99 35 Lighting vs 01 35 executioner vs Baja 342
#21
Registered
Thread Starter
As I said both Fountains are the exact same hull, power may be different, condition of boat may be different. I would say that the Fountains and the Baja would be "Safe" boats. My opinion would favor the Fountains in ride quality. I have been past 110 in a single step 35 Fountain and it was on rails. Have been118 in a 35 Twin Step 35 Fountain and was same deal. My suggestion here would be to do the homework on the condition of the boats , take a test run in all, and decide the one that you and yours fee the best in. My bet is that one of the Fountains will win out. Having owned the hull you are looking to buy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Believe me it is the real deal!
whats your opinion on the efi vs carbed?
and what about the efi boat being in salt water for 4 years?
The following users liked this post:
ar300johnson (06-26-2022)
#22
Registered
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newport Coast, California.
Posts: 1,059
Received 734 Likes
on
345 Posts
I've mentioned this Cobalt model as an alternative for several families before. The Cobalt 343 has got 25 degrees at the transom. With a 9'9" beam and plenty of comfort features, it's a high-quality contender to pretty much any performance boat in this size. Few high-performance boats below 38 feet could cross as many boxes for a family that likes to cruise comfortably at 45 mph in choppy conditions, giving the driver plenty of smiles per nautical mile and even delivering a high-end experience below deck. For $30k more I believe it will hold its value a lot better than most Fountain or Baja boats and is 5 seasons newer than the above examples. This specific boat spent its time in fresh water and got a nice 2013 trailer. May You guys find a boat You love, best of luck.
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/200...t-343-7576873/
A video of a sister boat to show some of the features the 343 offers, (note this one in the video has got 525s but is otherwise of the same equipment level):
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/200...t-343-7576873/
A video of a sister boat to show some of the features the 343 offers, (note this one in the video has got 525s but is otherwise of the same equipment level):
The following 2 users liked this post by larslindroth:
Smarty (04-19-2022), Twin O/B Sonic (05-04-2022)
#23
Registered
I've mentioned this Cobalt model as an alternative for several families before. The Cobalt 343 has got 25 degrees at the transom. With a 9'9" beam and plenty of comfort features, it's a high-quality contender to pretty much any performance boat in this size. Few high-performance boats below 38 feet could cross as many boxes for a family that likes to cruise comfortably at 45 mph in choppy conditions, giving the driver plenty of smiles per nautical mile and even delivering a high-end experience below deck. For $30k more I believe it will hold its value a lot better than most Fountain or Baja boats and is 5 seasons newer than the above examples. This specific boat spent its time in fresh water and got a nice 2013 trailer. May You guys find a boat You love, best of luck.
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/200...t-343-7576873/
A video of a sister boat to show some of the features the 343 offers, (note this one in the video has got 525s but is otherwise of the same equipment level):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCL2HbzbYSs
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/200...t-343-7576873/
A video of a sister boat to show some of the features the 343 offers, (note this one in the video has got 525s but is otherwise of the same equipment level):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCL2HbzbYSs
You know these often get overlooked. That is one heck of a boat and I’d bet it handles the rougher sees like a dream. Use to see a lot of the 24 or 25’s on the lake. Still do actually! One thing I’d be willing to bet anything on is it would for sure out ride the ftns in rough water. Not dogging the ftns at all but until you get in to the 42 they slap hard. You just give up some comfort for speed… plain and simple! JMO and personal experience.
The distance and time you travel now for the right boat is worth every penny and minute when you consider years of owning the boat.
The following 2 users liked this post by getrdunn:
larslindroth (04-19-2022), Twin O/B Sonic (05-04-2022)
#24
Registered
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newport Coast, California.
Posts: 1,059
Received 734 Likes
on
345 Posts
The first time I saw the Cobalt 343 it reminded me of an old classic Fino 30 or Monte-Carlo Offshorer 32. Meant to take a couple of ladies out for a comfortable fast ocean cruise. Flat or small chop I wouldn't like to do less than 60 mph, but this Cobalt almost does 70 mph with 496s and who needs to do 70 plus for more than an hour?
The following 2 users liked this post by larslindroth:
getrdunn (04-19-2022), Twin O/B Sonic (05-04-2022)
#25
Registered
343
The Cobalt 343 is a really nice boat. But, beware if you are considering towing it. It's over-wide with a nearly 10 foot beam and permits may be required to haul. And it weighs a lot, most 3/4 tons would have their hands full. Most shops use 1 tons to move them around.
The following 2 users liked this post by techman:
larslindroth (04-19-2022), Twin O/B Sonic (05-04-2022)
#26
Registered
Thread Starter
Ended up going Baja. Well that is if the survey and compression test comes back good.
it was tough choice we both liked the fountain for many reasons. We originally thought cockpit room wasn’t important. But after watching walkthroughs of each boat it became obvious it was. And we just couldn’t get over the room of the Baja. The quad bolsters will come in handy. They are not in the boat now but do come with it.
it was tough choice we both liked the fountain for many reasons. We originally thought cockpit room wasn’t important. But after watching walkthroughs of each boat it became obvious it was. And we just couldn’t get over the room of the Baja. The quad bolsters will come in handy. They are not in the boat now but do come with it.
Last edited by ubet28; 04-20-2022 at 08:14 AM.
The following 4 users liked this post by ubet28:
#28
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
those bolsters look like the upgraded Mcleaod power seats ?
The following users liked this post:
Twin O/B Sonic (05-04-2022)
#30
F-2, the 342’s were all built with McCleod bolsters standard, very comfortable seats. To the OP, congrats on the pending 342 purchase. I had a 3-4 year search for mine and absolutely love it. Mine has factory HP500EFI’s and runs beautifully. To me, the 342 is a great blend of style, comfort, and performance. No, it won’t be the fastest in the pack due to its weight and straight hull, but it handles rough water well and has plenty of space in the cockpit (especially 2002 and later models) and cabin.
The following 2 users liked this post by Baja_260:
Indy (04-20-2022), larslindroth (04-21-2022)