After weeks of searching I`ve narrowed it down and want to buy before summer is over.

Use would be be myself wife and two kids... Lake Michigan mostly.

First choice is a 2001 26' Powerquest with 454 mag
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/6816

Second is a 1996 27` Fountain fever with a 502
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...Fever-95320134

Fountain is a better boat but 5 years older and $3K more.. more hours.
I love the way it looks and the 502 is very nice, a bit longer never hurts either.. 2001 boat would be better for resale.. the 1996 motor is probably ready for a refresh? Maybe not... I`m not sure..first boat for me
help

Thoughts?

Have you actually been in either a 26 PQ or 27 Fever? The Fountain will be substantially smaller than the PQ.

May I ask why you think the Fountain is a better boat?
actually the 26 PQ is bigger then the 27 Fountain.

both nice boats,take them both out for a test drive

Yeah that. And make sure you bring your wife and kids when you do. Let us know what you think of the interior space.

You'll be driving home with a PQ attached to your hitch.

I would take the Fountain.

Or............you could buy this. Cheaper and bigger than both. Built rock solid, excellent ride, and will hardly depreciate a dime if you take care of it.........

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Formu...3A1%7C72%3A317

Take it where?

If you want a boat to go out with your buddys then I quess you may want the Fountain,but if you have a family with a couple of kids or want any kind of cabin then you most likely want the PQ.
as far as quality they are both good.

This is Dan's wife I vote for the PQ we have to kids ages 5 and two we do not want them to fly out of the back .....

I have an '03 260 PQ and it's a nice solid ride on Lake Michigan for this size of boat. It has a higher freeboard and roomier cockpit and cabin than the Fountain or Formula. Like they said , get in and check out the ride.
Here,s another one.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...ml:boat::boat:

Being a parent of a 3 year old my self, you are going to want to get a boat with the most useable space. They get small quick when they are in the water. And don't forget all the beach toys, chairs and other stuff that is involved when boating with small children!