What boat?
 

Hi, I have been lurking here for a couple of weeks and I'm in the market for a single engine v-bottom in the 25'-28' lenght that handles rough water reasonably well. I'm leaning towards a Fountain 27. Any suggestions pros, cons? Any issuses with early 90's 27's?

Thanks
Badluck

Re: What boat?
 

get the 29ft fountain,with the beak its really 27 and it has more room/higher freeboard for rough water,Smitty

Re: What boat?
 

I have a '91 27 Fountain. It handles rough water very well for a 27, and I don't think there is a tougher boat made. In my opinion, the thing to keep in mind is that Fountains are no-compromise boats, meaning they are meant to go fast and handle well. They sit low in the rear, and if you slow too quickly, you will get water over the transom. They also come up on plane relatively slowly, unless you use the tabs. Other than that, I couldn't think of a better choice. There are cheaper boats, but not better, IMO. I plan on keeping mine for a very long time. Good luck!

Re: What boat?
 

Thanks.

Re: What boat?
 

research,research,research :D:
more boats in that size range
go to boattrader and put in that size in search and see what comes up.

Re: What boat?
 

I agree with toolz. I had a 1993 27' Fountain, and it handled very well in rough water. Getting on plane sometimes can be tricky with a full load though. It's true that the 29' has more cockpit room though.

Re: What boat?
 

What about Velocity, Pantera, Powerplay, Active Thunder to name a few.
Keep an open mind. There are a lot of good boats out there.

Re: What boat?
 

I agree with mwdill. Spend some time looking and driving a few. I did research for almost a year before going with a Formula 271 Fastech. Donzi and Fountain are also very good boats in that size range. My Formula is built like a battleship but with that comes a weight penalty and a few less mph.

ALL boats are a compromise. It all depends what is important to you.

Re: What boat?
 

Thanks for the replies. I have been in Formulas before and they are nice boats, but I really like the design of the 27 Fever (before the wraparound windscreen).

Re: What boat?
 

how bout a chief?

Re: What boat?
 

27 fountain and the 29 fountain are definently solid investments and great looking boats, I'd do the 29 for sure, but the 27 is more affordable in my opinion.
288 Sunsation is pretty neat if you havent seen it. (I like this one a little better than the 27 fountain, but not better than the 29. but what do I know.)
some of the oso polls have said 28 pantera
Checkmate has a nice looking boat.
28zx donzi
my 2cents

Re: What boat?
 

go for the 29 it has more room in the cockpit and that makes a big difference and you can find them for the same price as a 27