JLANE

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

32fever

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.

Fountainclimber

Go for the single This one runs 82+

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

F

DragonFire

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????

HPFountain

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

- Vinnie

DollaBill

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).

masher44

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.

berns29scarab

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

Fountainclimber

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.

p4-33

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

Brian