Looking at a Formula 271...what do I need to know?
 

Hey everyone,

I'm upgrading from a Monterey 218 and looking at a Formula 271. I hadn't always been crazy about closed cabins, but I looked at this boat and I think I understand why people love Formula so much. Very solid boat! I have found a lot of things I like about it.

This boat has less hours than my current boat despite being a 2000 and it is equipped with a 502.

Where can I read more about this boat? Is there anything to look for? What do I need to know about these boats?

I owned a 1993 271 with a 502 for 17 years, great boat. In all the years I had it the only major problem I had was the gimbal ring on the lower unit wore out which you would expect. The 502 is pretty bullet proof as long you take care of it. Keep the fluids toped of and fresh.

Some people think 271's are slow out of the hole, but I thought mine was pretty quick to get on plane. Topped out at ~61 MPH with a touch of tab and alot of positive trim. They are heavy compared with the Monteray so you will see a much better ride with the weight, additional length and 24 degree deadrise hull.

Enjoy.

great boat handle the water very well little bit slugish outta the whole, with 4 adults and full tank, if i'm low on fuel and its just me and the wife its a rocket, expect to run about 60mph give or take a cpl, its a great boat we love overnight alot, my son is 11 now so he's outgrowing the couches now, so we will be getting a full canvas so he can start bunking up on the rear couch, or I'm gonna make a filler for the center of the cabin

I have a 2000 271 and think it is a great boat, we get a lot of use out of her and she rides great. As noted, the 271 appears to be famous for being sluggish out of the hole. I am playing with props this year and vented the cavitation plate, that seems to have helped. You will find more info on formulaboatsforum.com. Good luck and welcome to the Formula Family. If you boat in Jersey you should plan on coming to the raft up on July 16th.

Some 271's have 1:50 and some have 1:65 drive gear ratio. The 1:65's have a larger prop, usually 26P, which is one way to spot it but the lower ratio makes it stronger out of the hole.

I usually bring out at least six people with me on weekends, is she going to be a dog or is that reasonable? My Monterey will plane out just fine with 10 people on it, I'd hate to get a "performance" boat and lose performance.

it depends on hoe big your friends are. with 6 on board, I have asked some of the 'larger' guests to come hang out up front when taking off, then its an ez ride.

your not going to be happy with six people on a 271. just sayen

+2:grinser010:

Yeah, six people is on the light side for my trips, so I think I may pass on this boat. My Monterey planes out pretty decent WOT with 10 and it seems counter intuitive to buy a "fast" boat to struggle hauling six friends.

Edit: preferably on a good day, half of these are 120 lb girls, but still.

I put six on mine, but that is 4 adults and two rug rats!!:lolhit:

Boat does fine, but there is not enough room for six to move about freely on a 271. I like 4 people max on the boat at one time.

JMO

Brad

I have a 2000 271 for sale. I put K-planes on the boat and use two different props, if I am taking a large group 6 or more I would use a 24p Bravo 1 prop and it comes out of the hole no problem, and also run about 60. If just me and the wife or a couple of friends I run a Hydramotive prop. The boat still comes up fine and runs about 65. The K-Planes made a huge difference in, out of the hole, slow cruise, and top speed running on a rough day. The boat came with Bennett tabs, IMO completely the wrong tabs!

Look at a 260ss/br(bow rider) or a 280ss/br. Think you will be happier with the layout and will still get great formula quality. 10 people is too many for a 271 out on the water for a day imho.

10 people on a 271 for 10 minutes is to long

Go fast boats are not meant to entertain a party. They're meant for speed. If you're looking for speed and to take 10 people out I'd look at a formula sport cruiser. My 271 runs best with just my gf and I and about 1/4 tank of gas. But usually I don't get my way, she likes to bring her friends out and hey, I can't complain.

IMHO