pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I'm looking at a 1997 Fountain 29' with twin 502's. The boats clean and it's all there although I'm wondering if the big blocks are to heavy for that size of boat or would a single setup or small blocks be a better way to go.. As I've only had cats my knowledge of the Fountain product or any V Hull for that matter is somewhat limited. Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Jay

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

A twin BB 29 will certainly sit lower in the water than a single. A twin 502 boat will run 81 and a single hp500 runs around 74-75 if I recall correctly. We have a twin 454 boat locally and it seems to run in the water fine. I'd gather twin would have a better rough water ride due to the added weight, but I have not been in a single 29 Fountain to be certain.

The resale might be better on a single 29 since it would have been cheaper to buy when it was new with 1 less motor. I'm not sure what years they offered twin small blocks, but it wasn't in 1997. Maybe 01-02 they started? I don't see many with that setup. Probably because Fountain claims 72 mph and it likely costs quite a bit more than a single 500 or 525 that will run 75 or more.

Back in 2000 when I was looking at 29's I wanted twins. Nowadays, I think most folks are shopping for single. If you're thinking of selling in a year, 2 or even 3, might want to stick with a single. Just my $.02.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Go for the single :) This one runs 82+

http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc...php?a=2&b=2188

F

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Hey Guys,

I have heard that the BB 29 gets out of control real quick, and that is why it is no longer offered by Fountain. I just bought a 29 525hp and it is safe, balanced and a lot of fun to drive. The Fountain experience is worth the money.

Fountainclimber, We have two 525hp 29's on the Great South Bay and haven't been able to break 78mph on GPS.. What power and prop are you running ???? and how much water do you need to hit 82????

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

He's running 82 because he has a blower on a HP500EFI ... look at the pics in the link.

- Vinnie

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Go with the 29 w/ single 525. Boat WILL run 80+ out of the box. w/ 4 blade and open headers w/ Teague silencers. Remove the stock mufflers (external mount) for about 2500 installed and go. I agree, more stable and drivable w/single. Also, look at the number of "New" '02 and '03 twin 29's in dealer inventory (about 3 right now).

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I own an 03 525efi 29 and it runs 77-78 every day. When I first got it and put 30 gals in and no equipment I saw 80. I see 78-79 regularly with about 30 gals and two people on it. Once the engine breaks in you get a litlle extra. I have a 28" Bravo One prop (up from the stock 26" and it takes more to get up but it flys up to 70-71 then creeps up to 78ish. The boat is a joy to drive and NEVER gets squirrely. I use it on smaller lakes with a max of 1 to 2 foot swells. With 3 to 4 swells your ride will be a bit more interesting. If you are going offshore, get 2 motors, if not one single 525efi is the BEST way to go. One gas bill/oil change/ filters/drive/etc etc.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

a friend has an 02 or an 03 29 with twin 377's and anything over 77-78 boat squirrley as hell no matter how you trim it or how its tabbed. i agree with previous post if your doing any kind of offshore boating twins only way to go

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I bought a 38 to handle the big waves on Lake Michigan so the 29 has to go. We also boat on the Chain O Lakes where the 29 is the perfect size. The blower makes the throttle respose instantaneous and it really reacts to driver input. Never had any problems with it in 90 hours but it is way over built for 5 lbs of boost. Only the crank and cam are stock.

I'd recommend a 29 for anything less than a Great Lake (or LOTO). So what if it is not a "real" 29 footer. It is a blast to drive.

My 29 hits the limiter at 82 with a stock 30" Bravo 1 and mostly full tank of gas. I tried a 32 but it went slower. Prop slip is high on my boat and if you like to crusie at 40-60, the 28" Maximus is the way to go. It still goes over 80. I think it puts a higher load on the drive though.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Jay, where do you plan on running it? If you're running offshore, or on the Great Lakes, two motors are the ticket. It'll handle the rough stuff much better, and still allow you to get back to shore if one of the engines dies.

And they sound better, too :cool:

Brian

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

The boats main use is in the Okanagan which is in the interior of British Columbia. The water can get interesting but for the most part it will see 1 to 2 footers. My biggest concern was the handling of the boat with the extra weight as well as where it sits in the water. It's a big purchase for me, and I really appreciate the feed back. I'll post what pics I have.... I'm curious if anyone knows the boat.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

That should haul azz

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

NICE BOAT :drink:

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Jay,

Nice Boat..... I have the same graphics...on my 29
Blowers on those 502MPIs???? Should fly....Did they do anything to the internals , or just bolt on blowers????? Have those motors thoroughly checked.. I have had years of experience with a blower motor and it was a money pit...And I had mine built from the bare block with all the best internals by MRD..I even had the block studded and used copper head gaskets with O-Rings....Thermostatically controlled oil cooler, the works.. between motor + Imco extreme Drive $40K+-. I had to have three drives(backups)...

Although I am tempted to add a whipple to my 525.. I quickly maintain my sanity and remember the days of no boating(out for repair) and a depleted bank account....

