353 HP500's & Boxes
 

I think I will trade my 29 Fountain for a 353 Fastech at the Miami boat show unless Fountain comes up with cleaver financing like Formula has. Although the wife actually likes the looks of the Fountain 35 twin step with the race fairing better than the Formula I will see what all the deals are.

My 1st question is what is the top speed (GPS) for the 353 Fastech with the optional Stellings Standoff boxes?

2nd question is can you get the 353 Formula without the winshield and with the race fairing?

Thanks, Mike C.

If you get the new boat.........you gonna change you handle here on OSO? Gotta Formula!!!

I think you cna order that fairing, or the dealer can to the install usually. I guess you're used to the "wind in your face" with the Fountian. Personally, I use the speedo to know how fast I was going, not the number of bugs in my teeth!

:D :D :D :D

The alumimum fairing is an option on the 382 tho it isn't listed anywhere. I think Dick Simon has ordered a few. The 353 has a different windshield,not sure of fairing availablity.Called factory ,they are checking for me, but everybody that would know has left for Miami. I'll post what I find out in a couple days.It will likely be expensive since it is a hand made low volume deal, as Chaos said most Formula buyers prefer the windshield.I use a 353 as my personal boat,you will like it. Robert

No fairing for the 353.The vendor would have to tool up for it and there has been no demand so the cost would be prohibitive. Go for the windshield,no goggles are reqired and it looks nice too.

Huh...F2-77 Awesome raced a 353 that was a pleasure boat before it was gutted with a Formula made race fairing. SORRY but my wife HATES the windsheild and actually I'm not to fond of them either. Fountain will do the race fairing they use in F2 on the 35 twin step.
I would like to be able to run a few P-Class races but a windshield is not allowed!!!
Oh well... the search continues,,thanks for the info.
Mike C.

Anyone have any exact real (gps) numbers on what a Formula 353 HP500's will run with and without Stellings boxes?
Mike C.

In freshwater,500 feet elevation we see GPS consistent 80-81 and sometimes 82 without boxes. With boxeswe see consistent 83-84 and occasional 85. To clarify the fairing thing,Formula will not do it but the vendor can be contacted directly and would probrably build one for you. I can get you name and phone # if you need it

Mike, Just buy the damned thing and if its not fast enough we'll whipple it. Windshield/boxes or not, throw on a set of blowers and lets roll!

Mike

Mike - Sorry I missed you at the show. I think everyone agrees that you'll like the boat, but it's sad that you didn't get taken seriously at the docks. I can't believe that Formula would allow that to happen.

Hopefully, you'll get the demo ride that you deserve.

no trouble riding
 

Just got home from Miami (drove). Had no trouble getting ride on the 353... Driver was crap, as Troutly said, but got a ride with no hassle. Just expressed desire, spoke briefly with some sales guy (his card is in my huge pack of show literature) and set appt for next morning at 9am. Showed up and rode. No hassle. I sure don't look special or important or anything. Just asked tons of questions about how the Fastech hull handles and such. Also had no trouble getting a 106 mph ride in a Spectre cat (5 people) with twin 575s. Just asked, filled out a form and we hopped in. Didn't see any life jackets and was not asked to wear one, nor was I told where they were, which I thought was a tad irresponsible on their part, but the ride rocked... Reggie F. stayed at the Marriott where I stayed and I spoke with him at the bar and got a ride on the 42 diesel/arneson boat - If I lived on the salt, I'd nab that ASAP...

mike