new boat
 

Formula Fans. Why should I go with a Formula F-271, 292, or 303 SR1 over
Powerquest 290 Enticer
Baja 27-30 Outlaw
Wellcraft 29 Scarab
Sunsation 288
Fountain 27-29 Fever
Thank You

Any of the first, because they are Formula. You will NOT find any better manufacturer support after the sale. I have had a 311 in the past and currently a 382 Fastech and 260 SS day boat. All were purchased used, two from private owners. The dealer I bought my 260 SS from in April just called me today to see how things were going. Top shelf people to deal with.

All the options you listed would be good options. But, as RedDog said, you simply won't find better factory support than Formula.

Formula employs a group, the Technical Assistance Group or TAG. Their sole function is to provide technical (not customer relations) support to Formula owners and dealers. What other company do you know that employs people just for this reason,,,,none! Plus, these people know their stuff. As RedDog said, he has not bought a new Formula, nor have I. I've owned three Formulas. Every single question I've asked has been answered promptly and completely. An email to TAG results in an answer usually that same day, normally within two hours.

I have friends with other brands, they're always amazed at the support I get from Formula. Formula treats me like I just bought a brand new boat. Most other companies don't care if you just bought a brand new boat!!!!

Can't say enough about this company. They set the standard.

Additionally, the materials and build quality Formula employs result in a boat that lasts. A modicum of normal maintenance, cleaning, and waxing and the boats look nice. Mine is 19 years old and I still get many compliments.

Although the other boats you listed are nice boats, try calling any one of those companies with a question about a 10, 15, 20 year old boat. Good luck!!!

I sound like a Formula employee here. I'm not. To be honest, I would do a commercial for this company.:cool:

RedDog and ThirdBird stated it the best.

Plus, it's a FORMULA. Pull into any marina, anchorage or local hangout, and the Formula will stand out with everyone who sees you.

You could do a great commercial there ThirdBird. :drink:

As stated above they set the bar I am on my second Formula and will buy nothing else, and I bet if you ask alot of us we are on our second and third Formula's. I have a 271 and love it, my first was a 242, both boats Ive called the factory on diff things and got the feeling of I just spent 300k on a new one! the quality is unreal, they hold up and for the most part yes even in our current economy they hold there value!

Moxxy ,

Welcome to the Formula forum ....

As the guys have mentioned above the support and quality is second to none.
I too have a 311 of which is a 20 yr. boat and is absolutely 100% original which I would up against any 3-5 yr. old boat off brand as far as shape is concerned.

You won't get it until you experience what we are talking about.
Now we aren't in some kind of cult here ..... we are just really impressed with end results of a company that wants a customer for life.

Where are you located?
I would be more then happy to show you what a 20 yr old Formula looks like and a 19 yr old Formula (ThirdBird) looks like. Then go and do your comparisons ...... there isn't any !!!

Not sure what you are looking for but as luck would have it a good friend of mine has just decided to sell his '92 336 which is the newer version of my 311. The hulls are exactly the same I believe.

This boat is extra clean stays on a lift and has a/c, 365 mags w/bravos and full canvas and a trailer.

Not sure what is going to ask but it has to go now from what he is saying.

We are located in Rochester NY, Lake Ontario area if that helps.

Just thought I throw that out there.
The nice thing about buying a older Formula is the fact you can get a he!! of alot of boat for not big money when compared to the other manufacturers .....

Good Luck ....


Jeff

I've owned both, I have to disagree on one thing - the manufacturer on this list with the absolute best customer support - Sunsation. No question - no comparison.

This is a great thread... mainly because I was going to ask the same basic question. Only difference is I'm looking at '09 292 and '08 Sunsation 288. I like both and both seem to rank high in regards to customer service.

Where I need help is justifying the price difference -- about $60k higher for the 292. Anyone have any thoughts or comments? I really like the 292 and the dealer is a good friend (friend from high school, previous boats and do business with them) but I'm not seeing $60k premium.

Please help.

isnt the sunsation a single engine?

I have not owned a Sunsation, but I still beg to differ with you.

I know the guy who bought one of the first 32 Sunsations out of the mold. It was not a good outcome for either him or for Sunsation. They started sometime around 1990. Formula has been around for much longer.

I have been through the Formula plant on two occasions more than 15 years apart, and it has only grown and improved. It is a constant beehive of activity.

How many Sunsations are put out each year and how many are still out there 25 years later still looking like they just rolled off the line? How many Sunsation dealers are there across the country vs Formula dealers? How many different lines/models has Sunsation successfully produced vs. Formula?

If you want a limited production boat out of a much smaller company, Sunsation is not a bad boat. There is still a long history with Formula that simply cannot be denied.

Perhaps. Never owned a Sunsation and don't have any friends who own one. However, if the support is that good, good for you, that's a wonderful thing.

