Anyone know powerboats well?

[fastbacker]

I know next to nothing about them but am considering getting one. I'm not sure if I can get a boat that fits all my criterea but here it is:

-Ski and wakeboard on Lake Tahoe
-Ocean going - from SF along CA coast
-Sleeps at least two
-60+mph
-Under $60k used

While checking out craigslist classifieds, I've been drawn to the Fountain Fever type boats. I just don't know if you can ski off these boats.

Can anyone point me in a good direction?

Thanks-
Craig Backer

[kach22i]

I just picked up the October 2007 issue of "Boating". Good issue comparing six boats similar to what you have described.

I can't get over how much fuel boats use over hovercraft.

[TerryBPP]

Originally Posted by fastbacker

I know next to nothing about them but am considering getting one. I'm not sure if I can get a boat that fits all my criterea but here it is:

-Ski and wakeboard on Lake Tahoe
-Ocean going - from SF along CA coast
-Sleeps at least two
-60+mph
-Under $60k used

While checking out craigslist classifieds, I've been drawn to the Fountain Fever type boats. I just don't know if you can ski off these boats.

Can anyone point me in a good direction?

Thanks-
Craig Backer

You cannot use a 2-stroke on Lake Tahoe anymore, I believe. So that cuts your selection in 1/2.

How many ft? They make as small as 22' cabin cruisers.

60mph and a sleeper is going to end up being a cigarette style boat. Probably a big V8 or 2. Look at SCAARB's, Donzi's, Formula's, etc.

[SlowToady]

VINMAN has a 1300HP Offshore Race boat...you might want to drop him a PM. I bet he knows a thing or two about boats.

[fastbacker]

Originally Posted by TerryBPP

Look at SCAARB's, Donzi's, Formula's, etc.

These are the type of boats I'm drawn to. Can you take the same boat in the ocean or lake? What about water skiing?

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by fastbacker

While checking out craigslist classifieds, I've been drawn to the Fountain Fever type boats. I just don't know if you can ski off these boats.

I guess you're talking about Fountain mfg ?

They're a high end ocean racer. A 2 person sleeper is 27'. It comes with Chevy big block options. New is probably around $125,000. Engines last about 500 hours at 4k rpm in good shape.

There is a 27' Fountain that runs around Lake Havasu. Cruses at 60mph. It's over-kill but the babes love it.

A big block or 2 small blocks for skiing imo.

Florida is loaded with used boats.


pic of 27' Fountain on L Havasu.

[Neilk]

Originally Posted by fastbacker

These are the type of boats I'm drawn to. Can you take the same boat in the ocean or lake? What about water skiing?

The owners of Donzi and for a certain period of time the owners of Welcraft all vacationed with their boats in the Bahamas, so ocean running won't be a problem. I doubt that there would a problem running an ocean going boat in fresh water, however, I'm not sure about going the other direction. I could see some of the equipment in a lower grade lake boat doing poorly in salt water, although you aren't looking at that class of boat.

[The Gaijin]

I was at an in-water boat show last weekend. The only ones that caught my eye was the Chris Craft line-up. They are some beautiful boats..

[Tobra]

I know enough about boats that I would never consider purchasing one.

Oh and going from Tahoe to the ocean will require some carb jetting, and visa versa

[cairns]

I think I've found the perfect powerboat for you. No need to mess with that Reggie Fountain crap. And stay away from all those other Don Aranow wannabees too.



Riva- there is no substitute. My personal favorite is the Aquariva Super pictured. But pick your own:

http://www.rivaboats.com/

Wait, did you say under $60K used? Sorry, I thought it was 600.

[JeremyD]

I really like the chaparral 236i - lots of seating room - easy to ski from - good construction.

If you are really set on the long nose type- maybe baja? I know some folks that have had issues with the fountains and quality.



Donzi is in Sarasota - they have a well made product these days (not always the case) - the 28 zx is nice.

