*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
I have a slightly different opinion than the mass on this one. Clearly the boat has BF225's on it now so all the chatter of what you SHOULD put on it is not a discussion point. The issue of weight is something to consider, you are looking at right about 100# more per engine over a Opti 250. I personally don't think the extra weight on a Fountain will mean anything more that a slight reduction in speed. With the boat sitting at rest in the water, pay particular attention to where the scuppers are. As for the high speed gearcase/water pick-up issue. I would hope that the Hondas have the Sabre gearcase. It would be a shame to put the stock gearcase on that boat IMO. The Sabre gearcase was introduced several years ago and is a great lower unit for high speed hulls with a BF225. Another consideration that would be in my mind is resale value down the road. As you can see from all the above posts, Fountain buyers expect Mercs on Fountains. It is rare to see anything but a Merc on a Fountain. On the speed side you are not going to be as fast as a Merc 225 Opti powered boat but I would guess we are talking about several MPH not 5 especially if the Sabre gearcase is on these engines. If you are going to slow troll the boat alot, there is no better engine for that than the Honda. Plan on awesome reliability, a lot less noise, better fuel economy at low speed, slightly worse fuel economy at high speed when comparing to 225 Optis. I have owned both a Honda 225 (Regulator 21)and a Opti 250XS (Fountain 25) and will say without hesitiation that the Honda is a superior engine. If top speed is not your main consideration, don't shy away from this package.
Great post
__________________ VERADO CLUB
"Every man dies, but not every man truly lives....."
Good post sleeper. However, I would argue on the troll it is very hard to beat an Opti......at 650 rpm I am burning .3 gph per engine. As you stated, I completely agree with the potential problem with putting too much weight on that transom given the scupper location. Here is a pic of my 2001 with the Opti's.......adding 200 lbs to the transom may put the scuppers in the water.
Well, you could always change them, of course that won't be cheap. You might find a Honda dealer that will work with you.
Take particular note of the scupper height in the above picture as well. That would be my #1 concern. Nothing worse or more dangerous than a boat with scuppers too close to the waterline IMO. That would be the deal breaker for me. It is pretty easy to check, just float the boat. It may be that the 200# more weight doesn't do much to that height.
Good post sleeper. However, I would argue on the troll it is very hard to beat an Opti......at 650 rpm I am burning .3 gph per engine. As you stated, I completely agree with the potential problem with putting too much weight on that transom given the scupper location. Here is a pic of my 2001 with the Opti's.......adding 200 lbs to the transom may put the scuppers in the water.
Well then oh poop. I have a buttock that weighs 200 lbs.
I have a slightly different opinion than the mass on this one. Clearly the boat has BF225's on it now so all the chatter of what you SHOULD put on it is not a discussion point. The issue of weight is something to consider, you are looking at right about 100# more per engine over a Opti 250. I personally don't think the extra weight on a Fountain will mean anything more that a slight reduction in speed. With the boat sitting at rest in the water, pay particular attention to where the scuppers are. As for the high speed gearcase/water pick-up issue. I would hope that the Hondas have the Sabre gearcase. It would be a shame to put the stock gearcase on that boat IMO. The Sabre gearcase was introduced several years ago and is a great lower unit for high speed hulls with a BF225. Another consideration that would be in my mind is resale value down the road. As you can see from all the above posts, Fountain buyers expect Mercs on Fountains. It is rare to see anything but a Merc on a Fountain. On the speed side you are not going to be as fast as a Merc 225 Opti powered boat but I would guess we are talking about several MPH not 5 especially if the Sabre gearcase is on these engines. If you are going to slow troll the boat alot, there is no better engine for that than the Honda. Plan on awesome reliability, a lot less noise, better fuel economy at low speed, slightly worse fuel economy at high speed when comparing to 225 Optis. I have owned both a Honda 225 (Regulator 21)and a Opti 250XS (Fountain 25) and will say without hesitiation that the Honda is a superior engine. If top speed is not your main consideration, don't shy away from this package.
Great post
Damn good post
__________________ F350 4x4/ Dodge 2500HD 5.9L Cummins
Leaving the Picture of the Ford cuz I miss it
Pacific 2325 cc
Honda bf225
aluminumalloyboats.com
A 31 Fountain is not a stepped hull. If it was my boat I'd put either regular 225 Opti's or upgrade to the 250xs Opti's. I have run a 31 with the 250xs and the accelleration was awesome. Fuel burn at cruise was right at 2mpg.
Is that the boat at Seaforth marina? Looks like a nice ride. I recommend that you take it for a sea trial and see how it does. I doubt your going to be worried about WOT speed with that boat around here, that is unless you plan on tailoring it to the river.
If your concerned about the weight check the scuppers and take into consideration the load (fuel level, etc.) when you inspect the boat.
Re: Honda 225's to heavy for fountain? 
