I had a fountain sold it bought something else didn't have time for boating with new kid, currently boatless at least through next summer, save up cash reset etc. really want back into fountain but do like formula and would take a look them but do have questions. My budget will probably be under 40k, so two years from now should get me into a late 90s early 2000s model. Looking at the 29-30ft boats. Don't know what formula offers, but fountain does have big singles in the same size boats, but with big singles comes expensive problems, so not sure I want to go that route. Boat doesn't need to be speed demon, but looking to get a solid 70-75mph out of it.

1. Fastech vs SR1, guessing fastech replaced the SR1 in the model line up. Any advantage of one over the other?

2. Comparable size it does seem formulas are under powered compared to fountain, a lot of the 29 fastechs come with 350s, not sure about, but some did come with 6.2l. What is the difference between the 292 and 31 Fastechs, and the 291 & 303 SR1s?

3. Kind of looking at cockpit space as being important, don't care about cabin or head really. Can anybody compare the fastechs or Sr1s to the 29 or 32 fountain fevers. Or any insight on which has more cockpit space between the fastech and SR1s. I know longer doesn't mean more cockpit space all the time.

Please no banter, just trying to get some info for while I shop and lurk for the next year or so. Formula looks nice, my only concern comparative to fountain is they seem to be under powered.

Formula doesn't chase the "Fastest and Baddest" market. Their idea is to get there quickly and COMFORTABLY . The 292 SR-1 with twin 6.2's will get you to 70~75 and gives you a better ride in rough conditions than a comparable Fountain. The basic difference between a SR-1 and a Fas Tech is that the Fas Tech has a step hull.

To summarize, Formulas are heavier than most boats and therefore not as fast in smooth to moderate chop water.....but if total over all comfort and ride quality are important to you Formula is tough to beat. They last a long time with reasonable care. My 255 Liberator is 37 years old with solid original stringers and transom. It's not unusual to see 25~35 year old Formulas still out there running strong.

Formula is pretty much top if the line in guality. It's heavier because it's built to last and give a better ride. Being heavier makes it a little slower. The fastec has a stepped hull (more hydro dynamic)making it a little faster than the sr1. Models. If they could be compared apples to apples.... Resale value of Formula is higher percentage wise. The hull length of my current formula 272 is 27 feet and 29'11 if you add the platform. realistic model number. Other manufacturers add the beak and the platform. What do you get with a 27 fever. A 23 foot boat.
I had a 242 SS. The sunsport had a real nice cockpit area with pleanty of room for kids toys. Cooler. Chairs. Kids are older now so I have the Sr1 now.

Formula vs. Fountain = BMW vs.Corvette.

The Vette is faster, but the BMW is better built and more comfortable. Which is more important to you? I don't run flat out all day so a few mph isnt worth it to me.

Then again, I put Whipples on my Formula and got the best of both worlds .

As far as I know, the 292 Fastech could not be found with 454's or 502's, only the 350's or some rare 377's. The 312 Fastech was able to have big blocks. I think the speed between the two is not much, as the 312 is obviously heavier, along with heavier power plants.

I second the above comments about the Formula Fastech line. I have owned a 271, 312 and currently very happy with our 353. I don't want to try a 382 as I don't want to deal with over length permits for trailer movement. The fastech line is not as fast as others with equal power, but who runs full throttle all day? Match your fastech with Maximus props and enjoy a solid cruise speed with fuel efficiency. The fasttech models have classic "go fast" lines, great paint schemes and a build quality that is hard to beat. Enjoy your search for the model that fits your needs and your budget. We welcome you to our world....

Ride and comfort of the Formula is by far above Fountain. True not as fast but we've gotten ours to scoot pretty good for being a big heavy boat. Tons of cockpit room...way more than Fountain. Great comforts in the cabin...would never be in anything else for our type of boating we do. Good luck to you searching for your perfect fit.

Chris

thanks for the info. Depending on the year. 1999 fountain 29 and a 99 formula will both be measured from the very stern swim platform to the nose, so it wont really matter, although I do know fountains sit a little smaller.

Also with further research a 29 fastech weighs the same with twin sbcs as a fountain 29 with twin bbc, that's dry. So not sure formula is really all that much heavier.

being a speed demon isn't a huge plus, but ive talked with some guys before with older sr1s and with 4 people and gear they were talking 55-60, not really what I want. So not sure sbc in 29ft boat really works for me. But I do like formula, their lines are classic along and keep with nice colors.

What I have noticed is the I can usually find formulas for around 15-20% cheaper for the same year-ish and specs as fountain, so that's a plus.

I think most say the later 291's with SBC is about a 70 mph boat. When I bought my 32 I was looking at both and Donzi ZX's.

The ZX felt the largest, the cabin in the formula the nicest. They do have more cockpit then a fountain, they seem to hold the width further forward.

For me it came down to what was going the cleanest I found. All nice boats just each a it different. Fountain always seem to have more gauges, heavy trim tabs, and mechanical indicators.

The others some did some didn't. Had I found a 33ZX for the boating I did at the time would have been the best.