Formula Quality/design
 

I have been all over the site and seen different Horror stories about Fountains leaking water from the bow rails, and sonic problems. We are going to buy a boat maybe new but probably used, How is the longterm quality on Formula, and other than the 271 being a pig to get on plane any others problems?? While I,m at it I can,t believe they don,t have an anchor locker in the bow on a 271?? where do you keep the anchor? anyone know of any 271,s for sale?:confused:

Formula = Top notch boats..Great resale..Not the fastest,but great ride & resale {Although my friends 312 is running 80 with 454 Mags..GPS }

I had a anchor locker in the bow of my Liberator...Anchor bounced around and beat the crap out of the Gellcoat....NEVER again would I put my anchor up there !!!!.....Under the back seat now !!

You won't go wrong with a FORMULA. Near custom quality in a production boat. If you ever have any issues with the boat, the factory offers great support. I previously owned a 1995 271 SR-1 with a 454 Mag and Bravo III outdrive. It was a 62 mph boat and jumped right on plane. With the Bravo I drives they are slower coming out of the hole. It was a great boat with a great ride. Bought it new and sold it 3 years later for what I paid for it new. I am a little biased since I have owned FORMULA boats since 1979 and I am on number 7 (a 312 FASTECH which is for sale).

Rockey my friend is looking for a 312 what year??

It is a 1999 model with only 87 hours on it. Comes with a tri-axle trailer. The boat has 454 Mags (385hp each), platinum graphics, electric bolsters and footrests, etc. It is listed on boattrader.com @ $85,900.

Formula is a great boat..but just curious surfacetension, where on this site have you seen negative comments about Sonics? or people indicating problems with a Sonic?

On OSO I have run into Fountain and Formula Problems, I have a friend , who got into my head about Sonic Quality and resale Value also lack of speed, BUT from what I can tell from talking with guy,s who have them they seem to like them. Do you have any experience with a 26 Prowler?

Surface,
I have a 1989 272 SR1 and love it. It's comparable to a new 29 footer since they don't count the swim platform on the older ones.
The rides great and with normal maintainence and care , it should look great after years. People who don't know design differences in years still ask me if it's new:D .
I usually buy used and let someboby else take the big hit on depreciation. They're a good value:cool:

I think the Formula's quality is unsurpassed. I have two of them. One is a 1980 that I'm restoring. The more I take the boat apart, the more I'm impressed with the quality. The nuts, bolts, and screws are all 22 years old, and most of them still look like new. I took off the side panels of the cockpit, and all the wood is still in great shape. Last year I repowered it and replaced the outdrive. While the drive was out, I checked the transom and it is rock solid. When, (and if) I finish this one, I'll start upgrading the 85. All it really need is a couple peices of vinyl, and repaint where there was bottom paint before. I guess since my girlfreind had the Formula logo tattooed on her back, I can't change brands anyway. There is a member on here that has a 89 302 I belive. He was wanting to sell it the last time I talked to him. I've seen his boat in person, and it is immaculate. Twin BBC's, Kamma drives, and will tickle 80. I think he was looking for around 35K for it.

Here is that 302.

Some people claim it is hard to get on a plane with the Kamma's, but I saw this one jump up faster than my 242 with twins.

Engine

Wow nice 302 It might be a little big for me as I trailer everywhere where is the boat?

Clearwater, Florida

Bill, who owns or owned the 302 trailered it. We were there when he launched it. Pulled it with a 3/4 ton truck. Yes, Clearwater.

This boat actually looks better in person. It was owned by a Formula dealer who quit selling them. It sat in storage for something like 10 years. It wasn't ever titled until a couple years ago.

Another picture.