272 vs 271
 

What's the basic difference between these two models?

Huge difference. Almost 3 foot and one engine vs 2.

I have always thought of the 271 as the older 242 put on steroids . . . Only about 1 foot difference on the 'usable' part of the hull . . .

The 272 from the late-80's - early 90's is more like the 292 of today in terms of size, power, etc.

So, if you put a 271 next to a 272 (w/silent thunder platform) the 272 will be about 2 feet longer, a few inches more narrow, 1,000 +/- lbs heavier.

forgot the almighty stepped hull

I typed it then deleted it.....the early 271's didn't have a step.

These guys nailed both very good boats, buddy has a 272, when i had the 271 he was about exactly 2 ft longer, both have really strong points, and great arguments for each, I loved our 271, rode great and performed pretty well, you could go swimming in the engine compartment compared to most boats, which made maintenance a breeze

So what I am reading is that a mid '80's~early '90's 272 is the same size as today's 292 and the 242 from the same era is equivalent in size to the 271....correct?

pretty much sums it up,

If the swim platform is NOT molded onto the hull (ie: bolted on) than it is NOT included in the LOA.

If the swim platform is molded onto the hull, than it IS included in the LOA. Most newer Formulas are this way.

Sounds like this deal really helps the marinas...they have a cut off in their pricing usually at 26'. So a guy with a 242 pays less than the owner of th 271...and they take up the same space.

The Bahamas have a 26' premium also I believe.

The mid 80's early 90;s 272 is alot more boat then a 292 fastech. I have owned them both. 272 was a great boat

Yep, this is the reason I disliked Fountain back in the early 90's. He would show up with a 38' boat with 2' swimplatform and 18" beak on it with 600hp x 2. Then compare it to a 38 scarab and top gun with 500hp x 2 and brag how he had the fastest boat. No kidding, padded bottom, 20% more HP and 3.5' shorter, what a rocket scientist. Of course it worked for him and I was poor, so what the heck did I matter. I just remember his look with blacked out hair and gold chains, felt sorry for him living in the past.

OK, someday I have to look at one of these. I have heard this before, but am surprised by it. They are longer, even with the swim platform by about 6" or so. They are wider by 6" or so. they are heavier by about 1200 lbs or so. Yet everyone says the 272 has more room. Some day I will find someone with one up in south west Michigan area.

Brian

What is equally amazing is in comparing my 255 to a 272....the 272 seems to be 7/8 the size of the 255!! I have owned both now but I didn't become aware of the difference until I was out on Diego's 272 SR-1. The 255 Liberator has a deeper cockpit higher freeboard by 12" and a bit more head room in the cabin. The difference becomes very obvious when you walk past both boats while they are on trailers.

fixx
 

john,if you measure your boat its like 27'2'' or 29' 2'' i forget..i remember back then they measured the boat on the inside??

Mike I think you are right. I'll do that one day to satisfy my curiosity. i was looking at a "32'" Baja today at my friends shop and thought "Really?" It was sitting next to mine and it just looked smaller...may be a foot longer tops but not as deep anywhere...
you know what I'm talking about.