Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Just got back from the Annapolis Boat Show and really liked the Formula 330 SS. Anyone ever owned one or ridden in one?

Just looking for opinions on ride VS. a true performance boat. I believe that it only has a 20 degree deadrise, not sure it will "slice" the waves like a true performance boat. Is it too much like a cruiser? Would I be kicking myself later?

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Three people I know have 330 SS's. I've never personally ridden on any of them but the owners rave about them. Nice big heavy boats. Keep in mind, sharp deadrise (over 20 degrees) really only matters when you're launching off waves and landing near the stern. What makes a bigger difference is width. The wider it is, the less soft it will ride when coming off waves. The 330 is pretty wide so it's not going to land as nice as and 8' beam. However, the 330 is not built for wave launching. The entry at the front and mid section of a 330 is pretty sharp so it should ride nicely when driven as it was designed and intended. A lot of SeaRays are famous for this type of hull, relatively flat at the back but very sharp entries up front.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

They do look like a nice mix of cruiser and performance.

I wonder how fast they will haul with a pair of 496's?

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Mid-50's.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Third, it's almost as if you've done some homework on this one. ;)

It's a 37 for me so you don't have to convert the bow all the time, we can keep the aft cabin made up for sleeping. Not that I've considered such a move. :D

How's Gina doing? Have you gotten your boat winterized and tucked away O.K. with all that's been happening?

Say hello to Julie for us.

Randy and Dianne

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

We ran one last week on a demo,496 Mags(HO's not available) GPS 61,freshwater.Most everyone who has ever run a 330 comes away impressed. If at all possible,demo one,it is a surpise to many people who consider it just a big roomy boat.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

I am seriously considering a 400SS with diesels and thinking of parting with the 03 353. The 330SS is a nice piece and versatile as well.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

I was told 59 or 60 was top end with the 496's. Sounds about right, Boattest.com said top end was 53 with 350's. I would love to go for a ride in one of these.

Rippem - I like the 37 too, but I am thinking of the 330 because I think that it is still somewhat towable at 9700lbs. I guess I would would buy a trailer and take the chance with the 10' beam towing it a few times a year.

Magicfloat - did it feel like a cruiser or like something in between? Does it have the rumble of an offshore boat? I have seen some with silent choice.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

The 37 has the lines. Pure class.

Robert, the HO's would make for close to 65 eh? Why do they cut you off at 375's in the 330? This means no beefier Bravo X either, which you would think to make sense in a heavy boat.

What does a 37 run w/ HO's?

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Rip,

I knew deep down you were a cruiser guy, slower speeds, sippin' the gas. You know this means we'll have to move you down by O'hara and the gang. There's always gonna be transients waiting to take your current spot. (as long as you leave the carpet, deck, cameras, and motion sensor system) If we thought we had boathouse banter before, imagine it as a 370SS ties up to the slip. :eek: :eek: I feel you would be sent adrift like Rennassaince was on Labor Day weekend. BTW, don't you owe me a couple pics? The boat pics Rip, I can find the other ones. :D :D

Third, I thought from the Kingston run we pretty much confirmed your ride WAS a cruiser!! Hope all is going well.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

The 330 comes with Bravo III's which are only rated for 400 hp, that is probably why they cut you off at 375 hp. I do see that Merc offers a Bravo III X which can handle 450 hp I believe.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

I've got to put transient trash on my ignore list. How the hell did you get in here? Formula looking better to you every day huh?

I thought you were taking a slip next to O'hara so you two could have some more of that "stimulating conversation". :eek:

Don't get too excited about the slip. Years ago, before I set the standard for slip appearance and functionality :D ...The High Commander himself passed that slip on to me. We go back aways you know? He's alright, that guy...

Now don't say anymore...'cause it's "quiet hour"...

Us cruiser types like it that way. :p

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

What's this??!! I was just going back through some old threads only to see I've been slammed!!!! Not only was I slammed, I was slammed by a non-Formula guy. Here I am, hanging out in my own forum (Formula) minding my own Formula business and WHAM!!!! Unannounced and uninvited, this Donzi (aka Formula Wannabe) dude jumps forums and blasts me, evidently for driving too slow.


Well, I guess you're right 5PM, I didn't and couldn't keep up. However, in my defense, I was waiting for others who were slower and unfamiliar with the area. Plus, remember that one of my tachs was non-functional. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Engines are coming out this winter. Full rebuilds top to bottom. Back to original specs, no hop-ups. Buddy has a nice barn (with heat!!! :D ). So, that's my winter recreation.

Our daughter is doing very well. Transfered from hospital to a rehabilitation facility. Speech is coming along remarkably. Her walking is also very good, not normal yet but getting there. Her right arm is still the long haul issue. She can move it some but not much yet.

Hopefully, Gina will be back to normal by next summer.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Third, Gina's making pretty good progress! Glad to hear it.

Freshening 'em up eh? Cool.

I just woke up from six 12 hour nights and am c r a n k y. :hothead: Where's 5 inch when you need him?
Probly over blowing the folks in the Donzi forum. :p

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Yeah Rip, Gina's coming along steadily.

