FASTech or SR-1?
 

I've been looking for a new to me Formula for a few months now. Not sure which hull would be more suited for what I want to use it for, we would be doing long cruises up to 350 miles on the Great Lakes and hauling it in the winter months to Florida. I've gone to look at 419 SR-1's, 353 FASTech's and several others. Since it's been winter months there have been no sea trials on any yet but I do not know what to look for in ride and handling differences between the two. Also I would like cruising speeds to be at least 50mph. Thanks for any input on this.

SR1s are not going to cruise easily at 50 unless they have bigger than stock power or you run them at somewhere over 3.800 all the time.

If you plan to overnight on it then SR1's are "bigger" than their Fastech counterparts. The old school 357 is nearly as big as the newer 382. Also note the 3 feet between the 353 and 382 is HUGE. Somehow the 382 seems 5 ft longer and 2 foot wider inside (I'm exaggerating but you get the point). I had a 382 and we did lots of overnighters to long weekends.....including a 6 day trip with our 3 boys. Mine had nearly 700hp and it cruised 60 at 3,500. Not sure what they run stock as mine had blower motors when I got it (and we changed them).

382 with 500 efi runs around 72-74 mph wich is roughly 8-10 mph faster than my 357 with 454/420 warmed up to 485 hp
changed to get a higher cabin with my sonic

What did you change the blower motors out for? I want to keep it simple with no blowers but increase the power at some point.

I bought the boat with 8PSI Prochargers on 500EFI's. The motors had been "hurt" and ran extremely rich. Sold the Prochargers and built 10:1 540's. Ported Iron Eagles, ported Plenum, monoblade TB, Cam, etc. Looked stock but pulled 630hp/700Tq fully dressed on a dyno. Drives did NOT like 5 blades with 700ft lbs of TQ!!!

In hindsight I wish I had just re-freshed the motors and spent some time dialing in the Prochargers.

Thank you for the input. My initial thought was the 382, but then I saw a few 419's, 311's and others.
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That power sounds like it moves you along well. I've been out boats for awhile and went the way of performance diesel trucks, moved into a lake community and bought a Seadoo jet boat and the bug got me again for a big boat.

So out of the loop on what drive and power combinations are out there, what should I look for or stay away from? I've seen 496, Ilmor V10, 502, 500, 525, Bravo, Bravo 3, there's a 700sci with I think M6 drives locally for sale. Mostly looking for a reliable combination that won't kill the bank when it comes time for repairs and maintenance. Also me knowing me I'll have them all torn down for more power, knowing that what is something to look for that can be upgraded more easily. I've read that the 496 while a good stock power does not take to power adders well. What are the differences between the 8.1 and 8.2? The last time I had a boat the options were 502mpi and 502 carb of several hp ratings for both.

The 419 is a great boat, great for cruising and lots of room compared to a 382. Mine had 500hp's cruised around 51 to 53 at 3500 rpm . Been in a 35 and 38 and ride in a 419 is much better. I boat in lake huron, michigan and erie. Definitely would not get a 35 if your going on longer trips. 38's are a great boat as well. If you can get a 38 with 525's very nice boat.

Was your 419 the SR-1 or Fastech hull? Out of curiosity did you ever weight the boat on the trailer? Thanks for the input, the first boat Ilooked at was a 419 SR-1 with 3 502MPI I believe 410hp.

Mine was a 1995 sr1. Owned for 15 yrs. Just sold it last fall. Bought a 40 as with 525. Was a great boat.. Still miss it!

I've also looked at the 400ss but I didn't feel that would be as practical because of towing.

But they sure are pretty.

I have had both fastechs and sr1s love my sr1s but the fastech is just more efficient. I have to say your interest in boats is all over the budget range 285k 700 hp 382s down to 25k SR1s. but if you are looking to overnight and cruise the SS models will be a great choice.

I"ve definitely been looking at a lot of their models. The SS line is out for me just because of trailering. The 311 SR-1 was on the table for a bit because I read that it handled like a bigger boat in rougher water. I think I've settled on the 419 now, I originally wanted the 382 but the more I research the 419 is a better fit for what it will be used for.

Well.........wait til you get insurance quotes for triples vs twins.

1500$ for me !

I've got quotes already and it's not as bad as I thought. Lets be real thought insurance and fuel will be the least of my worries, as much as i plan to run it maintenance and repairs will be a bank account drain. Not to mention a repower.

Fast tech 100% fuel and better speed!

Anyone know what the market is on the 419 FasTech? I'm seeing price range from $50-130k. Some with trailers going for as much as without trailers. They are all over the place.

Some may dream! You got to choose between 2 things as a seller... do you want to list your boat for sale? Or do you want to sell your boat? Pricing will tell the difference!
Depending on year, lets say a 2000 ish like mine, as you stated some are listed at 80 and some other at at 125
i had all engines rebuild and i would think or hope it could sell for 70 ish and it is very very clean... but i would not say no to 80!:) so any older deduct money... needs engine rebuild? Deduct money!

that is my guess only, for what it is worth!

So far I haven't seen any that need rebuilds for power or drives, but most if not all need the head liner redone in cabin. I have a great upholstery guy that will take care of it.

Some of these have been on the market over a year and have dropped prices by $10-20k.

Also why will some sellers not allowing a sea trial without a contract? There are 2 that I'd look at but want 10% and a signed contract.

If you show up with cash, you will get a test ride. Lots of tire kickers out there that have no intention and less means of making a purchase. The dirtbags make this process difficult for buyers and sellers. Good luck man, and trust your spidey senses.

You had a beautiful boat!!

Thank you. Mitcher T painted it, he did an awesome job. Completely changed the boat.

Do you have any pics?

oh yeah! I remember the update now! Nice boat and nice video !

I did see yours for sale when I first started looking, Great looking boat! There are 2 SR-1 419's near me but found a super clean 2001 419 that I'm going to go look at as soon as I can.

there is a 419 fastech kicking around Facebook triple 500s. The guys name is Maxxi I think he wants 80 for it. He is in a lot of the formula FB pages advertising it

That is the one I'm going to look at as soon as I can. With flights and hotel stays being what they are currently I haven't made the trip to see it, although my Dad said he would hotshot there and back with me. I would love to be retired!

In the pics it looks to be a beautiful boat and I have talked with him, he's very particular about maintenance of his boats. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Ninetym that was a beautiful boat