fastest single engine Formula hull?
 

Although I'm not even done with my curent project, I can already see this will be a life long hobby. But I have a bit of confession to make, been lurking in the Eliminator, Warlock and other cattamaran forums... I know a deep-v can't really compete with a cat for sheer speed, but its nice to daydream. My question is, what is/was Formulas' fastest single engine powered 26' to 29' hull.. I'm wondering, bc last summer was a big let down, only obtaining 54.7mph, when I should have been at 60. This year will be a little different with bottom paint removed, a lot bigger cam, and Gil risers..Hoping for 60 to 65 mph, but as I understand it, my 223 isn't the best for speed, so already looking at other Formula options.

My 1997 271 Fastech did 62 mph stock 502 mpi, saw 63 mph with performance exhaust. JIM

My 271 Sr1 with 800 Hp was a 80 MPH boat. That being said the Fastec 271 might be your best bet. I love my New 1993/2013 271 SR1. It's a 72-75 MPH boat with 600Hp 496CI.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

Hoping to go fast this year 05 271 fastech with 525efi,still waiting for summer!

baddazz set up, rare boat, post pics, as far as fastest Formula, I know of several 271's that would run 80/82

My Dad's 1978 20CL isn't designed to be the fastest, but it can sure run good with a lot of power. He still owns it today and it was probably the fastest single engine Formula back in the 1980's. It was the only 20CL built with a big block and TRS outdrive. He had Formula build it with a higher X-dim. We eventually modified the engine and when fresh it ran in the low 70's. She's definitely a sleeper!

The last pic is me driving in 1983 at age 17 on our annual trip to Lake Erie running in Sandusky Bay. She was a handful with a 24 degree deadrise and rounded keel, but handled the speed pretty darn good.

My 1997 271 Fastech with the HP500 does 68 mph , saw a best 72 mph without drive showers.

Hoping with 525 a solid 70mph ,real slow right now still in sorage and snow flurries today.Once summer comes i can take some pics and beat it like i stole it

I have a 2000 271 Fastech with a 693hp 540 EFI. Boat runs mid 80's GPS. Jeff Wurl

Whatever is the smallest step hull that Formula built with a single engine.

If raw top speed is your goal..step hull can't be beaten.
Consider building a 750 horse BBC in a 271 Fastech and you're looking at tripledigits.

You might get close with the same power in a 233 with the same power and short drive.

What about the 292 Fastech F1 versions? I believe there were only approx 5 or so ever built, but with a 500 efi, i saw it running low 80's...

How fast is the 292 FasTec with 6.2s?

72 ish

Yea but he's looking for single engine.

I will say here though that the 292 with the 6.2/Bravo combo in twin is a perfect set up in my opinion. Seriously...70+ MPH from the factory with twin Small Blocks...can't beat that for efficiency.

Thanks for all the input guys! Looks like the 271/272 is the winner. What year did for Formula release the Fastech series? Ideally would like to find one with a good drive, sound cosmetics, and a bad engine. I've been looking at building a 598ci 750-800hp engine as my dream build. After this project is done, will start collect parts to build a big inch pump gas moster.

Sprink, my buddy has a 04 Donzi 28zx/r? with twin 330hp mpi 5.7s that is just well rounded. Does 69/70 with 2 aboard, 64/65 with 6 and gear, is better on fuel than my single 7.4, planes easily, even does great for tubing. But, he has the speed bug too, and has 2 383ci 560hp engines being dropped in now.. Im sure he will make his 85mph goal, but I think his boat will go from a friendly well balanced ride to a fuel guzzling tempermental speed beast. He's dicthing the fuel injection for carbs also..

mid 80's 272 Sr1's came with twin sbc's 88-91 had the option of 454/bravo's, 90/91 there were a few made with 454/mags, 92-96 they changed the 27 to a 271 Sr1 with a single, some had 454's most had 502's and some optioned with a bravo 3, 97-04 271's were given the fastech hull and powered with 502's although some had a 500 or 525 in the later years

Wow! Had no idea there was so many engine choices.I've always heard that a short (27-29ft) boat with twin big blocks tend to be 'ass heavy' and planing/slow speeds tend to be a pain. And a nightmare to wrench on bc of limited access. True? false? Sounds like a 97up single engine may be what I'm looking for as my next 'bird..

Very cool, old school ride! I've got a little '83 17 ft Formula One, gets used more than all the other toys. 72 hrs last season.

Twin BBC, Nightmare to wrench on? yes, but they plane off at 2400 rpm:daz::daz::daz:

Hmm,lots to consider... Good thing theres plenty of time to research and come up with a good gameplan. I think when the time comes, a single engine will be my choice, mainly due to the $$$ it will take to build what I want. Its funny how you can be knee deep in one project, yet the minds' gear are working on the next.

i have 206 ls with 454 bbc and bravo 1. and top speed it is 69mph.

I can testify to that...Diego's sweet 272 SR-1 with twin 454/Bravo I's planes as fast as any boat I have ever seen...including outboards!!! The K Planes help but in all honesty his boat is extremely well balanced and has great acceleration...even with all of the weight aft. My 255 with twin SBC's/Bravo I's is about the same but I have 500~750# less iron aft than he does so it's not a fair comparison. We have run Haulover and Government Cut inlets in Miami Beach with BIG swells at the mouth and his 272 boat zips up and down the face of a wave with serious fitness!!

I have been in some very good boats in all sorts of conditions but have to say the 272 SR-1 from the '80's with BBC power is one of the best combinations ever put together...especially when you consider that with no extra weight penalty you could easily have 1000~1100 horsepower in the water with twin BBC's in a 27' boat:evilb:

As far as bilge access is concerned...any boat with an 8' beam and twin V8's is going to be tight...Big or Small Block. The spread on the BBC's is 34" usually vs. 32~33" on the SBC's so you need to be a starving Ethiopian to pull the inboard plugs on either one. Some boats can handle twins better than others...Formula figured it out.

Because we do coastal and offshore boating in this area twin engines are a "Get you home" insurance policy for those of us that like to venture beyond the horizon. If you're on a land locked lake you really don't need the security of twins...build a balls out Big Block and if it breaks it's no big deal to get back to shore...just a minor inconvenience. If you are serious offshore...twins are a way of life.