The deep V "fountain Fever" type boats can just about go anywhere - but for skiing - they pop up a pretty good wake. - so some find them difficult to ski behind. with lots of power they can rip your arms out of their sockets too. So some feathering of the throttles is required.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by SlowToady

VINMAN has a 1300HP Offshore Race boat...you might want to drop him a PM. I bet he knows a thing or two about boats.

Second this recommendation. Just had dinner with Vinny and saw photos of the boats he plays with. Lots of experience with them so contacting him would be a good call.

[Dantilla]

All of your criteria will loose some of the skiing enjoyment. For skiing, you want a smaller boat with a smaller wake. A boat that is good out in open water will not be the ideal ski boat.

Just like our Porsches, every boat is a compromise. Pick out what's most important, and be willing to give a little in other areas.

[charleskieffner]

have done alot of research on these. from owning a coupla boats and working on them this would and will be my perfect boat and second home write off. heres what i came up with:

mercruisers...........period.

525 EFI TWINS........plenty of ponies. minute you put supercharger on them they become grenades. ask me how i know. boss owns formula with twin 575SC mercs. low life span. but..........will send 36ft formula along on plane at about 83-85 mph, w/1/4 tank of fuel.

formula hull heavier than fountain but has the nicer items to make live aboard bearable. reggies are strictly race boats and nice boats at that. formula now offers 35ft with factory A/C! before it was only 38ft that had factory a/c. so 35-38feet perfect for ocean banzai runs/lake powell/ lake mead/tahoe runs.

formula helm set for right handed people. throttles on right hand side. along with trim tab(bennett)switches.

fountains throttles on wrong side(left). makes a huge difference during critical hand eye coordination dockside not backing into mega buck three masted blow boat owned by some ********* lawyer.

AIR CONDITIONING! will never own a boat with out it unless an avon or zodiac. might as well be comfortable. screw humid days. or hot days for that matter.

MICO aluminium trailer 3 axle... nuff said. with (2) spares locked on front. spare bearings and jack and tools in tool box.

microwave/refrig with icemaker.

killer stereo

color tv and dvd

macerator for dumping poopy off shore.

shower in head for private shower for the ladies.

shower on transom.

compass/GPS/plotter

VHF radio and antenna

(2) anchors minimum 300ft of line

(8) dock lines 20ft long. why 8? spares. and if a real blow comes along you can tie her down damn good.

BEER

RUM

MIXER

BLENDER

MUNCHIES

GAS CARD/VISA/AMEX/MC..........you will need them all to keep fuel in it.

lots of books/magazines

lots of dvd's

fishing gear

scuba gear

scuba tank rack

BOAT U.S. insurance

have inspected by USCG AUX(CME courtesy marine examination) and display decal on port side so the fuzz see that you have all safety items.

on board fire suppression system.

CO monitor

spare props stainless polished of course!

and buy IT USED WITH LOW HOURS BECAUSE DIVORCE FORCES SALE!

and that is basically the exact way i will purchase and type of boat i will own!

simple!

[VINMAN]

Craig, do your self a favor take up golf instead of boating!! J/K!

First of all, what is your $$ range?? That is a huge determining factor.

Fountains are excellents boat, one of the best out there. 27' fever is an awesome boat. I know a number of people with them, and have rigged a couple.

As far as water skiing or wakeboarding with a boat of that type, the larger boats 26' and over, dont get up an plane as fast as a smaller lighter boat. I know water ski boats usually need to jump on plane pretty fast. A problem like that might be remedied with prop changes for different conditions.

If you plan on doing alot of ocean running,(which i'm not sure what you meen)I wouldnt go with anything under 26' That size up to 28 ft you will want at least 500 hp to run over 60. For example a 27' Fever with a Mercruiser hp500 will consistantly run 70 mph.

Each brand has its own goods and bad qualities. I agree with Charles, with the Fountain throttle setup. It takes alot to get used to. But the reason for the left side throttles was for racing.

Another brand I would look into is Pantera. They make an awesome 26 and 28 footer. Superb offshore running boats. Plenty of them around for under 60k.

Feel free to pm me if you want to talk more about it. I could go on for hours about this subject!