Got a chance to get my hands on a 1985 33' Fountain Turbo. Needs one engine installed still (454 blower with carb). Has the TRS drives and hydraulic steering. I am wondering if this is a good combination to go for as my first real offshore boat. Right now I have a 25' Arriva with a 502 and B1, but its just not fast or big enough.
Btw cost would be trading my Arriva (water ready) and my 19 big block ski boat (1989 Renken, also water ready) for it

well it all comes down to this, do you want a project or do you want to finish off the season boating? I mean if you are ready for the work and dont mind being stuck on land, unless you have friends who would take you out, then go for it.

I don't mind a project as long as it culminates in an awesome product. And I don't mind missing the season because I can rent small boats here for less than I would spend in gas on a big boat if I really want to get on the water

Where do you do you majority of your boatin?

Still want to ski?

Large river and the Chesapeake bay. And I don't ski or tube much if at all. I mostly want something for me my wife and my kid to go fast in

If the values are close, do it. However, I definitely recommend a survey....and a moisture test at the very least. That boat has lots of 25 yr old wood......

Hard to value his boat. Theres a similar one asking 28k right now (water ready). Mine together are valued at around 20k. What is a survey and where would I go about getting one done?

sounds like your going to have to go through both engines,rite their is about 20k with coolers.if the one engine blew then the other is not far behind..always rebuild them in pairs..also your going to have to figure why the other engine blew for what reason who knows...the boat it self maybe worth 18k,, now figure out what both of yours are worth and gp from their..

I think there are too many good boats out there to waste your time piecing that one back together and lose two good running boats in the process.

I think this setup is a bad choice for a first (or second) offshore boat. Power added carb motors are a big minus, then trs drives are expensive to fix or upgrade