Tex,i must be getting on your nerves right now,asking all these questions but you know your sh_t.This might sound silly to everyone but what are the pros and cons of having dual or single on a 29?other then ofcourse what US1 said about the diffrent levers wich does sound like it would be confusing for a first timer or newbie.

I've had 5-6 girls on the back of my boat before with no problems. It might sit 1-2" lower. Not enough to even get the swim platform wet, but close.
8 people would be packed.

single engines are cheaper to maintain and operate.
twins are nice for the large waters where you still have a motor to get back in if one dies on ya.

Pros: Faster
Easy to convert to twin small blocks (which is pretty cheap)
Easier on the outdrives - less maintenance cost to the outdrives
Can replace with cheap stock power and still go plenty fast
Twin stock power can give you a reliable 80mph, and the engines should last longer (I'm thinking twin stock 502's vs one 500EFI)
More weight should give you a better ride in rough water

Cons: higher maintenance - twice as much
Higher gas cost - twice as much
Not as well balanced
Harder to resale
Harder on the outdrives - high maintenance cost and shorter life
Insurance - (really don't now for sure)



Don't be shy - Keep em coming bud.....

how about the speed difference? but i gotta tell you,you pretty much sold me on a single and i checked my availability of space and believe a 29 is no problem there so thanks again on that one.

I think the Fountain would be a great first boat. Its long enough to help in the OOOPS area and long enough to give a nice ride to upsize from. Plenty of storage area and a nice size cabin. Plus with Blue power it will run pretty good in the speed.

John S.

http://www.offshore-performance.com/...re-performance

go with the fountain if your budget permits.the fountain will resale quicker and hold its vaule longer.....just my two cents worth.

"Plus with Blue power it will run pretty good in the speed."

John S.




Are you talking about NOS?

No, I meant Mercury High Performance engines.

John S.

For a first boat, I would definately recommend staying with a single motor. Definately easier to learn on and once you get some serious throttle time, then you can start thinking about stepping up to twins. I also would not go any bigger than a 29 fountain. Yeah the big boats look great. But get a little experience docking and manuevering. The longer the boat, the more difficult it will be to raft up or dock in tight spots. I would also stick with stock power. Yeah we all want to go fast. But being new to the sport, you want the reliability of stock power. You can always upgrade down the road.

Usually I always tell people to buy a cheaper smaller boat for a first boat. Something they wont mind putting a few scratches and dings in. Cause that will happen your first year or so. Once you get proficient at docking and manuevering, then get something nicer. Im glad I started on a 22foot bayliner then stepped to my Baja. The bayliner had more scratches and dings when I sold it than when I got it.