292 FASTech is HOME!!!!!
 

Well I finally pulled the trigger and ordered my 292 FASTech a few weeks ago. I'm sitting here after midnight in my hotel room on a business trip and thought I would share my excitement! Here's the run down:

Imron Silver #3 - Barbados
twin MX 6.2 MPI's
Lathem hydraulic steering
mechanical trim indicators
SmartCraft SC5000
upgraded stereo
bimini + FSA curtains (sorry Cuda)
transom shower

I have been on OSO for some time. It will be nice to actually OWN a Formula to share stories/ideas/information/etc. My last boat was Talon 22 tunnel hull with twin 2.5's (110 mph). This boat will be a change of pace, but in a good way. My Dad still owns his 1978 20' CL Formula 330 HP TRS (that's another story....).

Kim and I toured the Formula plant last month. Ryan, our tech support/tour guide, is now sending photos of our baby under construction. How cool is that!! See the following pics.

BTW, thanks to you guys I hooked up with Robert Nelems who has been great and I am looking forward to a smooth transaction.

Dave

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Latest pics...

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Very nice boat. What is the expected speed with that setup?

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

It will have the standard 1.65 to 1 gear ratio with 28" lab finished 4-blade Bravo's. From what I have read on OSO, I can expect an honest 68-70 mph (freshwater - 400 ft elevation). One nice thing is Formula dropped the silent thunder box for this 2006 model year. So less weight and better exhaust flow may give me another .5 mph..... :cool:

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

I almost bought the same thing, sans bimini, a couple years ago, but ran across my boat instead. That should be a great set up.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

you will love your new boat. I bought a 2002 292 Fastech with 350 Mag MPI
and it will run 72mph with full fuel and 8 people in her

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Those numbers are very respectable. I see your boat will have Lathem hydraulic steering. Is that a factory option? I didn't see it listed as one on Formula's website. Is it just a matter of requesting it from Formula?

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Congratulations 4mula, enjoy your new ride...I love mine! It's a fun boat and it also has a nice ride and the creature comforts to keep the family happy.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

I have a 2003 292, and love it, but I'd get them to put another set of props on it, as the labbed 28's have way too much slip. I got them to put a set of labbed 30's mine. But since then I have changed them, and put a stock set of 28's on, way better cruise. Does'nt quite get the WOT rpm's though, but it's still sbout the same top end.
I think I'll be putting mune up for sale this winter, though.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Congratulations on the new Bird! Formula makes a great ride as you already know. Robert is a nice compleiment to their product as well. :drink:

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Thanks everyone! Really looking forward to picking her up. I will continue to post "under construction" pics from Formula.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Venomous, oddly Formula does not advertise hydraulic steering as an option, but it is available. I guess they figure it is not normally required. I have future plans for performance upgrades and figured might as well upgrade now and have it factory installed (lot less hassle). Plus it is a MUCH better steering system, even with the stock engines. It IS a pricey option at $8995 MSRP, but the piece of mind having it factory installed to me is worth it.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

I have not heard that about the labbed 28's.... From what I have read those props should be ideal. Meaning it should allow the engines to run up to their maximum rpm with reasonable slip numbers. Doing the math; running 5100-5200 rpm at 70 mph equates to 13-15% slip. This on a heavy deep-V hull, which seems reasonable. What do you guys think?

Live Wire II, you don't happen to have lower unit showers, do you?

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Our experience with 292's/6.2's have shown 28 Labs to be right. But we will test the boat prior to delivery to be sure. The Prestige trailer will be here Monday,I'll post a pic then.Robert :p

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Good luck w/ your new boat Dave. I have gone thru the whole offshore series since 94. 271 SR1 94', 312 98', 353 2000', and currently an 03' 382 loaded up (for sale)! Take care, Wrink

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

I have a 04 292 w/ twin 6.2's. I'm running labbed 26's at anywhere from 1500 to 5000 ft elevation. Not able to get more than mid 60's and I added IMCO exhaust system to boot. Love the boat! I'd just like to see a bit more mph!

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Your thoughts on the 312/ 353/ 382 in my "former 312 owners" thread would be great.....please!!! :D

292 FASTech being built..
 

Just received these today!

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

more...

