Looking for a potential buy 292/312
 

hello all,

I have been looking at a few formula's and trying to narrow the selection down. I prefer to have a 312 (454/502) but have been considering the 292. I am noticing the 292 complaints are slow planning. additionally, I see a lot with 6.2 non mags(not sure if they make them). So what are the thoughts of the 6.2 vs 350 vs 350 MAG. Additionally, what is the truth about the planning speeds.

I am coming from a 252 SS with 454, so not sure how it compares. The 252 did take time to get up when fully loaded but did manage to see 54 mph.


Finally, I am also give some thought to a 303 but not exactly there yet. It would have to be perfect.

Thanks

Whats your budget like? I'd consider selling my 312. It has twin 454 with blowers (1250hp). 240 hours

Although your boat sounds pretty impressive, I prefer to have one that is close to stock as possible.

Biggest issue in my area(miami) is the pricey insurance.

312 is a much bigger boat than the number implies in person, cabin room, cockpit, hull sides. Go with 502's or 496HO's for power (70ish), with 300hp 454's low 60's top end. 292 is a nice niche' size but small in the cabin especially the v-berth headroom. Look for Scorpion power (77+mph) or 6.2 (72mph), the 350 mag will be under 70mph boat, which is fine, but you won't break 70. Turn the trim-in limiting spacer over to allow the drives to tuck in an additional inch on the 292...slow planning problem solved. I had the 292, buddy has the 312, if I had to do it over, I'd get the 312.

Listen to this. I had a 312/502 boat and there was a local 292/350 and another 292/6.2.......this info is spot on.

We love our 303, its just right for everything we do, easy to trailer, I do tow with a half ton with no issues, I was fortunate enough to find one with 502's so it rips along pretty good,

Me and a buddy on the Buffalo Poker run, he has 454's and theres about 4/5 mph difference
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps2cb49ca3.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...psc8ce4a5c.jpg

The 312 rides and feels like a completely different boat than the 292. Coming from a 252 you'll love either one and each with feel bigger and more solid, but the 312 is definitely going to handle and give you a better ride. I was looking for an older SR1 when I kind of just fell into my 292. At 23, 292s weren't even on my radar until I found this one and I hadn't really seen any 312s since Formula had already stopped production of them. I have 350 mags in my 292, best I'd seen was 70.3 on the GPS, but it was a 68mph boat all day everyday with the stock 28p bravos. I dropped down to 26p to help coming out of the hole and I lost a few on the top end but there is no hesitation anymore and pops right up on plane now.

A 312 with 454/502 package were only offered for a few years in the late 90s until the 6.2L came out. Not sure what year your 252 is, but if your looking for a little more modern of a boat from your 252 than your going to want an early 2000s model which may or may not have that power combo. Obviously the 292s are still in Production and there are a ton of them out there.

Thanks everyone seems like what ever I end up with, I will be sitting pretty good. My goal is to end up with a 312, but the 303 pricing seems pretty attractive, just concerned more about the age and the wood stringers. For me the 292 is also a good fit but a little on the small side.

I think the biggest problem is the insurance in my area.

Thank you all for the information

Check with FOREMOST insurance. My 419 FASTech with triples is under $800 annual.

292 with 350 mags(270hpx2) does 70? ?

350 mags are rated at 300 HP and yes best I saw was 70.3. 68 all day everyday. The 5.7 tow sport motor are a 350 block but rated at 260-270HP. That would be a 60-65 mph boat and definitely underpowered and a slug coming out of the hole

Oh. What year are you talking?

i have a 2002 but motors are leftovers from 01

My 292 is a 2002 with 2001 350 map mpi like splits. MFEI 3 engines. I can tickle 70 when the conditions are perfect but no bs here, full tank, me the wife and daughter, cooler, rafts, Olaf Frozen float, mini mouse fishing pole, another kiddy raft, and 72 noodles, 68/67.8 mph every day, and on the limiters. 26p bravo 1, stock no work. 500 hrs

