38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

I am considering these two boats - buying used. Can owners provide insight - what to look for or look out for? Thanks in advance.

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

If yo have the money, go for a Twin Step Gun. If you don't, try and find either a carbon fiber or kevlar Top Gun. It takes a lot of power to go with the Fiberglass boats.

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

I agree with lucky strike the twin step gun is the one. No question. Good luck

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

A stepped Top Gun or Tiger is as good as it gets. Carbon or Kevlar would pull the scales back and a great choice too.

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

Cig all the way, the best deal you can get for your budget.

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

I had a 42 Fountain. I was tortured with Quality issues that I couldn't fix without Factory participation. We all know about the world class Fountain Customer Service. I was disgusted with boats until I found my true love. My Top Gun. What a step up. The Boat, The folks a Cig. Dont torture yourself with the 42 Fountain. :)

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

Did they offer the hul in carbon / Kevlar or did they offer a 100% kevlar lay up or an upgrade to 100% carbon fiber to further lighten the hull? Also did the vacume bag or hand lay with these options?

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

I don't think that I will be able to swing a twin step - probably a mid to late ninety's - are there any years in that era that I should avoid?

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

I have a 93 with 525sc's and a kevlar layup and full cabin. Boat runs a solid 72 with full fuel and probably needs 1 degree out of the props to be optimum. Cruises effortlessly at 50. Boat was constantly updated and it shows. Even with that there are always little things so make sure you have a few $$ left to take care of them.

Re: 38 cig or 42 Fountain
 

42 Fountain. This board has alot of Cig lovers on don't let them sway you. If you want to be fast with mild power there is only one choice. If you want to go really fast with heavy power there is only one choice. They don't like to hear that so I'll say it.

Both are good boats. There have been problems with a few Fountains, they make a lot more boats. Cig has had multiple owners in a short period of time, that would worry me. I have looked close at hulls and decks on some Cigs up here and the stress cracks all over is something.

The main thing YOU have to decide is style. Do you like the lo profile fountain with the custom beak (many here hate-I love-one of a kind not like all the rest) and with lo freeboard OR the bigger hull style of a Cig? Then the cabin styling you have to look at.

I like the Top Gun. They are cool and way more custom. I would consider a Gun or Tiger also, but would probably end up with a Fountain again. Just too big, getting close to a lo profile express cruiser for me. If you are 6'6" you'll look stupid standing in a Fountain. Reggie looks goofy standing in a Cig if he ever has.

How about APACHE?? now there's a boat!!!!!!!!! hee hee