Am I crazy?? Thinking of buying a Fountain go fast...

SeaNile

SeaNile

Well-Known Member
Aug 16, 2010
1,522
Chadds Ford, PA
Boat Info
2003 50 Sundancer
Engines
Cummins QSM11
Maybe it's the wintertime blues setting in already but for a long time I've always been intrigued by the go fast boats. So much so that I'm actually thinking buying an entry level go fast. Lots of 27 Fountains are out there and the 29 is a better boat but significantly more expense.

Am I crazy for even thinking of this? Lots of logistics to figure out but I think it could be a fun toy to have for a season or two.
 
Fountain makes a pretty decent boat but I think you need to run one before you buy. What’s been done to it in the past is key too, if it’s been repowered (lots of go fast boats are) then rigging is important. I know a few (3) people that have or had Fountains, but the smallest one was a 10 meter. All were solid but if they had engine work done it was always a chore sorting them out. One, a late 80’s early 90’s boat ended up developing cracks in one of the aluminum fuel tanks causing leakage. That was a huge job to cut the floor out and replace. But that boat in particular was ridden VERY hard in its previous ownership.
 
You're not crazy at all. I've been toying with the idea of getting a 35'-38' Formula Fastech, having had one many years ago. I'd like to get one with 525's in it or with 8'1's with a lot of hours and repower it.
They used to make them available to order with Mercury 700SCI blown racing engines and drives with extension boxes as well a with Ilmor v-10 engines and race drives that would give any fountain or cigarette a run for their money.
Are we regressing?!
 
Be very careful if you get a Fever! They’re almost guaranteed to have a wet transom. I’m a huge powerboat guy! I have a few different types of boats and definitely prefer the express cruiser life. Going fast is expensive! I’m not talking about gas I’m talking about keeping reliable power that last. I’ve found if I want to go 70mph I need a 100mph boat so I’m not running the shit out of it. It only takes re powering a few times to figure it out. Lol.
 
Have no intention of running it hard, so if it does 80mph I'm sure 60 will be fine with me.

I've heard all about the issues with wet transom and wet stringers on the Fountain boats. Something a survey should be able to find pretty easily.

Been thinking about this for several seasons now but between finding the right boat and then figuring out the slip probably will keep this from happening. We don't have access to a high and dry or a floating dock but I did manage to find the one Fever out there with a painted bottom.

If I put 10hrs on this thing before deciding to sell it will be a lot.
 
Nope, not at all. I had a Baja and Checkmate in my past. I'm looking at Chris Craft Catalina 34's with trip 300's. Stepped hull and easy 50 mph cruise.
There are a bunch of Fountains, Cigarettes, Formulas running around Lake St Clair. Those big blocks sound so good. :)
 
Hey John,

Assuming this would be a companion boat to your current vessel, I think this would be GREAT FUN, until the compression of the discs in your lower back become compresses from all the pounding.

BEST !

RWS
 
Hey John,

Assuming this would be a companion boat to your current vessel, I think this would be GREAT FUN, until the compression of the discs in your lower back shrink from all the pounding.

BEST !

RWS
 
SeaNile said:
Have no intention of running it hard, so if it does 80mph I'm sure 60 will be fine with me.

I've heard all about the issues with wet transom and wet stringers on the Fountain boats. Something a survey should be able to find pretty easily.

Been thinking about this for several seasons now but between finding the right boat and then figuring out the slip probably will keep this from happening. We don't have access to a high and dry or a floating dock but I did manage to find the one Fever out there with a painted bottom.

If I put 10hrs on this thing before deciding to sell it will be a lot.
Click to expand...


To a power boater this is the same as touching up the Mona Lisa with a rattle can paint job....you could also pull 2 or 3 spark plug wires to achieve the same result.

Fountains are desirable boats where we are. The distance between the seat and steering wheel can be limiting. The 29 can sit really low in the water if equipped with 2 engines. The "beak" will subtract up to 2 running feet of keel, so the 27 rides like a 25 of most other manufactures.

I say go for it!!!
 
SeaNile said:
Have no intention of running it hard, so if it does 80mph I'm sure 60 will be fine with me.

I've heard all about the issues with wet transom and wet stringers on the Fountain boats. Something a survey should be able to find pretty easily.

Been thinking about this for several seasons now but between finding the right boat and then figuring out the slip probably will keep this from happening. We don't have access to a high and dry or a floating dock but I did manage to find the one Fever out there with a painted bottom.

If I put 10hrs on this thing before deciding to sell it will be a lot.
Click to expand...
With those, you're probably best with rack storage. Call the marina, drop in, go fast for a few hours, then the marina takes out and stores.
 
This would be in addition to the current boat. I think it could be something fun to take out for an evening cruise, participate in a Poker Run (what ever the hell that is) and be able to visit different places with a lot less planning than the current 50 DA.

I know it's blasphemy for these boats to have the bottom painted but that would literally solve 99% of the challenges.

Research says the 29' single engine Fever is the way to go, especially vs the 27.
 
Yep, go fast boat,
Can pass anything except the fuel dock…
;)
 
Been there done that. Had a Formula 38 Fastech. It was a great boat, absolutely loved it. I sold mine in 2015 when everyone I ran with got out or into cruisers. I love cruising way better.

Just do your due diligence if your going to jump in to go fast. It will cost you $’s to keep it running.
 
Had a friend had one. I Went for a ride, was beat to death, not fun, his got stolen shortly after and wrecked by thugs who had no clue how to drive a boat. Friend said, best day of his life when he got insurance check.
Those are the most useless boats ever made.
It’s your money.
 
SeaNile said:
This would be in addition to the current boat. I think it could be something fun to take out for an evening cruise, participate in a Poker Run (what ever the hell that is) and be able to visit different places with a lot less planning than the current 50 DA.

I know it's blasphemy for these boats to have the bottom painted but that would literally solve 99% of the challenges.

Research says the 29' single engine Fever is the way to go, especially vs the 27.
Click to expand...
I have a Magic powerboat with a 525 at my 2nd home and its perfect plus sometimes it is nice to go fast or faster than the 44DB so yes buy the boat
 
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