I am looking at a 1997 252 SS with a 454 with a bravo 3. It says it's a Falcon model, not sure what that means.

I have no experience with this model. Can anyone tell me the good, the bad and/or the ugly about this boat? What can be expected for top speed?

I'm looking for something that is good in the rough, reliable and can take a decent number of people out on it.

I don't know the model but Falcon was a "price-point" boat Formula made for a few years......could still be a nice boat, i just don't know.
Hopefully Magicfloat will chime in, he's sold Formulas for 40 years and knows them all!!

You must first determine what it is. There was no 252 Falcon,but there was a 2500BR and CD Falcon. The hull went on to be the original Formula 260BRstill built today. A 252 was a Formula,the 2500 Falcon was built by Thunderbird as a lower price boat,but was NOT a Formula. It was a great boat at a good price point,built on the same assembly line as Formulas. We sold them until they were phased out in 1998. It is ironic that in today's market,the Falcon would be a good brand,built by Formula,priced like Four Winns,Regal,Monteray,et al.Wish they were still built.If it is in good shape and priced right,go for it. The first Falcon we sold,a 1993 1800 BR,is still going strong on its 3rd owner,and still looks new.

Apparently it is a FALCON 2500 CD. Thank you for explaining the difference.

Any idea as to what they did to make them have a 'good price point'?

Fomula would never compromise on structural integrity. They just did things like cheaper gauges,cheaper stereo,etc. The seat bases and side panels were plywood rather than Starboard, Vinyl wasn't as thick,carpet wasn't as heavy,plus they took a low margin to try to make it work. Did not work at the time,would maybe work now. Regardless, they were great boats.But as with any older boat,condition and price are the main factors. Ride quality and handling is like the current 260 BR,it is the same hull.

Nice looking boat, and you can absolutely see several Formula styling cues, from the windshield shape to the dual grab rails amidship to bow.

Magicfloat, I'm always impressed at the breadth and depth of your knowledge when it comes to all things Formula.

Magic, Thank you very much for the info!

Very sharp, I like it a lot.