Okay guys, I need some honest opinions...I've always loved both brands, but have been partial to Fountain. Next year my wife and I will pull the trigger on one of the two brands. It will be a 38', probably 1999-2003 range. We will be boating on Lake Erie. I've been in the Coast Guard on this lake for 14 yrs and had a boat for 8 yrs prior to that. There is usually a good chop and I'm sure both boats will take it with no problem, some tell me that the cigarette is heavier and built a little stronger? It seems that people have a tough time getting in touch with the people at fountain for parts or help with things? I'll admit, I don't like that Reggie isn't there any more. Please let me know your thoughts one way or another. thx!

You might use the search option when you have A LOT of time.

Both great boats but different animals. To basically sum it up fountain is faster with equal power cig will ride better. This has been discussed numerous times on the board. Lol

Here's 112 pages worth. Lol

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...g-35-38-a.html

Start one of these in the CIG forum,

Couple quick things:

With Cigarette you're paying for the name, meaning that for any given dollar amount you will most likely get more boat out of a fountain than Cig.

If you do not have the budget to get into a twin step Cig and are considering buying a straight bottom Cig vs stepped fountain, it is no brainier to go with the fountain.

Oh god, not this again.

If you have to ask...... i would say cigarette

Ignore the issue with getting in touch with parts people at Fountain. I have always had great success with Joanne there. Also, just this week she had to leave for an emergency and I was told she'd be out all week. Someone else called me back within hours and we had several conversations with no problem getting in touch.

Depends on your budget the Cigarette will be more money so get a late model Fountain for the same coin!