353 formula.......525s Vs 496s
 

I need some advise from the 353 owners. I'm shoppin' 353 formula Fastechs, 2002 -2007. Is there a huge difference between a pair of 500s/525s compaired to the more affordable 496s? I understand that top end differs by maybe 6-8 mph, and the 525s, Mercury Racing 'Blue Motors', are awesome lookin', rock solid, and provide more torque & horsepower, (not to mention that they're a 502 cid block, have aluminum Edelbrock heads, CMI headers, roller rockers, extreme duty rods/pistons, etc). But is it worth the extra dough? Where do they excel??.......mid-range power, low -end, fuel economy? What should I be lookin' for? Thanks much for the insight......RR

I think you answered your own question.

Top end, MPG, and cruise RPM is all that is going to change.

The 500's will need some TLC to the valve train at 250-300 hours, the 525's (after 2004 when they came out) are good until about 400 hours on the valve train. These are estimates. It depends on how they were cared for and if regular maintence was done.

The 496's seem to have a VERY good track record all the way up to around 600 hours. They kind of remind me of the older 7.4L motors that just keep going.

I like power, so when I opted to re-power mine, I let them eat (640 HP each). The boat (hull) likes it, and with the right props, the ride just gets better and better. I get REAL good fuel economy at cruise around 47mph at 3100 RPM's and 1.6 miles per gallon. So power does have it's upside!

Dave

Thanks for the reply, Dave. I've always been a fan of the 525s, more power is always the trick. WOW!!....640hp, with boxes and shorties......boat's got do over 90, with gobs of mid range power. Nice boat man.......RR

I would go for the blue ones, better all around unless you just want a turn key boat that runs decent... I think the 353 feels slow at 70 ish that they run with 496, I like them much more in the 80's... 90's.... and a tad over 100!! I think they ride better with speed... pretty much goes for any 30+ ft boat...

With the 500/525 you have alot better parts in there too....

Resale will always be better with Blue power. Power Boat buyers will always go blue if they can. When I bought my '02 it was a definite factor.

Plain and Simple is that everyone would go Blue if they have the cash.

The HO's are great motors for the money. I have a 353 w/ HO's and its a solid boat 72-73mph and it will run 70 w/ a full tank and 8 people.

If the cheese aint an issue. Go blue, but the HO's are still a great package.

I agree with all of the above... if you can afford the upgrade, the 525's are worth the extra $$$ on every level. You won't ever regret it. A favorite motto of mine is: "It only costs a little more to go first class" ... Isn't that why we formula owners didn't buy a fountain??? (!) Also, 5PMSMWHR is right, the resale value will be higher and you'll have a more sought after boat if you ever need to bail. When I was searching for my 353 last April, I traveled all the way from Buffalo, NY to Vegas to land my 525's. Keep us posted on your search and good luck!

PS When you land your 353, you'll have to talk to Dave AXAPOWELL about a new set of step plates. I just installed mine, and they look incredible! THANKS DAVE!

Dave

PS

What are the graphics on your boat? I looked at an 03 a couple years ago in Vegas.

Perfect storm what does yours run with the 525's? Love the boat its a real beaut really wish you would hav esold that 311 last year LOL oh well

The boat does low 80's. I really was hoping that the 311 would stay local when I sold it, but it ended up in Erie, Pa... At least it's still on lake Erie!

The graphics are formula's platinum series Imron design "Storm"

i have to agree the blue motors are cool, when i bought mine i gave up the blues for factory gen,a/c, and all the goodies. i dont know about you guys-but we cove out all day, not run all over.. coved out with gen running and a/c on so the girls can take a break from the heat, let me tell you it dosent get any better than that. and at the end of the day those 496HO's will push us up to 75mph on gps if i want . so you decide-low 80 or all the comforts of home... just my .02

check out my 353, it is for sale on boat trader.com http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...STech-95379216

Up north we drive our boats alot and when we get hot we jump in the river and swim. Having the good looking women down below with the AC sort of defeats the purpose.....:lolhit:

Not to forget the linear effects of speed and bounce, ( . ) ( . ) !!! :D

Sidetracked,, Nice boat! why you selling? can you put me on a payment plan lol

Fountain?? Why is it........
 

Thanks for the reply Dave. Question, though, ....why is it that so many folks say I should consider a Fountain?? They say they're faster, (maybe a bit). But they also say they're the best riding and handling sport boat made. I've been a fan of Thunderbird/Formula forever. I've always thought Formula was the best riding, (especially in rough water). Maybe not as fast, but way better made, heavier, stronger, and way better lookin'..........your thoughts, and anyone else.

Thanks guys for the input.........dave (RR)

Family is getting bigger and its time for a Formula 40. In my book family comes first- and with the 353 i have the best of both worlds; go fast boat w/ comfort. With a 40ss we will have more room. again its all what your looking for and suits your needs.:drink:

Formula might concede a few top-end mph's to Fountain, but in my opinion, nothing else. The FasTech is just such a perfectly designed and quality-engineered offshore boat, that I personally wouldn't consider anything else.

Of course this is all subjective, but when you're comparing boats, look at the usable space, lay-out, rigging, storage, amenities, fit and finish, durability, comfort, style ...etc.

Even the "little" things that experienced boaters appreciate like a usable windshield, the sliding cabin door, McLeod bolsters & footrests, easy bow access, anchor cabinet in the bow, lighting in the gunnel storage areas, shore power cord storage in the engine hatch (ingenious!), flip-out dash panel for easy access to your gauges ...etc.

THEN after you're done admiring all of this... take one for a ride!

Dave

Dave,

You should work in the sales and marketing group at Formula.

I feel the same way. I had a Powerquest buddy tell me the other day that a 34 Viper was twice the boat of Formula. Obviously he hasn't riden in a Formula. Not to mention that PQ is no longer in business......(tough if ya gotta dump it). But overall, as you mentioned, fit, finish,handling,rough water ride AND re-sale, are just a few of Formula's qualities.

I've decided that by next year this time (at the latest) I too, will be the proud owner of my many year sought after dream of a 353 w/525s........awsome dude..........just awsome.

Thanks for mentioning some of the additional Formula ammenaties I was not aware of..........dave (RR)

anyone out there any opinion on these 2 boats?
formula 353 vs powerquest 340 vyper??
cabin size?
top speed with same power?
rough water handling?

I am on my fourth Formula, I wouldn't own anything else. Qualiy, service, ride and resale. The only thing Fountain has on a Formula, it may be a little faster. Look at how many Fountains are for sale, and look at how many Formulas are for sale, and compare what there resale is, and there is your answer. One thing to consider, is that in the early 2000's, Formula raised the weight on the 353 about 1000-1200 #'s. My 99' runs 75-76 mph, with stock 502's , and no labbed props, this is with 1000# of cargo and 1/4 tank of fuel, but I mine does not have any options, macerator, etc.,.