Here are my top 4 choices as of today
 

Figured it's best to be specific so here are the four Fountain boats I am considering. 29 is ideal but if a really good deal can be had on a 27 then I may go that direction. Two are listed on FB marketplace and the other two on boat trader.

This will mote than likely be a summer fling for me and not a long term boat. Buy it, use it as much as possible and probably sell at the end of the season.

The 92 is wild but with a non stepped hull I'm not sure if this would be the best choice. It's got a history of going 90+ but does that mean it was beat? The color scheme is awesome in it's own way. I'm sure a head turner with the colors! Where is Hulk Hogan when you need him brother???

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ibextid=9R9pXO

This 97 27 sure is priced right. Lots of work done to it, owned by a marine tech. Will get more specifics for sure.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ibextid=9R9pXO

Now on to the two 29s. Both may be way out of my price range but I have to believe there is some wiggle room, especially given the hours.

This 29 has it's hull bottom painted. A huge negative in the go fast world but to me it's a total bonus. Pilot owned, well documented but the hull has 900+hrs and the engine 200+.

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/1997...fever-9071186/

Lastly, local to me and for my negotiation purposes I think a rebuild should be in the discussion.

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2004...fever-8963819/

Maybe you've said it before, what kind of water do you boat on? If there's chop and slop I wouldn't want to be near the 27...it ain't a 27.

Calmish water, Upper Chesapeake Bay and will only be used on nice days. But I completely agree, the 29 is pretty much an all around better boat.

I like the 29!

Not what your want to hear but I’ll say it anyway…..

Modified motors, pro chargers, non stock power are all things that turn me off. It’s like code for trouble, maintenance, frustration and a few extra mph. I like standard engines, built the way the factory designed them. Boats should spend their time out on the water, not in the shop.

Price….. you mentioned “wiggle room” when referring to bloats at 40K and 60K but say your budget is 20 something. Sellers should be flexible but how much wiggle room do you have? There’s a huge gap there.

I’m a Fountain fan too but would you consider anything else? I’d consider a Baja Outlaw that was built this century. Bigger boat compared to a Fountain, not 70 mph with stock power but low-mid 60’s, easy to drive and practical. A nice 25’ or possible a 29’ would be somewhere near your budget.

Don't want to kill your enthusiasm for Fountain but as you’ve read on here, it’s fraught with potential problems. Maybe there’s other possibilities worth considering…. Good luck in your search and I hope it ends well, whatever you buy. :)

RR

Just noticed this…..
Hours are getting up a bit, it could be a total mess but the ad reads well and the photos look good. Also, I have no idea about geography/location but it’s still an example of something different.

https://www.powerboatlistings.com/photographs/77023

I agree with rak.

That first boat you listed, the colors are hideous, imo. Would be a hard sell in the future.

Why would a 29' single engine boat need a 3 axle trailer?

I wouldn't want twin i/o in any 29' go fast boat. they are a ***** to work on and bigger$$$ to maintain.

Look at Velocitys also. I sold my 29 for low 30s. Was a clean boat.

I would try to get something with stock power. Like rak mentioned, non stock is a turn off for some.

^^^ agree with Rak. Stay with stock power if possible. Less problems, easier to maintain. If you’re sold on Fountains, get a survey, esp transom. Stay with stock power, not as fast but more reliable. I’m a Baja guy, probably for life. On my third one now. The 25 Outlaw handles most chop and rough water pretty good. 496 ho great motor, 65 mph. At some point will probably move up to the 29 Outlaw, with stock power only. Good luck

This is your plan?

Two options,
Option one: Buy something stock/great condition and you "might" be able to sell it after a season for a reasonable loss.
Option two: Buy the rattiest one you can find, hope it runs for the season and then sell it for parts expecting a big loss.
Secret option 3: Re-think your original plan.

You realize there are two flaws in your plan right?

1. "use as much as possible" is code name for something expensive will likely break
2. We are in a declining market, I/O stuff doesn't sell great brand new today when compared to OB's. So if these boats are suffering from "lot rot" now they will likely be harder to sell at the end of next season.