271 Fastech too much for first boat?
 

What's up guys, first time posting on here but I've been quietly shadow stalking this forum for a couple years doing research on what boat I want. My question is, is a 271 Fastech going to be too much for a first time boat owner? I've been around boats most of my life, piloted plenty of boats, took my safety course and got my license. I'm going to look at a 271 tomorrow with high intentions of buying it and a few people I've told are telling me its way too much. Most of my boating will be Delaware river, Delaware bay and the C&D and I know the bay can get really rough at times, so I wasn't really interested in a boat under 20 feet at all, plus I have a little one on the way (my first, dad life) so I figured the bigger cuddy would be nice to get the little one out of the sun plus the heavier weight for a better ride. On top of that I've read nothing but great comments about formulas ability to last a long time and how durable they're built. Is this boat going to be too much for the ole lady and I to handle? I feel like it isn't but maybe I don't know what I'm talking about haha Its a standard 271 fastech, 502 mag. bravo 1. All stock. Hoping you guys don't crush my spirit!

That's a great first boat. Just make sure you have it surveyed, as well as mechanically checked over.

And remember, financially speaking, purchasing the boat is the easiest part because you know what it's going to cost. Insurance, maintenance, failures, fuel, accessories, operating costs, all of that stuff varies, and usually never goes down.

My first boat was a 26' Sonic with an HP500EFI; which was perfect.

My first/ current boat is a 280 Velocity. No worries

Wrong question. Should ask "Is it big enough?"

I think you and your family will be very happy. With Formula ending the Fastech line you will own a little piece of history. Ditto about the survey. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Great first boat! You’ll love it.

Post pics!

Good move on walking away Bummer that the boat was not in good shape.

Have faith, you will find the right boat. Formula makes good boats but there are others. Don't limit yourself

Padraig

Rotted wood in the engine bay could have been a show stopper anyway.

Keep looking.

FYI...I only know this because I went through it...not sure about your state but in Michigan even tho I have also been around boats forever(worked on them, drove them, dad owned a marina, etc) getting insurance wasn't very easy with being a "first time boater" in their eyes. I think the limitations were under 65-70 mph single engine and under 500 hp if I remember right. I have a 28 Nordic heat as my "first boat" I've owned a few older smaller ****boxes but this was the first boat I had insured so in their eyes it was my first boat ever. Just something to think about. Progressive was the only company that would touch me back then.

Also like everyone has said...survey!! Good move walking away from that one...I'm in the middle of the resto of my heat because I didn't check it out well enough before I bought it. Not a huge deal for me as I can fix all the rotten wood and whatnot since I've done it forever however it has been a looooong year and a half looking at my boat sitting there tore apart lol.

Just my experiences figured I would share

Happy hunting!!

Great 1st boat even better with twins easy docking!

Jeesh, what is an extra 5-6 hour tow 1 time for the right fresh water boat?
Heck I just traveled 1,000 for the right deal on my tow vehicle. Just saying
If you expand your search area I will look around the Kentucky-Tennessee-Missouri area. Let me know.
Good luck with the search.

I got mine out of Tennessee. Dry as a popcorn fart and never saw salt till I got it. Well worth the 14 hour trip in my eyes.

As mentioned by Gary, if you expand to his area he will even look at them for you before the trip if it's in a reasonable distance. He went and scoped out a 26pc for me a few weeks ago. Boat was clean but drive was rough and needed more work than I wanted to do for the price. Very grateful for friends like that I've met on this forum. Saved me another 14+ hrs trip.

I drove over 1200 miles each way to pick my boat up. Was well worth the trip. I would do it again to get a clean boat.

Not exactly what you were looking for but may be of interest to someone here on OSO.
Here is what looks to be a super clean 242SS. Pricy but stunning clean in the photos, original owner 1990.
Know nothing about "This" boat other than what is on the add. These are great little Formulas.
The 242SS has the cockpit room found on most 32" boats of similar style. Good Luck

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/d...843715478.html

$18500 for a 30 year old 24ft boat with 1000hrs on the engine and drive?? I dont think pricey is the word for it lol

Being new to the powerboat world I'm sure many see this and think that exact thing. However I'll give you my perspective.

I wouldnt take a dime less than 20k for mine. Hell to be honest I'd be upset to see it leave unless I had a 311 to replace it. The 242 boats ride great, single engine with more room to work on it. And compared to the newer era of boats are just hands down nicer in every way. Look at that plush comfortable berth. The newer is all vinyl. Get hot and stick to it with sweat. Just looks cheesy in my eyes. The sharp lines of the 80s power boats are a classic. Nothing out there can beat that look. Sure, the newer boats are lighter and thus they are faster. Put 500hp in a 242 and have fun running high 60s anytime.

When I set out to get a powerboat I knew I wanted a formula but didnt know if it would be 242 or 272. Never did it even cross my mind to look for a newer fastech. They are nice and have their place. I prefer the classics.

Here is 2 more. What is your target buy $$'s ?
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa...835681400.html
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa...836284951.html

9,700 miles each way (in a straight line) to buy my last 3 boats. Anyone beat that?

I'm in Maryland and went to Daytona Beach, FL to get mine. Never looked back. Best boat I have ever owned. Mileage is just a number. Just remember "Time flies when your having fun".

Mine was soooo many beers away I don't remember how far.

The SR, if it is what they say you have time to get a trailer to tow home. The rack is paid through spring on the add. Airline fairs and rental cars are cheap.

Yeah I drove from Fort Worth, TX to Chattanooga, TX to buy my first boat. I think the 271 Fastech is a good first boat.

I noticed you mentioned a kido on the way. I would be concerned about the cost of that kido and the other eventual cost that come with it (house, daycare, etc). My second boat was a 28 Apache and that thing completely drained the wallet right about the time we had our first kido. We bought a house and pretty soon there was not enough money to enjoy the boat and the wife had no more patience to let me wrench on the boat so the boat got costlier. Sold it and bought a small outboard fish and ski boat, which I ended up enjoying more because I didn't have to clean it or wrench on it and I could keep it in my garage so my time on the water more than doubled. I'm just trying to tell you everything will change with a little one and the classifieds are full of boats for sale due to life changes. Take your time, sometimes smaller is better if it means more time on the water.

Something like this 19 Reaction dual console would be a great speed boat/family cruiser/fishing boat. Cost you less than $1,000 annually in ownership cost including gas and insurance. Can always move up to something bigger down the road. https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/boa...860677029.html

My daughter loved the cabin and we would cruise with the hatch window up, but the wife wouldn't let me run the boat fast with our 1-2 year old daughter so wasn't much point in owning it.