I have a 04' 292 and love it. I do wish it had full hydraulic steering, but not huge issue. It does have mechanical trim and drive indicators which are nice. I had a 25OL before this and we had just as much fun. We stepped up to the 292 to better handle rougher water and it does. The Formula is definitely better built and has much, much nicer fit and finish. Interiors and cockpits are nicer also. You will not find bare wood or fiberglass on a Formula(no offense Baja guys, they are good boats also). My Formula is like a rock compared to the Baja, no rattles or squeaks( I did not push the little 25OL trying to make a race boat either). I actually considered a 29OL also but heard of some handling issues with it compared to the 25OL or the 33OL. I have been in several 33OL and they ride nice. My 292 is like driving a sports car. It may be a little slower to plane than some, but it is fun to have someone take off beside you pulling away thinking they are faster only to be passed very shortly and never seen again. The small blocks do drink a little less than big blocks which is a plus. 292 will cruise @ 48-50mph @3800-4000 all day long. Ran beside a 29OL on a rough day on Lake Travis and the OL seemed to ride much wetter and rougher than my 292 but that could have been driver and trim. Enough off me rambling hope this helps. Like stated previously, both are good boats, have different feels due to bottom design, so drive both and make your own decision and you should be happy with either. 5 yr bow to stern warranty from Formula is nice Have considered selling mine, not as much time with 1 yr old.

Dock H., those are some wicked pictures of that Fastech coming apart. I'm on LOTO. I've been having a bit of a nightmare everytime I think about those shots.

(these three boats formulas the beeker the baja are about the same)

Whats a "beeker"?

A "beeker" is slang for a Fountain

I'm a Formula guy but if the choices are 29OL and a 292 I'd have to really consider the 29OL. It's a bigger boat with BBC. I still maintain the Formula is a better built boat but that doesn't mean the Baja is a POS. It should handle more of a beating than your wife and kids could take.

I wondered if on the formula they count the swim paltform in the length

Yes they do. If a platform is molded in and not bolted on, its counted in the length.

Nice objective and accurate post from the Formula owner.

Ditto

If it doesn't break at LOTO is won't!

Those are the roughest water conditions I have ever experienced.

I had my 29 out front at LOTO a few weeks ago for the Midwestboatparty fun run. I ran it in the roughest water it has ever been in & I ran it in the upper 80's. It held togather just fine, rode pretty good & never got out of shape. There were more than a few Fountains, Hustler 388's, Cigarettes & Eliminators that were surprised a Baja was giving them a run for their money!
When I got it home I had to tighten up some screws in the dash & some other stuff. It was really no big deal, I think it happens when you get in water that rough.