If you are thinking about buying a Formula
 

After purchasing a brand new 2008 400ss w/twin mercury 525's alittle more than two years ago its been nothing but problems
- its gone through three sets of drives due to oil leaks and each time
Formula was taking their time deciding how to fix it.
- the underwater LED lights that was installed as a factory option almost
caught the boat on fire cause it was wired directly to the batteries without
any kind of circut breaker. The company they sent to replace the system
repaired it but left the trim pump assembly mounting screws off which
resulted in a big mess with fluid coating everthing in the bilge that is still
stained in the little crevices.
- after fixing a few of the cabin cabinate latches myself in the early months
the rest have now broken and Formula refuses to warraty the work.
- The biggest sliding cabinate has since failed to latch closed and now the
slider rails for the drawer have torn off , to my surprise they were only
mounted on by two face tape. Formula is also not going to warraty this
problem.
- the laminate around the sink and fridge has been cracking and peeling,
Formula is also not going to warranty this
- The microwave that was mounted by simply putting silicone on its rubber feet has since fallen out, Formula is also not fixing this problem
- the cabin ceiling vinyl covering has started to fall down, Formula is also not going to warranty this

This boat was purchased new from a authorized dealer and has aprox 55
total hours on it

Sounds like you got a lemon for sure. A shame, they are sweet looking boats.

Sounds like you need a better dealer? I remember a head liner issue a while ago were when Formula was pushed they did fix some of them. I hope that Formula is not going to go the way that Ford treated me with pealing paint on a one year old car. Service is all they have now days.

unfortunately this is the only authorized dealer for Vancouver BC

did you contact customer support directly at the factory?

:eek: Man that really sucks I would have figured a boat in that price range would have been jam up.

If it's an 08....isn't the ENTIRE boat coverage for at least one year??? And if you got the FormulaGuard it should be covered for 5???? I would keep pressing the issue, that many problems deserves answers and resolutions. IMO.

have you tried calling Formula direct? Sounds maybe more like you dealer doesn't want to bother with the problems(not enough warranty money in it for them, just a guess)

Sure does not sound like the Formula Company we all know. I am very surprised to hear that the factory would not stand behind these problems. :eek: Write a letter or call the factory directly.

I TOTALLY agree....I've had a few warranty items and Formula was very good about standing behind their products and making it right.....

I bought the boat late in 2007 so the one year is up.
I have called the factory and could not get ahold of my territory rep.
I left a message and will wait for a return call. The boat has been sitting at the dealer approx two weeks. Its jus fustrating cause the boating season here is about three months

That factory wiring problem with the under water lights is simply unacceptable and dangerous. I have reviewed a lot of the wiring on my 292 that I bought new and it is the one thing with the boat that is definitely sub-par. IMHO Formula needs to put more time and focus on the quality and training of their production personel regarding wiring.

Damn..... I feel lucky I don't have that option!!!:eek:

I am very surprised to hear about wiring issues with Formula. When I had my '87 Formula, the wiring was excellent, and nothing short of machine tool quality. But, things change...not necessarily for the better. Hopefully just a couple flukes.

Lawyer up

What part of the wiring is not OK on your 292 ?

To me the wiring on my 292 looks good on mine I think, but may be I have overlooked something ?

I am in the process of refurbing a 2003 400 ss and have talked extensively with Kerry Davis at Formula. A stand up guyand has been very accomoodating to anwer questions, find parts manufactures etc. He has even gotten workers off the floor to answer direct assembly questions about the 400 we are working on. To me it sounds more like a dealer issue. Formula has excellent customer service.

I ordered my 2006 292 with the SmartCraft SC5000 System View. Constantly got a "Trim Fault" alarm every time I started the engines. Discovered the standard Bravo trim indicators had the wires simply cut and left hanging causing the problem. Worked with Formula to correct the problem and they responded appropriately.

When I had the K-Planes installed the mechanics wiring the new trim pumps commented on the 'sloppy' (their words) wiring. Since then I have been under the dash and in the gunnels adding additional support and general clean-up to the wiring harness.

I admit, I'm an anal engineer type, but when I look under the dash and gunnels and see bundles of excess wire hanging not adequately supported with many zip ties that aren't even trimmed, it bothers me. Plus I have found a couple instances of the lack of accurate color coding (doesn't match the service manual provided by Formula) makes it difficult to trouble shoot. I had a problem with my gauge lights not working and it turned out to be a loose connection.

Don't get me wrong, I am VERY happy with the overall quality of my 292 and the quality of the 'wiring design' is top notch, but as with any production boat the quality of the installation will only be as good as the installer doing the job. I must have got a newbie...

Bobd,

I really think you have a DEALER problem, more so than a Formula problem, quit waiting for the district rep to call you, call Formula direct yourself, have the vin handy and let them know about your issues, I'll bet you even money they make it right. The couple of minor issues I've had over the years (and I'm on my 4th Formula) my dealer (Magicfloat) has taken care of and any questions or concerns I've ever had and called Formula about were addressed like RIGHT NOW.

I will call them monday.
This is my third Formula but first from the local authorized dealer.
I have no problem fixing the problems myself. I have fixed many that I did not mentioned but I bought a brand new boat so I would not have to do this.
I find the build quality was better on my 2003 382

I am amazed at the wiring on my 93, not sure whats up with yours possibly the way thing are now? possibly the installer was hung over?? I am on my second Formula 88 & 93 and have used Formula direct on several things on each boat. each time I was amazed at how I was treated being the fact that I was buying these old of boats, I had the feeling of just buying a new one.. sounds like your dealer is shafting ya which I find hard to believe any dealer would refuse work these days

I will admit that the quality was better as far as the wiring goes on my 02 292 than it is on my 04 27pc, everything works fine, just not as clean a job as my previous Formula's. As far as wiring quality the cleanest boat wiring was in my 1997 DCB 24 Extreme, truly a precision job. Looked military, wire tied/supported every 2 inches, wire ties all turned in the same direction, precision cut .

over the last 8 yrs and 2 Fastech's later, any problems I have had always called Formula first cause my dealer was horrible, Kerry Davis at Formula is just a great guy, with alot of knowledge, he has always responed quickly and helped me out, in my book he is the best !!, either call him directly or e-mail [email protected], I am sure he will respond quickly.........

Bobd,

So how's it going, did you ever get a hold of anyone at Formula?

I actually just got off the phone with Formula. They are going to fix all the problems and make it right.
You were right the local dealer was the one that was hesitant on taking on the job for the cabinet, laminate and interior work so they just said Formula will not fix anything.
Thanks for your advice. Next time i will contact the manufacture directly

That's great.....your first info just didn't sound like the Formula most of us know. Glad to hear your getting it resolved!!!

Now can you change the title to my local dealer sucks but Formula is going to hook me up anyhow? :D

Glad to hear the good news.... I would have been shocked if Formula did not take care of you.
Now on the hand, I sure hope Formula comes down on their dealer for such crappy representation of service. Did you tell the dealer that Formula is going to take care of everything?

Agree! Glad to hear Formula stands behind its product....nice to see!