I have a 312 with 454 mag MPIs, low hrs stock motors except off shore exhaust with Teague switchable tips, Aeromotive fuel system with all s/s braided hoses and fittings, unbelievable paint job by Mitcher T with matching new upholstery. True carbon fiber dash, Isotta steering wheel, Fresh water only and garage kept.. If your interested Private Message me and I'll talk to you and send pics. This isn't your regular off the shelf 312.

cool, I belive you. I just know that the older 1989 292 was about 1200 lbs heavier than the 272 from 1988.(5750)
the book says your boat weighs 7,000. it must be the stepped hull that gives it that kind of speed

I've been on older SR1s and newer fastechs. The older SR1s definitely feel more solid and heavier over the fastechs. Who knows what they were using for those weight approximations too. Seems to me technology is just more advanced now than it was then. The power you got from big blocks then your able to get from small blocks now. I think the steps do help lift the boat, which changes the displacement of the water on the hull causing less friction thus the fastechs, although weighing more, use less force to actually move the boat through the water. Which is why your seeing the difference in performance numbers between SR1s and Fastechs.

Hello all,

I guess I will be looking for a 292. Insurance on anything bigger just does not make any sense 3 - 4K. had a conversation with insurance agent and he states its the Miami area that cause the higher rates. So with that being said... I kind of wish I did not sell my 252, Owell.

So, need info on 292's I am will to hold out for the one I want since i will not be going bigger. So my questions are:
1. Do they make the 6.2 in a MAG setup or only 1 version.
2. I know the Mag version motors are forged internal, but seems strange the 6.2 are same HP.
3. Seems like the planing issue is solved with right props and trimming drive?
4. anything to look out for any known issues ?

The color scheme I would like to get is the Daytona Beach

Like I said I have priced the models I am interested in and the 292 seems to be the best match for me in my area. Also any thoughts on 271?

The 271 is getting close to the 252 in size. Don't talk yourself out of a 292, really a good performer. Pay no attention to the MAG on a small block, they are all nod iron cranks, cast pistons, forged rods. I think they are all 4 bolt blocks. any thing with a higher number than mefi3 on the fuel computer can only be recalibrated by a select few if you ever wanted to pick up a few HP when rebuilding and keeping the stock MPI. The flat cap dizzys on the newer sbc stuff have been known to give issues. look for one with hydraulic steering already installed, this is my main complaint about the 292. With standard merc steering control was hairy at anymore than 60 mph. get the most up to date looking version you can with the new style switches, the military rocker type break after a few years. all I have for now.

The ones I have seen are 2 bolt mains, cast cranks, cast pistons, and powdered metal rods. I have spun the lower ends to 5700 without issue. The 350 mag is 300 horse, the 6.2 is 320 horse. That's what you will find in a 292 fastech, unless you find the more rare 377 scorpion blue motor. Its also a 6.2 but with more horsepower.

Thanks guys, this is what I was looking for. So I guess if I understand correctly, as far as motors for 292 any version is good. Try to locate the hydraulic steering. I really dont see any more options to look for.


what sort of issues can be found with the "The flat cap dizzys on the newer sbc stuff have been known to give issues."

thanks all again

"Turn the trim-in limiting spacer over to allow the drives to tuck in an additional inch on the 292...slow planning problem solved"

I'm not a mechanic, how difficult is it to turn the trim in limiter spacer over? Is there any trade offs that you need to consider before doing this?

its quick. just unbolt both trim ram cylinders from the drive and it will be right there. just flip them around.

http://www.propellersafety.com/wordp...-Limit-Pin.jpg

Question - Regarding the rarer 377 Scorpion motor, any idea if it has similar service intervals as it's larger brothers, the 500 EFI and 525 EFI? Many folks are doing top-ends on the 500/525's at 300 hours or thereabouts. I know it can depend on how they're used/abused, but just wondering if they are high-maintenance items.