New family member ???
 

I'm thinking of giving up my 25' Eliminator Daytona, and a 05 292 Formula. Took one out for a ride yesterday and was very impressed. Obviously not as fast as the Eliminator, but very respectable for a boat that heavy with small blocks. (it actually seamed faster than the 27' Powerquest I owned with 2 small blocks). What do you guys think, should I go for it ?

From your location, I assume you would run the Chain of Lakes!?!?! Howdy neighbor!

I know some that bought 29s, and wanted to do a lot of running on Lake Michigan, ended up wanting a bigger boat.

I saw a few 29s on the Chain this weekend... sweet boat.

Take to MagicFloat!!!!!!

Yes,I am a chain boater, for the most part. I would like to take an occaisional run on Lake Michigan, though. I am also hoping to do a poker run or two with it. The thing seems to be built like a brick s#%t house. I wish the still made something in the 31 foot range. Did you buy yours at Bald Knob?

I have a '02 292 and love it.
We live in Huntley and are chain rats as well.
The 292 is the perfect size for the chain and we have been out on the big pond as well.
You just have to watch the weather out there though we have been caught in some pretty rough stuff but I all I can say is the boat handled it great and never left me wondering if it would hold together.
We have the 350 Mags in ours, little sluggish out of the hole with 28's but have a little more in the upper end.
Our boat is called Never Satisfied, if you see us, stop by and say hello

Thanks for the info, and I know, sometimes no boat is big enough for Lake Michigan. Do you launch at Watts when you come to the chain? I'm around there quite often, but I'll keep my eyes open for you on the water as well.

We go in at Millers Marine across from Vickies place.
We usually have the whole place to ourselves plus it is a nice wide ramp.

Sounds good. What color or graphics should I look for?

World champion graphics: red, blue and black stripes.
I havent seen to many out on the chain with the same scheme.

Sounds very similar to the one I'm looking at. I also noticed a used one at Munson Ski on Rt. 12 this morning. Red,blue and yellow world champion graphics.

Yep,
Those are the same just different colors.
If I remember right, that one doesnt have that many hours on it either.
Who is the sales guy you are talking with over there? Is it Mark Biasco?

IMO there are a lot better Formula dealers out there than Bald Knob. We bought new from another dealer who provided much better service.

Never Satisfied... I've seen you on the Chain! We have a 260 BR with black hullsides and silver accents. Launch out of Ben Watts most weekends.

Trailered up to Door County over the last few days... great water, great water, and best of all... great boat!

Pondering the same question you are
 

LIMNATR - I actually got on the forum tonight to post the very same question you did, but I am considering moving from a '01 260SS to a 292 so that I can get involved with the poker and fun runs around here. I love the 260 - had it since new - just not built for the boating I want to do now. Keep us posted if you do get the 292 - reported time to plane (boattest.com) is what concerns me about the 292.

Regards,

RP

The easiest thing to do is plan the type of day you are going to have.
For instance, if it is just the wife and I, and I know we are going to run pretty hard, I will put around 3/4 fuel in and it comes on plane a bit better.
If we are going to the lake with the kids to swim all day, I usually don't have more than a 1/2 tank fuel.
I always keep the fresh water tank full for a little extra ballast up front.
Out on the big pond, always leave with full fuel!
As for Bald Knob, I had a few minor issues with the first boat I bought from them but they eventually worked them out with us.
All the people in the service dept have been pretty good all along and are usually willing to help in anyway possible.
Good luck with the search!

Have you looked for a good used 312? They have big blocks and not much more money. I love mine.

I know ther not rockets out of the hole ,but either is my Eliminator with its 32 pitch prop. I'd love a 312, but financing it would be a whole nother story. The financing on a new Formula is what makes it so attractive, besides that it is a great boat.

Thanks for the suggestion Dave. What's your comfortable fast cruise and top end on the 312 in real world conditions? I imagine the 312 will handle the washing machine water churned up by dozens of boats better than the 292 as well. Hole shot makes a big difference in a run if you can jump out ahead of several boats on the start.. After the pack thins - settle into a lower RPM cruise and run in clean water.

Thanks

RP

I like to save my drives so I don't usually hit it real hard out of the hole. I think it is propped too low right now with 26's so it does come out pretty fast. It has 454 mags also so top speed is around 75 and comfortable high end cruise is about 60. I would also say that ideal conditions for top speed are probable in a little rougher conditions in the 2 foot range with the single step. Great boat I'm sorry they don't make it anymore.

Im happy with my 312, for a 31' boat it handles some decent water for a single step, however, when your on the wood it feels extreemly loose on the stern. loose is fast right ?