Based on your plans, the Baja is the better choice 100%.

Boats are essentially the same size. low hours on the baja are a huge plus.
I'd be willing to bet the hrs on that 500 in the fountain were HARD hours.
It's a 10 year old boat likely in need of at least a top end rebuild.

I've got a little Sea Ray as well, but its not even close to my buddies Cobalt in terms of fit, finish, ride quality, materials. The Sea Ray is a nice boat but its like comparing a Chevy to a BMW.

I agree. But by the time you get to three boats and a good deal comes along...

One thing I did not see mentioned, and i may have missed it through all the biased comments.... do your prefer to stand up or sit down while driving?

Because the Fountain will allow you to do either with ample leg room while sitting where the Baja will not allow nearly as much leg room while sitting.... personal choice....

Yes- I picked up my Sea Ray with a mis diagnosed issue. The heads were supposed to be cracked but nothing was wrong. I got the boat almost for free. Sea Rays are great mid-range boat.

Rod2dknee- you have all winter to find a boat. What I would really suggest is post in order of importance what you want and are looking for. Then we can suggest models and brands for you to look for. This is a great time to find a great deal.

Wrong. I'm 6'3" and The baja is 100x more comfortable then the fountain, sitting or standing! and the throttles are on the RIGHT side. I almost purchased a 29fountain before I got my outlaw. One of the biggest problems was the fountain was not as comfortable -especially sitting!

First of all a 260SS is not a performance boat by any means. A friend got one for his family and grew out of it almost instantly. I think the biggest power you'll find in one will be a 496 Mag.... 54mph on a good day and your teeth rattling.
You need to ride in both... If they both had 500's you would still like the Fountain better for ride and handling.
I had 2 Baja's and loved them. Hated the look of the Fountain. That all changed the more I saw of them. Then I got a ride in a 35 and then a 42. I was hooked.
Again, you need to ride in both with your wife and see what works for you.

x2. I almost bought a 330SS until I rode in one. I do love Formula fit and finish, however and their forte is the cruiser line IMO. And their 382. But the 353 is a "small" 35, and feels much smaller than a 35 Fountain. How do I know this? There are 3 382's, 1 353 and 2 35 Fountains in my marina and we share rides. Oh yea the 330SS guy is there too. As well as a 40 Baja outlaw and 405 and 38 Special Bajas.

Back4More you mention the look of a Fountain. Tell me what boat looks better from the air or dock than a 42 Fountain? You do get used to the profile on the water and I like it now too. And check mine out: (That's the boss up front...)

My daughter has liked 42 Fountains since she was a baby.