If you had $60k to spend, which would you rather have, a 1990 Fountain 33 Lightning with T-454's (475hp), a 1994 Fountain 29 Lightning with T-502's (500hp) or a newer 2001 Fountain 27 Lightning w/ 496Mag and only 37 hrs.

My brother in law is in the market for a boat and he's trying to decide between getting an older, larger boat vs. a newer smaller boat. His choices aren't necessarily limited to the examples given, but they are representative of what he's looking at. There are several 27 and 29 Lightning's available that have asking prices less than what he's willing to spend.

The vast majority of the boating will be done on Lake Michigan, primarily for family/pleasure use, so top speed isn't the utmost priority, but I'm sure he and I will race each other, as well as others whenever the opportunity arises, so he wants something that will approach or exceed 70mph.

He also likes Formula FasTechs, but only the 271's seem to be in his price range ($60k or less). How do they compare in terms of quality and perfromance to the Fountains. Also, is the Formula SR1 the precurser to the FasTech? How about their quality and performance? Theirs a 1996 Formula 303 SR1 with T-454's (385hp) and only 100 hours available nearby.

There is nothing like new and the new 496's are top notch...........

I would probably go for the 2001. But as Too Old said the extra length would be nice.

I'd also check out that Formula....nice boats if you ask me.

I would find another couple grand and buy Fever Mike's 2000 29'.

Too Old has always been interested in extra length.

If it were my decision and was choosing between the above boats, it would be the 2001 Fountain 27 Lightning w/ 496Mag and only 37 hrs.

I'd take he 496 over the other choices any day. It won't be long before every weekend will be marred by something needing to be fixed.

Too Old,

We exchanged PM's earlier this week regarding the 35' Cigarette you had for sale. If the situation falls through with it, let me know. My brother in law was definitely interested in it and he's got the cash.

How about older and larger AND new

G

What do you mean? Older, larger boat, but repowered/refurbished with new power and rigging? His limit is $60k, if you're refering to your boat, it's probably out of his price range.

Mine would fit the older/larger class. I want to go smaller and outboards this time.

-Greg