29 Fountain
 

I am looking at a 29 Fountain. It is a 1997 single step with a 525 sc. Hour meter shows 280 hours. Hull seems to be solid and the boat runs out fine. I have searched the motor and it gets generally positive reviews. I also know about the beak and the swim platform and don't expect it to be a wave crusher.

I would appreciate any feedback or thoughts about the pros and cons of this boat. Thanks in advance.

I would sound all the stringers you can get to before pulling the trigger. Bow structure included.

The 29 is a great boat. Rides fine. As with any boat with wood just make sure it's all solid. Lots of people love the 29 single.

I had a 29 Fever with a 525SC a few boats back. Good build quality, ok ride. The 525SC is good motor, but be ready to rebuild the blower if it hasn't already been rebuilt. The shaft tends to weaken and break over time. The boat will be a little slow to plane assuming that it has the standard Bravo lower and k-planes. I swapped my lower for an IMCO -2 and also changed out the standard k-planes for the longer ones, and the boat handled and ran a lot better. With that set-up we were running best with a 30P labbed Bravo I prop.

Had a pair of 525SC's years back, fine engines, ran like biotches and never a single mechanical issue in eight years of ownership. Change the oil and the blower lube on a short, 25 hr, interval and they will treat you right. Want to have some fun? Install the Whipple intercoolers and jump the boost up, they will make 625 to 650 and run like stockers. Did that and never an issue.

I've had mine for 13 years and have loved every minute!

Thanks for all the info. There is nothing better than actual experience and I certainly appreciate all who have posted so far.

Have they upgraded the drive yet ?

My 31 Scarab with 525sc has given me 100 hours of trouble free turn key boating since I purchased 2 years ago. Great motors.

The boat has 280+ hours. Should I do top end this winter? If so, should I go with a different cam and rocker roller lifters? The blower was recently rebuilt so I would like to run it for a year or two. I would be open to an inter cooler if it would fit under the hatch. I also might consider a compression increase. At this time, some more HP would be good (always), but I need to get some seat time to learn the boat.

I would like to change blower, go to better heads, and higher compression when I have a major rebuild in about another 250 hours. Also, Bravo drive was also recently rebuilt and would like to keep HP semi reasonable for drive life. I know if I get too much torque and power, I will need a stronger drive.

Does anyone have any more ideas? Checkbook is generally open, but by no means unlimited. I still need good bang for the buck and don't need to run 90. Thanks in advance.