Hi guys, New to the form and looking at getting into a PowerBoat. My last boat was 1988 225 Four Winns Sundowner. That was more 9 years ago. Looking for a sportier boat now. Looking for a 25-27ft Formula SR1 or LS model (single engine) in the mid to late 90's, low hrs, fresh water, mint shape etc... Want to spend between 20-35,000. Can anyone tell me how many hrs a boat should have on it before a rebuild is necessary. I don't want a modded boat, but a stock turn key boat. What years are good and what years are bad and what year has issues. Also has anyone delt with the Performance Boat Center, in MO. I am willing to travel for a boat, but would like to keep it close to me in MI, IN, OH etc...

Thanks for the help..

Sledfreak,
welcome.... it sounds like u have the right idea with the right money expected to spend. i have had a 88 242, 93 271, and now a 94 303, every boat has been awesome.. like any older boat u will need to check for wear and tear and even stringer/transom.... but i think you will find that you dont see this much with the formula's ya ill give them a toot and say there built better then most but also owner pride has alot to do with it and were a proud bunch.. alotta formulas are hangin on lifts or inside which also helps. my only regret is after the 242 we didnt jump into a 303. i absoulutly loved my 271 but if u think u are even close to being ready for twins just do it and get down with it.. 271 rode awesome had a single 502 honest 55 best of 58 it was a bit tired thou and carbed. my 303 has 502 efi's and ive had it going 75 72 every time
any ither questions just ask

I currently own a 1997 Formula 252ss. I just repowered it in August 2011 with a 383 Mag (350 HP). This was a Mercury manufactured engine with a one year warranty. I have approx. 30+ hours on the engine. Much better performance than the old 454 MPI it replaced. I am the second owner. Has pressure water in the cabin, dockside pump-out of the porta-potti (never used), dockside engine flush, and 2 battery charger. Has B-lll outdrive. Boat is in great shape. I am currently considering purchase of a larger boat in the 28-30 range and have been looking at Donzi and Powerquest.
I would consider selling my Formula. Comes with a Rolls I-beam trailer, dual axle.
Send me a text at 757-236-1515 or email me @ [email protected] if any interest.

The only issue really I have going to a 303 is the expense of mainteance of having twins. Not a cheap over haul if needed. That is really the reason of wanting a single motor. But, I am open to sugestions as I am not going to jump on the first boat I see, because I plan to keep this boat a while... As you said, I know there are alot of boats parked up on lifts that have had little use in the last 10 years that are really mint and if I have to travel, then I will to get the one I want. I don't want to go all the way to LA or FL, but mid country runs I will do.... Thanks for the help. What about outdrives... Bravo 1's II, III etc... Whats the difference? Alpha drives I hear are not good? Thanks...

Thanks, I am looking more at an LS style or SR1. Really more of the SR-1 style. But thanks...

Beavo'1's are what you want foe top end, bravo 3's make boats jump outta the hole but sacrifice top end, Example a 271 SR1 with a bravo 1 will be sluggish outta the whole but better top end, with the B3 it will jump outta the whole great for sking/tubing etc. I never did anything other then tubing off mine so I preferred the B1 plus one less prop turning. and I'm more of a lets go guy then watersports. ya the twins is more maintenance but now that i have it I wouldn't go back.

Here's a 271 with a great story, if I was shopping this would be high on the list

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/3088127871.html

That great info..

I owned a '93 271 SR1 and they are great boats. IMO the best riding 27' boat on the water. We tuned and skied a lot behind at and the 502 ran strong through 600 hrs. Not bad for overnighting either. But now I'm spoiled and agree that twins are amazing. The boat just tracks like its on rails.

One thing to consider is a tow vehicle. A 271 can be towed with a 1/2 ton truck but stepping up to a twin engine 30' boat is 3/4 ton territory.

Dave

nah were good

I have a 2000 PowerQuest 260 Legend for sale that is extremely similar to Formula. It's on Boattrader and the price is $26,500. Check it out.
Holland, MI.