Maybe they are nice boats but the name is frickin' gay!!:p

the sun 288 is a single engine boat,
Got Twins how are you? I assume the 336 is the one that was up here for the run?? it is a very nice boat! what are your plans next week were thinking of going up to Seneca

Sunsation is a good middle of the road boat. Nothing specail about it in my opinion. I hang out with someone with a 288 all of the time. Formula worth the extra 60K?? Heel yeah, in a heart beat. Climb in each boat and you will clearly see the difference...drive the two and it come more appearant that the Formula is worth it! The Formula has a MUCH better ride and feel!!

Too me, the owners of Sunny are a bit too cocky, thay think they have the best on the water, act like it, but can't back it up. Just why do they have "world Champions on all of their boats? What exactly are they worls champions of?? Posers I think! There "new" P288 is their "performance" boat that is made specail by adding a bunch of decals and taking away options and you still have a boat that gps' right around 70 with a 496...nothing special...

Formula has been nothing but a pleasure to deal with and bends over backwards to help out! Plus how can you beat Formula financing?!?!?

Great how are you ..... and it is the one you saw ..... great deal for you ....

I am not sure what I am doing .... have to work Saturday ...

Jeff

Powerquest- beautiful, nice boats but out of business last I checked. Try getting customer service from them.

Baja- my fiance owned one. Nice boat but no comparison to a Formula.

As for the other brands, I've never been on them so I can't give you my opinion.

I'm the third owner of the Formula I now have. I called Formula for info (I can't remember what I was looking for) and received two calls from them the next day. My question had already been answered with their first call.

I am great, to early but the wife has admited to wanting a bigger boat, i need to find a 303 or maybe a 336 painted just like mine:grinser010:no pink:grinser010:

Thank You everyone for your input. i am off for a formula test drive today.

you will love it

I currently own a 271 and love the way the boat rides and handles. I been on some of the other boats except the sunsation. I feel the Formula is the better of the group, but customer service on the older formula's can be frustrating. I.E couple day's to get phone call's back but, Wiring scematics and any thing i asked for i got! The only thing that I would like for formula to do is re rig the boat they DO NOT DO THAT. If you want the vinyl they can sell it to your local shop. Go for the Formula They are the Cadillacs. Bar None.

Mike J

Let me say too, my last boat was a Fountain which I did love, but does not hold a candle to the Formula. Fountains customer service is non existant!

Re riggin would be nice

It is painted almost the same as your current boat and there is no pink ..... you are thinking of Greg's boat.

Hey, yeah never know what could happen .....

Have a great weekend talk to you later ...

Jeff

How about AT?
 

Formula makes an awesome boat....no doubt about it; I would think you could come up with several reasons why it is the best choice from that list. But guys with those boats will rebutt....All comes down to what is important to YOU....

BTW, Are you talking New or Used?

If you are looking for a boat that rides BIG in the rough, has ALOT of freeboard, cockpit space, huge cabin,
available w/almost any option or power, and is a fairly fast hull considering it's size and comfort:

Check out the Active Thunder web-site and see what you think of the 28's & 33's...huge boats with almost anything available--custom built to your specific taste....
Although I own 1, which I bought used, I have been to the facory twice and have gotten support from Pat, the owner on more than 1 issue(minor stuff like switches, he sent for free, & tech questions about the construction.)
I only brought up AT because it fits in with some of the brands, size and style of boat you seem interested in......

Good Luck! AT test rides are the CHIT!! You will be sold!

So........how was it? Since I am guilty of planting the Formula-bug in your ear, I am curious to hear your feedback.

I loved it. Now torn between a formula and sunsation. Thank you for your input. Tough decision top make.

What model Formula did you look at and what Sunny are you interested in?

What model did you look at and what year?
I just had a guy call me yesterday and tell me he bought a bigger boat and needs to get rid of his 271 ...... It is a '97 with low hrs orginally from Arizona on a tralier, full canvas ... it was a special edition from Formula with a Lingerfeld motor by Mercury what an awesome package all factory .... I believe it is a 540 ....

The boat is located in Rochester NY area.

If something like that is of interest let me know.

Jeff

2001 Formula 292 Fastech w/ Single 496 575hp
2003 Formula 292 Fastech w/ Twin 6.2Litre 320hp each
2002 Sunsation 288 Intimidator w/ Single 500EFI 560hp
All great boats. Loved driving all of them. priced all in same ballpark.

That's fine, you can disagree all you want. Sunsation doesn't make as many boats. They have been around about 25 years. And you can call the owner on his cell number and he will get you service immediately.

I've experienced both. I still say Formula is good. But Sunsation defines great!

I own a Formula now, I love the boat. I don't think you can go wrong either way. But Sunsation service is second to none.

I agree - AT would also be on my "look at" list.