353 Formula Fastech
#81
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The gelcoat issue is inherent to that vintage Sonic. They botched a few in their early stages of "Infusion" or as we know it, vacuum bagging.
We know those R.H. ownership years as the corner-cutting era.
Sonics were rock solid before that. Not talking out of my ass either, as I owned one.
We know those R.H. ownership years as the corner-cutting era.
Sonics were rock solid before that. Not talking out of my ass either, as I owned one.
The R.H. years were questionable. Prior to and after, the quality is excellent.
Last edited by 45Tripps; 01-09-2012 at 07:14 PM.
#82
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Saying Formula has done nothing is only correct if you look at the 3 boats in the Fastech line. However, as I am sure you know, they have a huge line of other boats, that they HAVE been putting money into, because those are the boats that keep them going.
You can hardly compare what a one off custom builder like Skater, OL, and Nortech do compared to Formula. They build a super high quality production boat. They aren't and never were trying to be one of the companies you listed.
You can hardly compare what a one off custom builder like Skater, OL, and Nortech do compared to Formula. They build a super high quality production boat. They aren't and never were trying to be one of the companies you listed.
#83
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Was told Formula did quite well at the NYC show. Not sure if that 353 sold but other models certainly did. Good for Formula! Can't wait til my 2012 350SS is done.
Also heard that the Queen of the Show (54' Sea Ray?) sold.
Also heard that the Queen of the Show (54' Sea Ray?) sold.
#84
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I will be getting one of the 382's they built last year, it should be delivered end of next month. I looked at all the other boats, and in my opinion it was the best I could buy. This is my 5th Formula and I've been more than happy with all of them.
#85
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What other production brands can they choose from? Most if not all of the others are out of business. Cigarette, OL, Nor-Tech are all custom builders. Formula is building more than 3 Fastechs a year. The upcoming Ilmor boat is the third 382 of the year; there are also 353's and 292's going out the door.
Formula is not about all-out top speed, that was Fountain's gig. Formula is about building the Lexus of powerboats, with a nice balance between styling and amenities, while using only top-shelf components. Sonic builds a very user-friendly boat, and every Sonic owner I've met is as happy with theirs as I am with my Formula. That says something. On the other hand, the styling of Sonics is very different from Formula, so it comes down to personal choice.
On the speed front, I would offer that a Formula is a pretty awesome boat when the going gets sloppy or nasty. Anyone can run quick in smooth water, but I've had more than one person tell me that they wish they had my boat instead of their cut-down carbon fiber spaceship on a bad day.
Anyway - A lot of good points in this thread.
Formula is not about all-out top speed, that was Fountain's gig. Formula is about building the Lexus of powerboats, with a nice balance between styling and amenities, while using only top-shelf components. Sonic builds a very user-friendly boat, and every Sonic owner I've met is as happy with theirs as I am with my Formula. That says something. On the other hand, the styling of Sonics is very different from Formula, so it comes down to personal choice.
On the speed front, I would offer that a Formula is a pretty awesome boat when the going gets sloppy or nasty. Anyone can run quick in smooth water, but I've had more than one person tell me that they wish they had my boat instead of their cut-down carbon fiber spaceship on a bad day.
Anyway - A lot of good points in this thread.
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Retired! Boating full-time now.
Retired! Boating full-time now.
#86
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They are not a bad boat for what they are, but the value of them it seems got killed more than other brands. I am happy, but bored with mine, keep going back and forth on what I want or do a repower and make it a real nasty 292. But it will probably be less money to just buy something else.
#87
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Yup, I was on line waiting to get on when it was sold. Msrp was $1.3 mill and it sold for $700k I heard. My buddy took a pic of the "SOLD" sign next to the price and texted his wife telling her to bring out the wine
#89
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I feel bad for all the fastech owners who are so upside down due to the formula financing + the economy + 15 year old design.
My close friend owes over $50,000 more than his 2007 Fas tech is worth, on a good day.......
Again, and again, none of us on here are saying we would not love to tie up on the water next to a formula and have a good time. Good boats, just like the rest of the brands.
But the FACTS are the facts. And the POINT of this thread, is the 353 a good buy? NO. $260,000 can be spent much better. No one has proved that statment wrong, so why is this still going on????
My close friend owes over $50,000 more than his 2007 Fas tech is worth, on a good day.......
Again, and again, none of us on here are saying we would not love to tie up on the water next to a formula and have a good time. Good boats, just like the rest of the brands.
But the FACTS are the facts. And the POINT of this thread, is the 353 a good buy? NO. $260,000 can be spent much better. No one has proved that statment wrong, so why is this still going on????
#90
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