2john

Any info on these boats would be appreciated.

glenncal1

What would you like to know, have a 280ss w/ twin 260hp small blocks and B111 Drives.

Splitdecision271

Depends on where and what type of boating your looking to do. If you like to bring a lot of people with then consider the BR. If you want to overnight at places, then you should go with the SS. Your not going to see a whole lot of difference between the 2 boats. You could find a pretty good deal on used 280 as they have been around a while. 290 is newer so your going to be more up to date with things but will pay for them.

2john

Overall performance, quality and so on. How does interior hold up on 10 year old boat IF taken care of? For the 4 of us, guess either ss or br would be ok. The 290 does have good updates, but as said, more$.

tpenfield

The 290 is slightly less beamy than the 280 and has a 22 degree deadrise, versus the 21 degree deadrise of the 280. Formula realized with their original Sun Sport line that the hulls were too flat and the ocean handling characteristics were not quite as good as could be.

So, the 290, 310, 350 series represent some hull re-engineering versus the earlier line of 280 & 330 sun sports. As far as longevity, the boats should last as well as any other boat, if not more. One thing to keep in mind is that the sun sports have a wood stringer grid, so maintenance is important. The later years and the new model series have 'perma-panel' wood, which is a pressure treated plywood to resist rot.

Splitdecision271

I have a 2002 292 Fastech. I just replaced the sunpad skin last season because a 7 inch section of one seam gave out from the constant traffic of being stepped and sat on. I had Formula make me a brand new one. I was concerned the white of the new skin wasn't going to match the white in the rest of the boat since its 14 years old. Boy was I wrong, you can't even tell the difference. So as long as its cleaned, conditioned, and take care of you should have no problem.

I can't help but laugh when I see peoples reaction when I tell them the boat is 14 years old. I get it all the time. They clearly don't know about the brand or they wouldn't have that reaction all the time.

glenncal1

The 280 is a 50-55 mph boat, stable and comfortable for a group, there is/was a youtube video of a guy who put big blocks in one and only got about 60 out of it. IMHO they are great day boats. The cabin on a 280ss is pretty small but you get a decent sized head and enough berth space for a nap/boink. Very solid boats. SS vs. BR is a personal choice. There is a reason Formula has been making boats for 50 some years.

2john

Thanks for the good info. Will I notice difference between 21 and 22 deadrise? Haven't seen one up close yet, but is the only sport boat with twin engine and 9' beam I've found so far. Will inquire at Houston boat show next weekend.