chris_dobz

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the forum and need some advice on a 2003 Fountain 38 Tournement Edition center console boat. I have an offer in and it is under contract pending an official inspection and survey. I'm still looking around for a certified guy to do the survey so if someone could recommend a good one located around Lake St. Clair, MI (St. Clair Shores, MI) it would be greatly appreciated.

Now onto my concerns....I noticed that the rear scuppers that go through the transom are stainless steel and one of them is missing the rubber grommets on both sides. I've heard/seen horror stories on this forum about this particular boat and how water can leak in and rot the transom especially around the scuppers. So my questions are:

1. How do I check to see if water has leaked into the transom and has started to rot? Would the person doing the survey be able to do this or is there something I could do myself while I wait?
2. What should I look out for on this particular boat specifically and are there any "gotcha's" I should be concerned about?
3. If the transom would need to be replaced approx. how much would it cost on this particular boat? Any locals that could quote me?

Quick notes on whats noticeably damaged:
- Center engine fiberglass cover is dented in on the corner.
- Steering wheel is loose (it wiggles and it's not related to the tilt)
- Air Conditioning unit is broken
- Might need a new pump (not sure yet)
- Cushions are sun faded
- T-Top is sun faded
- It is used in FL for the winter months and then brought up to MI for the summer months
- One cup holder is busted
- There is paint chipping around the engine levers
- The gauges are sun faded
- Rear engine transom mount braket is all chipped and faded
- Transom scuppers are missing rubber grommets


Boat Info and facts:
38' Fountain 38 Tournament Edition
Year: 2003
Located in St.Clair Shores, MI

Dimensions
Beam: 10 ft 6 in
Minimum Draft: 2 ft 0 in
Maximum Draft: 2 ft 5 in
Bridge Clearance: 8 ft 0 in
Dry Weight: 10600 lbs

Engines
Total Power: 675 HP

Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Mercury
Engine Model: Optimax
Engine Type: Outboard 2S
Engine/Fuel Type: Gas/Petrol
Engine Hours: 478
Engine Power: 225 HP
Engine 2:
Engine Brand: Mercury
Engine Model: Optimax
Engine Type: Outboard 2S
Engine Hours: 478
Engine Power: 225 HP
Engine 3:
Engine Brand: Mercury
Engine Model: Optimax
Engine Type: Outboard 2S
Engine Hours: 478
Engine Power: 225 HP


Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: (30 Gallons)
Fuel Tanks: (287 Gallons)

Accommodations
Number of single berths: 2
Number of heads: 1

Electronics
Depthsounder
GPS
Cockpit speakers
VHF
Compass
Radar

Inside Equipment
Electric head
Battery charger

Electrical Equipment
Shore power inlet

Outside Equipment/Extras
Cockpit shower
Swimming ladder

Additional Equipment
Launching trailer

Deck

Anchor locker
Cleats, pop-up bow w/amidships and stern
Fish boxes, 4 under floor w/macerator & overboard drain
Rod holders
Sink w/pressurized water system
Livewell at transom, 50 gallons
Rod/gaff storage (4 under gunwale, 8 under v-berth)
Salt water wash down

Elecrtronics & Helm Console
Console cup holders
Helm seat, leaning post style w/ fixed backrest & rod holders
Trim tabs
Fuel gauge
Mercury Smartcraft gauges
Steering, hydraulic, w/tilt steering wheel
Compass
Tactronics display plotter
Kaffer controls

Electrical
Batteries
Bilge pumps
Battery switches

Cuddy Cabin
V shape seating with filler cushion to make a berth
Rod storage
Radio
Flourescent lighting
Walk-in head w/VacuFlush, shower, sink, and 25 quart cooler under forward-facing seat
Air Condition Unit (Broken)

Photos to the boat in question can be found at the link below:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?...jQ&usp=sharing

Cheers,
Chris

Nykamp

Use Dennis Biel for your survey he's in Detroit , great guy!! 1-586-219-7219

chris_dobz

Omg, hilarious...I literally just booked him for the survey this Monday morning. Too funny. Plus I've heard that he is the best from multiple sources so thank you for confirmation. I'll be sure to update the thread with the results.

Cheers,
Chris

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Pull the stainless scupper out of the transom completely.
Take a small screwdriver and poke at the wood to see if it's soft.

Your surveyer should have a moisture meter. Sound investment if so.

chris_dobz

Thank you!!! Much appreciated!!!

Cheers,
Chris

iliveonanisland

Did you really just post OMG on one of the manliest forums on gods earth... Ever participate in a gay pride parade? Not that there's anything wrong with that

chris_dobz

Nah, I'm straight money yun! Definitely should not be responding to your troll, however, I need a slip in Miami Beach if any of your gay pride friends know of any available?

hogie roll

I didn't realize those are so wide

Pete280

I would have a motor survey too, 2003 was the first year they had figured the Optimax out, prior to that they were pretty unpredictable and nicknamed Optibomb. The air compressor is the weak link, a survey can tell you if they have the newer style or if the bearings are starting to wear.

Good Luck, I have heard the 38TE is one of the best riding CC's ever

chris_dobz

Thank you! Do you know when Fountain switched to marine grade plywood in the transom and more specifically the material used in the transom on this rig?

Thanks,
Chris