Oh yeah...forgot about that too.. the 525 is closed cooled. I think you can add closed cooling to the 500 which you should really consider if you're in salt.. still think you're better off with a 525...

I owned a 1998 29 Fever and would not recommend it for Gulf/Bay use. The boat is not a good rough water boat and you will take a pounding. Quality-wise, I have nothing but praise for Fountain - excellent fit and finish on the boat. Ride-wise... not so much when it comes to the 29.

The single may be a little slow out of the hole - mine had a 525SC and we nicknamed it "bog-o-matic". We eventually swapped out the short k-planes for the long ones and swapped the standard lower for a -2 IMCO and improved things a bit. Not a cheap solution though. Running a 30P Bravo labbed prop, we saw a best of 78 - 79 mph but the boat ran a consistent 75.

If I were looking for a single engine 27 - 29ft boat for use in the Tampa Bay area, I would strongly consider a 28 Pantera. I have never owned one, but the few I have been in impressed me.

Interesting... I have always known the fountains to be a good ride but have never been on a 29 fever. Thanks for the input, I will take it into consideration.

Jim

Remember, the 35' and up Fountains had a 23 degree deadrise bottom. The 32' and below Fountains (except for the 24') had a 21 degree deadrise bottom.

There are two boats in my area for sale....

a 2000 27' Fever with 502

a 2004 29' Fever with 525

Both very clean. If these interest you, I can forward you contact details. Located in Western Kentucky.

Welcome to OSO.

There's a good chance that ANY motor of that vintage is going to need some attention ($$$).

There are two boats in my area for sale....

a 2000 27' Fever with 502

a 2004 29' Fever with 525

Both very clean. If these interest you, I can forward you contact details. Located in Western Kentucky.

The 29' with 525 is extremely clean and worth consideration - 100% fresh water. I've seen it and believe it is one of the cleanest you will find.