating and a swim platform for my two young boys. My question is what is a good guess for performance? If the boat surveyed well what would be a fair offering price? And After redoing the dash, adding a swim platform and taking off the "LIVIN' LARGE" lettering would I be better off just getting something newer??


Thanks again,

SOX

I am concerned with reliability on a boat this old. I know mechanically know one can tell but how well built is this era Fountain's hull?

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

port side

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

Hard to determine but looks like some TLC is needed. Speed should be upper 60's-70 range. 30k sounds alittle high for what pics are. 24-25 range I guess is good. Fairing looks homemade with those brackets. A survey will tell how hull is. Have a compression test done on motors-150-160 per cylinder is good. If it was saltwater boat, it's probably gonna need some work. There was some good 32 Fever deals out there for 40 range and newer. may want to peek around some.

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

Also hope you like the paint graphics too.

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

The paint is definetly something I would do away with also. I was thinking an offer of low to mid 20's also. I took these pics in late winter when it first went on the market, In the morning the price was 30k, by the time I had got over to look at it the owner was told a broker could sell it for 45k. I walked a way without really scoping the boat too well. I recieved a call yesterday telling me the owner bought a repo boat and needs to sell this boat asap. I figure it doesn't hurt to investigate the boat a little bit, you never know the true bottom line price until you ask... ( & show some green backs :) )

Would a surveyor do a compression test?
as far as I know the boat ran in the Deleware river. No salt up north but a lot of telephone poles and bodies ( the hull has a few wear marks).

Is there any aftermarket fairings available that would update the looks?

Thanks for the help so far :)

SOX

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

a surveyor should be able to if not get a mechanic-its easy.You will water test also right? After you agree on price..... Been on market for 8 months-need to sell-offer 20. Fairing isn't that bad I just noticed the goofy brackets, looks kind of cheesy (WI).

You have been looking for 8 mo and haven't tripped over anything?

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

yes, there are aftermarket fairings available

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

I sold my 1993 29 Fountain twin 502 EFI's less than 250 hour new triple axle trailor for 36k last year if that helps. Tom

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

I think Totalmarine can make them at an reasonable price

Re: 1988 29' Fountain???
 

we all know how fast or slow our boats are, (he's not telling the truth already!) it should do about 70 if it has 454mags, if you sea test bring hand held gps.

Seasons almost over, lot of people with boats that don't want to winterize and store, I'd offer 20k. good luck.