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

With the labbed 28's that came with my 292, I was always hitting the rev limiter, the slippage was awfull, very tuff to get on plane. If I can remember corectly, at 3k rpm- 30mph, 4k rpm- 40mph, not the kind of numbers I wanted. The 30 labbed that Formula sent me was a big help, but still not right. Went to a stock set of 28's, much better, but not as high rpm's at WOT, but then I,m not running there all the time.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

If you're not phuked now.....you will be!!! It's never ending! Congrats on the new boat! :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: :) :) :) :doggy: Formula is the $hit!

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

That's pretty cool that Formula will install the steering you want even though it is not an official option. I wonder if they would also be able to install K-planes in place of the Bennett tabs? K-planes and hydraulic steering would be a great combo! :cool:

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Is that Reggie in the cockpit there check'n out the deck? :p

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Funny you should ask.... I asked Formula if it would be possible to have K-planes and they basically drew the line and said no. This is a production boat, and going too far off the option list will give them troubles with the flow on their production line. They probably figured if they made an exception it would get out of hand with a lot of special requests. I might upgrade from the Bennett's at a later date, but really those tabs may end up doing the job just fine as is... :)

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Hydraulic steering is a factory option on the 271,292 and 353 Sport,it's just not listed on the price sheet. Kinda like Stellings boxes on a 353, not listed,but still available.As for K-planes on a 292,it's never come up as far as I know,they might do it,but I don't think necessary on a 292.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

thanks?? :o

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Thanks Robert, that would be cool. :drink: Kim and I went round and round trying to figure what to do on trailer color, but I think in the end white will be best with the Barbados colors on the boat. Phyllis sent three samples of the different purples they had for the pin stripe and the one we picked should be a very close match to the main color. I believe they are also going to add some yellow accent.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Great boat!

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Congrats on the 292 it is just a fantastic day boat easy on and off the trailer. Good on fuel, sometimes I miss mine. Killer dependable with the 6.2's Best I ever saw in salt was 74 GPS
with labbed 28's. White out cockpit is the best what did you order? FYI I had a new dash panel made and powder coated to accomodate a 182 garmin eliminating the speedo.
Actually someone out there has my X boat from Total marine
would love to hear from you if you are on the boards. It was a Daytona package. Order the full cover from Formula it is easy on and off when on the trailer and keeps the deck OH so clean.
JIm :cool:

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Prestige trailer arrived today. It is a great looking trailer.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

That sure is nice and I bet pricey! Remember no acid washing on that baby! :D

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Thanks for posting those pics Robert. Wow! That did turn out nice! Having all those bunks separate like that is unique. That's not what I expected. Is it laid out like that due to the stepped hull? I guess your other Prestige 292 trailers had the bunks like that as well? Looks like it should offer plenty of support in all the right places... :D

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Thanks Jim! Glad to hear you enjoyed yours so much. My dash will have the SC5000 LED display where the speedo would normally be. I ordered the boat with the Barbados interior, so it will be mostly white with two shades of purple and yellow accent. The dash is a red violet color with the carbon fiber look. Of course, I will post pictures when it is complete. :drink:

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Only gentle soap and a nice wax for this baby! :p

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Since the 292 is twin step,Prestige uses short bunks at 3 different levels,which is not readily noticed in the photos. When the Fastechs came out,Prestige came to our shop and hand fitted each hull,rather than relying on drawings. The fit is perfect.And check out the new wiring harness,a coiled cord with a storage clip so it won't drag, and LED lights to eliminate bulb failure. Prestige has really got it together.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Congrats,,the 292 is a great boat, and you couldn't deal with a more standup guy than Robert Nelems,,by far the most pleasurable dealings I've ever had with a boat dealer was with Robert when I traded my 02 292 for my 04 pc27. My 02 292 with 350 mpi's ran right at 70 with slightly less than 1/2 tank of fuel, 2 people plus all the crap I carried in my boat on about a 2ft chop.

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

Wow that is a nice trailer!

So you can get the hydraulic steering but not k-planes. As Magicfloat mentioned they may not even be necessary.

Since there are things not listed on the options list but are still attainable do you think Formula would stick an AC/DC fridge in there in place of the ice box?

Re: 292 FASTech on the way!!
 

I sure agree with you on that!! :)

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Thanks Slick02.

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Thanks Venomous. Regarding the AC/DC fridge, I can assure you that a request like this would not fly. You can try, but Formula gave me the impression that going off the option list is a no-no. I think the only reason they allow the hydraulic steering is because it is a "safety" improvement, and it would be hard to deny such a request.... What do you think, Robert?