Originally Posted by monstaaa (Post 3275528)

as in the lil 21's with o/b's?
and im not saying hes not a nice man nor an educated man.

Originally Posted by Matt Trulio (Post 3275532)

I used the word "bitter" in describing my friend T2X in another thread. It probably was not the best word choice, though I have found him consistently negative/critical/strident on anything regarding Fountain. (And don't even get the man started on West Coast catamarans, or pretty much any contemporary catamaran other than a Skater ... sorry, Rich, I couldn't resist.)

Padraig is dead right on all counts. T2X is all that ... and more.

However, the amount of coverage this story has been given and the response to it (like T2X, everyone else on this board is entitled to an opinion) has been entirely appropriate given the man involved. Whatever the reason, Mr. Fountain has been one of the biggest names in the high-performance boat business for the past 20 years. His departure, regardless of anyone's opinion of him, is big news

Since the rumors of Fountain's departure began circulating two weeks ago, I have written four stories on the subject. They are:

• Commentary: Fountain Became the Game
• Industry Reaction to Reggie Fountain’s Departure
• Fountain Moving Forward
• Reggie Fountain: Still at Fountain

Nothing inaccurate was contained in those stories. And I think the commentary might have surprised a few folks. It was not all sunshine. Far from it.

If Peter Hledin left Skater or Fred Kiekhaefer left Mercury Racing, I would provide the same level of coverage.

I will continue to write about the goings-on at Fountain Powerboats. As for Mr. Fountain himself, I'll write about him in my blog again if or when he reenters the market. If he starts a boat company, I'll provide continued coverage of its development. If starts, let's say, a clothing company, I might—and I mean might—mention it. One is news worthy. The other rates a mention on a slow news day.

Originally Posted by DollaBill (Post 3275553)

Matt, you are correct. But this last post of yours has nothing to do with why this thread was started. And, the reality is this has been coming for a looooooooooooooooooooong time regarding Rich.

As for Shadows, my firend just bought and totally restored an early 80's (I believe) 21'. Nice looking and fun but. Now if the speed/design problems can be worked out he'll be happy.

Originally Posted by fast fun 2 (Post 3275556)

Desing problems? My Challenger is the same bottom...no issues here. And as far as I know...your buddies boat seems to be the first boat with a "problem" of one of the most copied desgins ever.

Originally Posted by DollaBill (Post 3275564)

I'll retract that for now. No need to distract from the thread. Didnt mean to hijack. Back to the grumpy old man

Originally Posted by apache727 (Post 3275505)

His posts tend to be brutally honest and I have to agree with him at least 95% of the time. I have always thought his posts were the most entertaining on OSO or S&F...

Originally Posted by wot (Post 3275534)

..ill explain why in a few minutes when I finish my sushi and get off this droid...:)

Originally Posted by fast fun 2 (Post 3275568)

Then PM me. Im curious to say the least about the "issues".

As to the grumpy old man, If anyone on here has paid his dues to be a little judgemental, its him. At least he backs up his calls with facts, unlike about 99% of people on this board.

Originally Posted by fast fun 2 (Post 3275548)

You say lil like its a silly little game....running a 21 foot boat offshore with twin 2.4s against boats much much bigger...and winning...is no game. Yes the 21s from Long Island and NJ