RGPIII

I currently have a Checkmate Convincor 220 which is about 23.5 ft. it has a single 350 mag mpi. I have been looking onto the formula 292 fastech's. I boat mainly on the Chesapeake bay so I will see from .5 ft to 3 ft waves depending on the day. on nice days my boat is perfect but I miss out on a lot of boating due to the smaller boat.
Will the 292 be the right choice or will I regret it and should go bigger? Currently I can only cruise at 45 and top out at 60. I would like a boat that can cruise at 50-55 and top out around 70-75. Are these numbers realistic with the 292 and small blocks?

Also looking at a 2002 or newer so i'm guessing between 45,000 and 60,000$? for one with less than 300 hours that's in good condition?

Did i also read correctly these are composite boats? instead of a balsa wood or cored boat? so they will theoretically last much longer?

Any and all information is appreciated.

badmonkey

I think 292 will serve you very well. Just sold a 26 Scarab that was really good in the bay. We were able to go out on any day we wanted. The size will be fine. We now are running a 353 Fastech which is a major jump up. Speed wise for the 292 I can not help. I would think you can get into the 70's.. I think you will love the 292...Lord knows we love our 353. Good luck with the search. If I can help in any way do not hesitate to ask.

Chris

Nastybug

A friend of mine had one. It was a really nice boat. Handled the chop well. It had the 350 magnums. I think its realistic speed was 68 to 70. Said 75 a few times on speedo but was not GPS. Pretty sure it wasn't going 75mph with those motors. It was also available with a Scorpion motor I think it was called that was more horse than the 350 mag. Think those put it over 70mph. I could be wrong. Not a Formula expert so any body chime in to confirm or correct. All in all don't think its a bad choice. Really liked it.

RGPIII

I also don't want to make to big of a move that it isn't needed. I'm still in the deciding stage on what boat to move up to. how are the 271's in comparison? want to make sure i make the right decision before spending the money.

Nastybug

Cant speak of the 271 but the 292 I spent a lot of time on was really nice. The cockpit area was big for a 29 footer and the cabin which no one really spends that much time in was also more than adequate. Again Im no expert but I would think for the difference in money the 292 is the way to go. I also currently have a checkmate. Love it but its 21 pulsare with a 250 proxs merc. Runs over 80 and Im on the Barnegat Bay in NJ where I get pounded when the chop gets big. I understand your move. The 292 I was in handled 2 to 3 footers very well. Good luck with your decision and Happy boating.

88242LS

292 will be a great choice, there quick and agile, IMO take some time and try and find a Scorpion motor boat, without a dought get the 6.2's which will get you 70, still easy enough to tow, I would also consider a 312 as the prices are just about the same, but as far as the 292 the small block bravo combo is very hard to beat, the 271 is also a great boat, I had a SR1 and loved it, handled chop very well but no speed demon, even the newer ones only get you 62/64 unless you find one with a blue motor.

I will say i had a 242, for many reasons ended up in a 271 after, and now a 303, make the jump, you will not regret it, going from a 22 to a 27 may leave you wanting more,

RGPIII

I appreciate it. I think you are right that it would leave me wanting more especially on rough days. I think I'm going to focus on the 292 seems like there are a good bit of them out there for sale right now.

1MOSES1

Owned a 2003 292 for 3 years. It's a great boat in 0.5' to 2' chop.Short chop 3's is doable but starts to get pretty bumpy. As mentioned definitely go with the 6.2L's. I'd definitely stick with a Fastech line. Don't go with an sr1 or anything older, granted they are nice boats if you have 45-60k you can find a 292 and even a 353. With a 292 and small blocks the 50mph cruise and 70mph is all doable.

tpenfield

The stringer grid is fiberglass (foam filled also I believe), the transoms are wood core.

The Fastech and Super Sport lines use the fiberglass grid system, whereas the PC and Sun Sport lines still use traditional wood core stringer system the wood is "Perma Panel" on the newer boats.

08 fastech 292

Mine is a 2008 with 6.2's. We have run it at LOTO with no issues so it will handle the chop you see on the Bay with no problems. As for speed, you will cruise at 50 MPH at 3800 RPM's and speed will touch 70 but not much more than that. These boats handle extremely well, and the mid range acceleration is impressive.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Dave