[QUOTE=macjazzy;2641730]Other than size and speed between the two boats you are comparing. To me the bggest difference between the two brands is quality. The Formula will have substantially better rigging and build quality./QUOTE]

I don't think that's entirely fair. Fountain builds nice stuff. Rigging is nice, upholstery is top notch, finish is very nice. There are more amenities on a Formula but I don't really think a Formula is hands down better quality than a Fountain.

They're both very nice production boats and I think you see the same sorts of complaints about both.

The work I have done on my boat and friends boats would definately suggest differently. You poke you head behind panels or look for access to water tanks, wiring, plumbing etc. The Formula is far and away the better built boat. Fountain does not take into account that someone will one day have to work on the boat after it leaves the factory.

Fountains engine compartment rigging is fine for a production boat but thats only because its out where you can see it. I have seen lots of wiring and hoses unsupported anywhere other than engine compartment. Non heat shrink wire terminals, unfinished fiberglass panels on the back side, or raw cut edges with no finsher. Etc..

When you do get a panel off to access something you will see a bunch of sawdust , loose screws, tie wraps ends, misc trash. I have upgraded my stereo and added a Generator to my boat. There is nothing like that in anywhere I have seen in my boat. Formula expends much more energy and resources making sure their boats are top quality inside and out.

Formulas are heavier not just because they have a T.V. or a refrigerator etc. But all those wire loom clamps, brackets for wire runs, access panels, finsh work on both sides of panels, etc add a lot of weight. But over time that will repay itself in more reliablity and easier maintenace and or repair work.


Fountains do one thing very well and that is go faster with comparable power than just about any other V-hull and for a resonable price. But I feel there are many more things you should take into consideration when putting that kind of money down on any boat.

I'd have to argue with your stated speed on the 353 with 525s. I have 500EFIs in my 353 and I hit 75 and change on the GPS all day long. Heck I'm still learning how to set up the boat to squeeze that extra 1-2 mph out. My friend has hit 78 in his 353 with the same engines. I can't speak of Fountains as I've never ridden in one. They are nice too and obviously going to be faster than the same size/engine Formula. Good luck either way and let us know what you decided.

What's with that pricing! Those number HAVE to be WAY off!!!!

Take a look at the paint job on both boats - very easy to SEE the difference

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR ADVICE ON THIS MATTER. i HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT FORMULAS, I LOVE TH E FASTECH LINE. I JUST WISH THEY DID A BETTER JOB AT HAVING THESE BOATS GO FASTER. I LOVE MY 292., BUT IT IS UNDER POWERED. AS FAR AS THE PRICING THESE ARE THE PRICES I WAS QUOTED FORM TRENTON MARINE ON BOTH BOATS. THE 353 WITH 525'S IS WHAT I AM LEANING TOWARD, BUT THE 33 LIGHTNING IS VERY APPEALING. I WAS IN A 2008 35 LIGHTNING TODAY WITH 525'S STAGGERED AND THE BOAT HAD A NICE RIDE. THR OTHER THING I LIKE ABOUT THE FOUNTAINS IS THEY COME WITH HYD STEERING AND KPLANES.

The 353 comes standard with K-Planes and full-hydraulic steering. See it on their site at
(dub-dub-dub) formulaboats.com/FAS_tech_353_standards_and_options.aspx?id=1198654

Formula knows better than to sell a 75+MPH offshore boat without those control components

thats not true, Formula also has the 353 sport with K-Planes but no full-hydraulic steering.

The 353 pricing is too high.... Definitely negotiate that price down. You might be surprised on what price you would pay for that boat.

i might just keep the boat and repower. i called mercury and they told me the new 383 sroker scorpion @ 400hp should put that boat above 81mph. they come with cmi exhaust. C&C performance marine in new jersey does my service he is pricing the motors now, he thinks he can get then for aroubd 12500. each and there will be a trade value on my 6.2's. if the price is right i will just order them and then add the hyd steering.