400ss
 

I am thinking of shopping for a 03 or newer 400SS and would like some opinions of this boat from owners and previous owners. I am only interested in 525 boats and was wondering what is the range to expect at 40mph? The option I am looking at are hard top vs canvas. I would like to trailer it and the extra weight savings would help, also the extra bridge clearance. How do they handle the rough water do they feel like they are built solid? Any manufacture issues that are out there?

We took delivery of a 2012 400ss in June with 525s and a hardtop. As I recall we burn about 45 g/h at 40. Maybe a little more. On the flip side we hit 62 mph with a hull that had three months worth of river scum. I wouldn't be surprised to see 63 or 64 mph with a clean hull.

I prefer the radar arch look but the hardtop is really nice. Its rock solid. So is the hull. Formula still builds a great boat.

Seems like about 200 mile range according to your fuel consumption.
Thanks for the info

I'm going to try to test ride one with the wife to make the final decision.

I have a 2004 with the regular arch and 500 EFI, B3x drives.

It is a GREAT boat.

In retrospect, I kinda want the hardtop. A lot easier to not have stuff flapping around and keeping up with the canvas parts when not in use.... HOWEVER, the regular arch is much younger and sporty looking.

Ultimately, the arch/hardtop is going to be dependent on what type of weather you experience and what hassles you want to deal with.

I have had mine up to about 60mph. Never watch fuel consumption, but I can tell you that you can literally watch the gauge go down at those speeds! hahahah

Be SURE to get the bow-thruster option. The boat responds very slowly at idle speeds and can be a B**CH to dock in high winds. I just got lucky on getting the bow-thruster on mine... I can only imagine what trouble I would be in if I didn't have it.

I also highly recommend the extended swim platform.


Its one of my favorite boats ever, and I get compliments EVERYWHERE I go.

What are you wanting to spend...? Prices on the 400 can be all over the board.

I know of a lot of them that are out there. I just bought mine last year... so I can help you if you give me some of your criteria

I have a 06 400SS with 525's and run in the pacific so have some pretty rough water to deal with. it has been surprising that things have not come apart but it is a very solid boat.

Also i trailer it and that is the only drawback i see with the boat. i can trailer by just taking the light and top of the radar off. i towed it couple times with my F450 and it never really gave me a warm fuzzy feeling, The sport chassis is the only way to go, now it feels safe and comfortable.

i have 250 hours and for the most part it has been trouble free.

The bow thruster is a big plus, 99% of the time you don't need it but when you do it is great to have.
With 525's it will go 60.
it's a great party boat and not to bad to sleep on either. the factory stereo rocks.

Trailering like i said is the only drawback which is why i am going to get a Cigarette.

[QUOTE=mroberts;3537769]I have a 2004 with the regular arch and 500 EFI, B3x drives.

It is a GREAT boat.

In retrospect, I kinda want the hardtop. A lot easier to not have stuff flapping around and keeping up with the canvas parts when not in use.... HOWEVER, the regular arch is much younger and sporty looking.

Ultimately, the arch/hardtop is going to be dependent on what type of weather you experience and what hassles you want to deal with.

I have had mine up to about 60mph. Never watch fuel consumption, but I can tell you that you can literally watch the gauge go down at those speeds! hahahah



Not worried about the consumption for cost as much as range.

Good point about the noise from the canvas in the wind. I didn't give that much thought, but I'm sure I would not want to hear that for an extended amount of time.

Thanks for the coments

Try a test-ride on a 400SS with the Volvo diesels. You'll be surprised. Figure about twice the range.

We got a 2007 with hardtop and diesels. Runs high 40s but very gentle on consumption. Great solid all around boat. May be for sale if interested.

Thanks for the info but I am going to test a gas boats first before I decide. I think the gas power will fit my plan better.

If you change your mind on gas Slowride's diesel is an exceptional 400SS.

I agree. i really like the 525's

Thanks man.

Good luck with the search. They are great boats.

Someone should buy Slowrides Formula to get it off our dock
...they keep it so clean it makes the rest of us look bad,boat is immaculate

Do you seriously plan on selling your 2007? Looking for a diesel boat right around that vintage with a hardtop.

I'm surprised you're not interested in buying this boat.

Believe me, it crossed my mind. Just don't want to hassle with selling mine.

I'll help wax those long, blue hull sides! :drink:

You would have no problem selling that 350SS. You would miss your joystick, however. Cheater! :lolhit:

Doesn't that 400SS have IPS?

Outdrives and bow thruster I believe.

Are you looking for a hardtop diesel 400ss? Pm me if interested.
Thanks, Ben.

They are Volvo duo prop drives. And of course, bow thrusters.

Still has formula guard warranty til 2014 I think.

I am researching selling mine to get into something bigger and slower (mixed feelings here). It is a 2006. Agreed prices all over the board. Anyone buy/sell one recently?

I decided to list her in the classifieds here for $249k or make an offer. I've seen them listed for less in south FL and heard of some repos. With the features such as DTS, SmartCarft, bowthruster, radar, full imron blue hull, and, most importantly maintained to the T in freshwater, I can do better than the distressed boats. If anyone is interested, let me know, it sounds like my first offer is coming tomorrow.

I thought that h20 toie mentioned the other week that he sold his?

Sold my 1999 400SS at the end of March for 95K... Clean and was repowered.

Not a good example for you as the years are off.

Pat

Spicy, looks like someone got a great deal. That is what it takes. Good job moving it.

What is your next boat? We have the classic dilemna of love, love, love the performance of Formula but need, need, need more space with kids getting older and venturing further and further out on Lake Superior among the islands and harbors.

Not yet, I've been kinda busy but short version is:
Sold the Formula end of March, settled on a foreclosure in my neighborhood April 17th, Gutted house, windows siding roof kitchen floors 3 new baths etc and two months and 6 days later put it on the market, got a contract the first week and settle in a couple of weeks Friday August 3rd if everthing goes as planned?? I have been looking but havent picked up the phone to call on anything yet... but soon!!!

Good Luck with moving your boat, Pat