I got an additional communication back from Formula Boats . . . they said that they do not test nor certify positive flotation in their boats over 26 feet. So, it is not exactly known, but they have seen the sun sport go down to the gunwales, but not actually sink.

I suppose that I could add some flotation just to improve things. . .

I told the wife I need to install a couple of these for safety reasons since it is a family boat. I didn't really understand everything she said, but I am fairly certain I am going to be looking at adding foam flotation instead. Just a hunch. Besides, being a geeky engineer, I have never even met a woman that looks like that! Wouldn't know what to do.

Seriously, I have thought about the positive flotation also but not unsinkable like a whaler. I just do not want the boat to be capable of ever sinking beneath the surface. I have looked at all the foam space in my 272 and I think it would be close. An inflatable pillow up in the nose would probably meet the needs, but foam doesn't pop or deflate.

Tough part is you never know until you sink it and I do not want to test that.

Brian

How can they not test or certify but claim in literature that they are positive floation? Seems like this would just be asking for some one else to own your boat company. I havent read the literature just going by what was written in the op.

Can you please express your concern on this issue?

Yup, looks like an inconsistency. The 1999 Sun Sport Brochure states "positive flotation in all Formulas" . . . the 1997 Sun Sport Brochure does not. Therefore, I asked the question.

I'm figuring it is probably close. As Brian stated, since it is a family boat, and there is space available, I'll add the the extra foam just to be sure. Since the boat has thru-hulls, twin I/O's, etc. there are a few things that could go wrong . . .

My previous boat was a 24 foot (F-242SS) and it specifically stated "positive flotation".