Fountain Boats

Offshore Only is a great forum to learn about this stuff, and to ask any questions you might have:

http://www.offshoreonly.com

I've been a member there for about a year now. And, one of F-chat's own members was actually the founder of that board!

 

Not so much a forum to learn about the boats, but a great place to find an amazing boat... http://fastboats.com/

 

I dont know why, but i have always wanted a Cig 38' Top Gun.

 

Fountain's are well built, accept watch for the tail ends that by design sit very low in the water....... tend to take in h2o thru the blower outlets. Only issue I've ever heard is warranty work, unless you almost are related to Reggie you are second citizen, especially during race season.

Formula makes a great boat and are well proven offshore, as are the Cigs, and even Donzi. One other item about the Fountains, their length is used up with the "beek", so deduct about 3' for whatever they say, and the cockpit areas are smaller than others of comparable size. (And you'd have to decide on the Fountain if you like the controls on your left.........my cat had them their and it was almost normal for me).

Try looking at the Cig or Forumula if you can. (also compare what drives they will provide.......some of the higher HP combinations kill the Bravo's due to heat)

 

What type of boating do you want to do? And are you going to trailer? Are you going to sleep in the boat?

The big V-Hulls (Fountain, Formula, Donzi, Cigarette, Baja, etc...) are going to take a ton of money to get them to go fast. If you don't need a cabin up front, look at "Cats" if you want to go fast. For the money, they can't be beat.

I'm into the speed thing, so I'm planning on sticking with Spectre's. However, if I bought a V-Hull, it would probably be a Fountain. I like the look of the "beak". Again, the problem though, is most "average" fountains are only going to run ~80 MPH.

I agree to look at www.offshoreonly.com. For smaller boats, look at www.screamandfly.com I bought my last boat from Peter at www.custommarinesales.com. Talked to the guys at www.fastboats.com. They were super nice too.

Mike

 

What's this about fountain boats?

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=136340219&postcount=9874

 

Agreed on the cats...... Totally different animal when steering and such to get used to, cost is more, but, but the ride is unreal. (You might not ever go back to Vee hull again). I sold mine August 06' and miss it all the time.....

I think Spectre has a full tunnel as I recall, vs many others with the pod down the middle. (Another option to consider is a Cat with large Mercs). Eliminator has one of the nicest layups and finish out there, Skater is a big boat also if you're gonna run in big water....

My only advise if you've not ever purchased one before (if you go used at least), make sure its inspected with someone that knows their stuff.

 

The HP500's or even 496's are nice motors, and the Fountains don't seem too need as much HP to get them moving. A friend of mine had a 32' (now has a 38), but had his family out all the time on it with no problems at all. Full day trips and such. (I think if you can find one with the HP500's you'll be more than happy).

Kinda suprised, especially up in "home territory" that there are no dealers around, although something makes me think that Fountain only has (1) dealer per state, so I guess its possible that the HQ is the only place in NC that has them. We had one just 10miles from here 2yrs ago, brand new dealership, and they closed up (unfortunately) due to a conflict with the owners of the shop.........now the place is just selling used crap. (But it was sure nice to see new Fountains on the floor just to see the quality they put in to the boats............and some of the engine packages that came in were just crazy...........5" exhaust exits.............Oh mammmy"

The Offshoreonly.com website has a nice used boat listing section if your interested also. (I've not been on in a while, but you may need to register first)

Good luck with the search!

 

Based on what you're looking you'll probably have too many to choose from. Don't forget about getting a survey done (just like a PPI), especially if privately owned.

Examples:
http://www.pier57.com/199632feverbh.htm
http://www.pier57.com/200132.htm
http://www.boatsville.com/used_boats_detail.cfm?BoatID=45181&Baja&Outlaw

 

You my friend are a prime candidate for one of the best sport boats ever made - the 35 Lightning.

My 96 single step with 496ho's and Stellings topped out at just under 80, and will run 75 all day with 1/2 fuel and four adults - fast enough for me.

496s are great engines and will run 500 hours with just oil changes - a far cry from some others 200 head off services. And you can buy and sell good examples for 90K all day - leaving a bit for maintence.

Forget Donzis - they are not made like they used to be. Cigs are solid boats - you may want to look at a 35 Cafe - but they are power hogs, Fountains are more efficient.

OH - and thanks for reminding me of another toy I lost in my divorce...

 

There are a lot of great boats out therebut you can't go wrong with a good solid Fountain. I also like Cigs and Donzi's I just happpen to have a whole lot of seat time in Fountains. As a former Navy SEAL, we used to run 41FT fountains. We ran Innovation Marine 572's with #6 Drives. These boets are very solid and LOVE big water. The hulls are fantastic, and can handle big power. As KAAMACAT said if you want a good solid package stick to the Mercruiser 500 or 500HO packages. The 496's are newer but have had a few issues and I am told will be replaced soon. They are very well thought out, and reliable. As far as the drives are concerned, Bravos will be fine with stock power. I'm running twin 800's in my CAT and I run versions of the Bravo.(Teague Custom Marine ,Platnum drives) Just NEVER go full power from a dead stop, and don't wing the props(unlikely on the river) and they will live a long time. I've owned a number of boats and it's hard to beat a Fountain. Just don't pass on a good Cig.



Darrell.

 

BTW to reinforce what WADE said, GET A SURVEY!!!!. the best money you can spend. Also look at BOATTRADER.COM. This is a GREAT time of the year to purchase a boat.



Darrell.

 

+1 on the 35 Lightning. They have been tweaking it for so many years that thay have gotten it perfect!

 

It'd be a great boat to rent!

 

There's always someone with alligator arms at the fuel dock! He's usually the same guy who splits before the washdown....the guy who doesn't get the second invite!

I used to say, "This boat runs on gas, bot friendship!"

 

One of the biggest difference between the two, is that the Lightning has staggered motors. I'm not sure if the earlier Lightnings were rigged this way or not. A big advantage of the staggered motors is that they can run the drives much closer to the centerline. This allowes them to be mounted with a higher x dimension. Less drive in the water=higher speeds. As far as the difference in the step desigh, I'm not sure. I still would not pass a good deal on an Executioner if you like the boat. 80 MPH is still damn fast with the family onboard. Just remember, someone is always going to be faster anyways.



Darrell.