The bottom line is You can never go fast enough , you will never be satisfied and if you are a real performance boater this is never your last boat...

My recommendation is Buy a new or leftover boat that is turnkey ,enjoy it for what it is and move up...

Give a call to our dealer Vinnie at Mariner's Cove Fountain (631)283-7001
He hasn't steered us wrong

Good Luck

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I'm not sure what years they offered twin small blocks, but it wasn't in 1997. Maybe 01-02 they started?

I know they had them in 89'........ here's mine









Sometimes I wish I had just one big azz motor..........The times I am on a long distance cruise (like 1000 Islands) far from home Im glad I have twins.......Its up on plane quick and I amaze myself around the docks.......the twin smallblock set up is very easy to work on. I couldnt even imagine changing a starter on the twin big set up.....I love SBCs and with new cyl heads and cams (100hp/side)it will be fast enough for me....doug

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

What is the top speed with twin 377's?

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I just placed a post regarding a used 35 Lightning I placed a deposit on. I currently have a 29 Baja Outlaw with 454's. Like you, I am looking for some feed back on what to expect with the Fountain. The reputation for speed comes with little talk about rough water ride. I an tell you that the Baja I had with the twin big blocks ran much more solid than any single engine boat of similar size. You are adding a ton in engin and drive. I understand your concern since the Fountain is known for being a light hull.

What ever the case, I wish you the best with your new boat


Regards Dan

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I have an '04 29 Fever with twin 6.2's (377's but not Scorpion blue engines). 73 is the best I have seen and it will always run 72 even with two persons and a serious load of fuel. I think it is a great combination. As for the ride, I have run wide open in some really lousy water and have been delighted with the performance...it does require some experience with trim and tabs but once learned the results are excellent. At the risk of sounding self important, it's not the arrow, it's the indian. Once you master the characteristics of the machine (and temper your exuberance with good judgement) everything falls into place. Again, just my .02...

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I would definately go for a single. I have a 1997 29 and run 88 MPH.

The twin engine setup does not make sense for this particular boat.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Fountaineer,

What power and prop are you running?????

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I'm running a blown 509, somewhere around 700 -750 HP. I'm running a 29 Hydromotive, left rotation

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I had a 29 with twin blower motors that dyno 536hp. the boat ran 85, but cost a lot to run, If I were to buy another 29 I would get a 525efi and put a pro charger or whipple on and then you would have a nice package. I have now bought a 35 with 525sc's and would never go back to a 29. But this still cost a lot to run but is one nice boat. good luck with what ever.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Thanks, I really appreciate everyone's input... I picked it up last weekend.

One happy Fountain Owner!!!

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

have an o3' 575 runs 83-87 on speedo depends on the water 1-2 foot runs it's fastest

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

What prop are you running ?????

You must be getting great bow lift!!!!!!

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Nice purchase. SPEEDS?

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I bought a 1990 with twin 454's and put my homemade 454(roller)s in with about 450 hp each. I have seen 80 so far and found out how to trim to eliminate the "wiggles". I have heard lots about how scary the 29 twin BB is but don't buy it all. You only have 300? more pounds in the back than twin SBC if you switch to alum exhaust. Move your anchors and tools to the nose. 25' of leverage will change your distribution with a few pounds. I think it all depends on the value of your purchase compared to the price,,and of course that cool twin sound and look. If I were buying new(which I would NEVER do) I would go single just for less depriciation.Do you NEED twins on a 29,,he-- no! But it's a blast!!
You'll love it,congrats.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

Thanks... I hope so.

I have the actual test sheets from Fountain showing Reggie as the driver. From what I understand I think they/he tests every boat. 82mph at WOT 5000 rpm spinning 28 4 blades without the blowers and having stock exhaust. I'm thinking mid 90's the way its setup... or better yet hoping. I'll scan the test sheets tomorrow and post it on this link.

Curious... Does anyone have any ideas on how the Merc 5 blade would work on this application and if so what pitch???

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

FYI
The guy that bought my 32 non step, turned the props in and picked up 6mph, and 400 rpms!
Used to gps at 80, now it runs 86 @4900rpms. 1.36 gears 27p hydros.

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

So many here suggest turning out but all the pics I see of non-step 29 and 32 Fevers are turning in??Mine is turning out on a 29' 1990. I have 2 BBCs with around 450HP. I am turning 29" Hydros at 4600 and 79mph. Handleing felt good after I trimmed out enough to plant the stern, scary as hell before,even at 70mph. I guess I'll swap them anyway just for a try but don't figure I'll be lucky enough to pick up 6mph. Anybody played with a 29' much? Should I remove the stops on my tabs? I haven't had ny "walk". Thanks

Re: pondering purchase of 29' lighting need advise
 

I have a 95 29 with twin 502's that have been tweeked and it runs 93 but is a bit loose over 85 MPH. I really like the boat and there is nothing like TWINS. Roger