deepv29

About to pull the trigger on a boat. I just looked at two boats so I need your thoughts please. Last boat was a single engine 29 foot shockwave Lake boat. moving up to a twin. I'm looking for lake and ocean use i.e. Long Beach, CA to Catalina. Here are the choices pending surveys.

1986 F302. twin 454 stock. Older style controls, extras like vhf radio, Halon, new cockpit carpet, updated exterior painted graphics. About 236 hours on motors. TRS drives, Borg Warner transmissions. $15k. Seller open to sea trials surveys etc.

1990 292 twin 454 with Holley carbs. owner suggested 365 hp vs 330. Mercury bravo drives, newer offshore type controls. owner fired up motors so far sound good. Newer Formula interior such as sofa configuration. 550 hours on motors.
$19k and being sold by broker/owner. everything else is typical of 1990 292.

Thoughts on ride, comfort, cost of updating controls on the 1986? I think the cabin is a bit roomier on the 302 and it has a filler cushion for sofas to make a bed for the kids. 292 looks more modern due to absence of wood trim and ....well you guys get it.

88242LS

292 is a way better option that will have a better resale for the future, the 87-92 SR1's will never go outta style

Full Force

iTrader: (5)

I would go with the 292 for the extra couple bucks, much more updated over the 302, and size is similar..

deepv29

I was a bit concerned with the 292 swim step and exhaust configuration. Since the swim step has drain plugs, does that suggest potential water issues inside of the swim step? Or is it a design advantage for the exhaust to pass through a water filled area?

Full Force

iTrader: (5)

its for the silent thunder platform, the water must exit somehow..so it has holes..

deepv29

Good info guys. Thank you. Any significant hull changes from 302 to 292?

I will probably continue pursuing this size boat. There is a local 357 with a Kaama surface drive / Borg Warner setup. My concern there is the towing and the surface drives. I figure its 12k lbs with boat and trailer. I'm towing with a 3/4 ton 8.1 rated at 12k.

sprink58

Depends on "what spins your dial" in the style department. I'm old school so I have a nostalgia thing going on with the "Flat Glass" 302. It's more boat than the 292 and will ride better in big water. If you want something more contemporary you have to lean to the 292...I would personally like to have one of each.

deepv29

Please do tell.....other than being a foot longer, how is it more boat?

And I too appreciate the old school. I've demo'd an 85 Mistress and surveyed an 86 Scarab III this year. But I'm becoming a fan of Formula build quality and creature comforts.

Full Force

iTrader: (5)

The 302 is gonna be heavier and ride better because of that, center of gravity is good too since its trs and has thr nice smooth transmissions... TRS drives are deeper too, not good for going fast but hooks all the time and rides great in the rough.

As far as looking at Mistress and Scarab, I can tell you that both of them are gonna ride more solid then the Formula, there is more bulkheads in the Mistress thats for sure, I have a Mistress and to me the ride is like no other 35 I been on, now for comforts, Formula for sure, thye have more cool stuff, I didnt care about all that as I wanted the ride, the cool stuff breaks when your hard on em in the great lakes...lol we have lost fridges, A/C units and broke windshields here...

If I were you I would buy the biggest boat you can afford and tow, you will want it later anyway, the 311/357 Fomulas are great all around boats and have tons of space...My .02 is stick with TRS in these boats as they ride way better...

deepv29

I was able to take a 35 Mistress out on Lake Havasu, AZ. Cut, carved, and rode like it was on rails. Immediately responsive. But....no foo-foo in the cabin for the family. Unfortunately I keep finding Scarabs with transom rot and lamination issues.

That's good info, thanks. Keep it coming!