jmackin

iTrader: (1)

Find the closest priced 500 efi boat and see if the extra 50hp per is worth it! 502 mpis are good for 500+ hrs. even w/ small upgrades like exhaust etc.

ACTIVESHACK

My last boat was a 05 35' Fountain and I dumped it for $125K 2 years ago. There should be some Fountains in that year range showing up for $100K or less by now. Not a bad deal if you can find one. Do your research and you'll find a deal. Fountains are really great boats for the money they cost.

ApachePete

Avoid salt-water boats!

GDM

ill be doing all my boating in saltwater

GDM

there are some for well under 100 with 496's

how much engine life will i get from a 496 ? how many hours on average ?

PARADOX

Prioritize your search. Speed? Comfort? resale? size? weight? now that you have a budget.
I'm not a Fountain guy. Due to Regie and I had some issues way back. His boats are OK. Formulas are heavier and slower, but more creature comforts. 502's are easier to "boost" with HP's than 496's. 496's will have a beter resale.
Lighter boat like a Hustler with 496 are great. Bajas are less $'s, and OK on speed. The 353 will need at least 500's. Due your research and decide what's most important. I went with ride and rough water capability, instead of speed. Good luck.

ACTIVESHACK

Under 100K seems like a good deal to me on a 03-04 Fountain. The 496s have been around long enough that there should be someone out here with 4-500 hrs. or more on them so maybe somebody else can chime in on the longetivity on them. But the Fountain is a good bang for the buck. I've owned 2 of them and there great boats for the money.

BY U BOY

Why? If taken care of correctly they will be fine. Hell I have a 17 year old boat that has been in salt its whole life and its in better shape than some fresh water boat. Its all in how you take care of your stuff IMHO.

Jassman

agreed...the key is how you take care of it after you run it...flush it out including bilge, hose it off thoroughly, wipe cockpit down, put cover on and hose it off again top to bottow, drives, tabs, exhaust, and for you guys that have to put it on a trailer vs a lift, the trailer needs to be hosed off a s well.

milesd

I know where there is a 32 Fountain that has been in storage for 6/8 years. The boat had the motors removed several years ago and now the boat is going up for sale. The owner will sell with or without motors. The owner will also install the motors of your choice.
If you are interested send me a private message.