292 fast tec stepped hull
 

Hello guys, I have a couple questions, my buddy is looking into a 292 fact tec stepped hull. I have no idea about handling and turning with the stepped hull. He has caught the bug and wants a formula 292. Twin small blocks. 2002 or newer. How does it turn? Speeds? Better years? How does it compare to other boats similar size? Thank you.

I have a 2004 292.

Very stable boats and I feel confident driving it like a jetski if you want to. They need external hydraulic steering. The 26zx Donzi I had before would hook and catch all the time when turning. I never get that with the 292. You still need to be mindful that you are in a stepped hull when getting agressive in turns.

Never had any issues with stability. I have Prochargers on my 2002 and have seen speeds over 80 mph. I do have external hydraulic steering which seems to be less common on newer 292 models.

I have a 2006 292. What the others have said, no problems with turning or handling. Highly recommend hydraulic steering. I had K-Planes installed replacing the stock Bennett tabs which improves rough water running. Mine has 320 HP 6.2 liter small blocks and runs 68-70 mph anytime and 70-72 mph in perfect conditions like light load, good wave chop, and cool weather.

anything else? 377 blue motors vs 6.2? why no k planes?

I'd put in him a super quick 312 if he wants to go a little bigger.

Stepped hulls you are supposed to keep the trim positive when turning. At least that is what i was taught at a scarab racing school i attended back in the day. They say that using negative trim cause the transom to lift which then traps air under hull and can cause them to spin out or flip

292-377= sweet! gotta look for them thou

Great entry level twin engine performance boat. Handles chop very well, not the fastest out there but very solid and dependable. I don't get too aggressive with her, but I can lay her over no problem and feel 100% confident doing so. Enough cabin room for 2 if you overnight occasionally. I spent several nights on my 292 this past summer, it's tight quarters but I can get a reasonable nights sleep with just a fan to circulate air in the cabin.

The blue 377 scorpion motors are an awesome package but your only going to find them in older models as Formula stopped offering that engine package a while ago. Not sure if it was because there were issues with the motors or they realized it was too much motor for the boat without k-planes and hydra steering which they didn't offer both options on the 292. So you'll either have to add them yourself or find someone who already did.

But what is a 292 like with K planes? I always thought a 292 with some 377's or better yet, two LS motors would be a blast to drive.

My hydraulic steering was factory installed. I don't think it was necessarily on the options list, but if you asked they would install it. I also tried to get them to install K planes, but they would not do that, so had them installed a year later by a competent shop. In the rough water is when I can really tell a difference compared to the stock Bennetts. Much more control and easier to keep the boat flying level. Plus they move much faster which helps when having to make quick adjustments.

I believe the 377's needed premium fuel. I hope in the future there are several LS options when it comes time to repower.:drink:
Maybe drop in a couple of these!
http://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/s...ampaign=buffer

Mercury Racing stopped production in 2004 of the 377 Scorpion engines as far as I know. Not sure what year Formula stopped offering the Scorpion engine package, but I thought it was at the same time as Mecury Racing stopped the production.

I am pretty sure that Latham full external hydraulic steering came standard on the 292 Fastechs with the Scorpion engine option and was included in the price.

But no K planes, only standard Bennett trim tabs with the Scorpion engine package. .

377 scorpions require Premium Fuel

Your correct. The blue motors were a 30K option when they were available. Included in that price was the Hydra steering which was a 8K option. You still got the standard 12x12 bennetts, which I'm sorry just aren't enough. Especially with the 377 package. I only got 350s in my 292 and I ended up putting the larger 12x16 plates on and boy what a world of difference they made. My girl is completely wrong, size does matter...LOL