How are you and your pretty little hottie doing? Hope all is well with you guys.

Those 12s are a bastard aren't they?!?!? You're allowed to be a little cranky.

I'm gonna have to give 5-Inch a trim-up boathouse roost. Warn Axa, he's likely to get wet!!!! :eek:

Say hi to Dianne from Julie and I. Maybe we could all get together for some cocktails over the winter someplace. :drink: :drink:

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

A get together this winter sounds great. After the holidays most likely. I'll bring the old school Rock, you bring your pretty wife.

Things are good here, scrambling to get ready for winter, and working O.T.
The usual for this time of year... :rolleyes:

Dianne is all aces in school, looking forward to May and being done.

I've got a couple of things in the works for the boat also. ;)

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Based on what I read above, the plans are for a new 370SS. If you do, I'll take your 353. Just remember though, amidst several beers and smoothies, you made the fatal mistake of telling me what a steal you got on that 353. My offer will be commensurate with your "steal". :eek:

Just kidding of course. But in all seriousness, I wouldn't be surprised if you don't actually make money selling if you sold your boat!!

Oops, better shut-up lest I let everyone know how cheap you bought that thing.

Doh, did it again!!!! :D

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

As gas is going nowhere but up in price, I beleive Rip is looking at solar panels for the top deck next year (Green party manatee hugger).This will only make it even more imperative that third keeps himself and his bucket off. Velvet ropes and stanchions must be in the plans somewhere. When is boaters weekend in A Bay? That might be a good time to get together. If not, Kitty and I would be happy to host a get together. And yes. Rip, she is all aces here in syr :D :drink: :D (where's that dang hootchie mama smilie)

Third, who's doing the motors?

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

ropes and stanchions...hmmm... :eureka:

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

You guys are killing me. I keep coming home seeing emails that someone responded to my thread and thinking that there might actually be more responses to my question. Silly me. :rolleyes: :)

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

It's clearly 5 inches' fault. :D

He has a way of trashing the nieghborhood. :p

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Why, I'm doing the motors!!!!!!! What do you think I am, just another pretty face??!! :D

Actually, a good friend of mine has been a "Goodwrench" mechanic for almost 30 years. He fixes all my stuff. He assures me it will be a walk in the park. I'll be sending the blocks out for cleaning, honing, line boring and balancing of cranks, pistons, rods, etc. I'll also have a shop do the heads for me, it's just not that expensive to have the shop do the heads.

Our biggest challenge will be getting those bad boys out of the boat. Not alot of overhead room in my other buddys shop. However, I have plans for an alteration to his ceiling............... that he doesn't know about yet :eek: :eek:

This job is my winter recreation. Sold my sleds a few years ago. I don't downhill ski and cross country skiing is for granola-munching, bottled-water drinking, Volvo-driving, spandex-wearing snobs. So, motor rebuilding it is.

I'll keep you updated on how many times the proposed rebuilding budget gets blown out of the water as the job progresses. I've figured 2k but that will likely double before all is said and done.

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

BN,

You're listed as syracuse with a 31SS. I know of a teal and pink '96 and a purple '01. Where do you boat? Figured least I could do is fill your email. Saw a few Formulas SS at harborfest at the international marina. Nice boats.

3rd,

Doin' your own motors? Didn't we have enough Formulas with the hatch up at this years cruise? I'm gonna invest in one of them Busch Gardens ski tow ropes that'll grab 3 or 4 of ya at a time. If you need someone to drink beers with while you sort through the bucket 'o parts, let me know. If you need someone to tell you everything you're doing wrong, and why, contact Rip. :D

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

That's right Third...I'm there for 'ya man... :D

5 Inch, if you didn't do so many things wrong, how would you know? :p

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

AXAPowell...standing by and not saying a word!!!

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

Senator...did you get my note about that brand new '99 353? That was the first price. I feel a serious buyer could move it down a little more. :D 500 EFI's, Platinum paint...for about what I paid for my boat. Makes sense 'cause they are worth about the same kind of $ right now used. Talk Formula/dealer into a 5 year warranty with it...it's a pretty good buy. :cool:

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

5PMSMWHR - I know the owner of the '96, but I don't know the '01.

We mostly boat on Oneida Lake (it's only 10 min. from the house). We go up to Alexandria Bay and Lake Ontario for the big weekends.

Where do you boat?

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

What's the matter AXA, don't want to rock the dock? :p

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

My new buddy Rip can give me his opinion anytime he'd like to. Hell, maybe I'll have Rippem do a little radiography on those motors and tell me exactly whats needing attention before I open 'em up!!!!! :D And, I can get some performance tuning input from AXA the drag racer. That only leaves you 5PM. What are you bringing to the table? Just beer drinking expertise? Well, that helps too buddy. :drink: :drink: :drink:

Re: Formula 330 SS Opinions
 

3rd,

Ya know, now that I think about it, I don't know if I've ever seen Rip with a wrench in his hand. And you might wanna walk out behind Axa's place and check out his collection of NOS imploded motors. I'm thinkin' beer and a fresh gold card are about all you'll be needin'.

BN Mostly Ontario through harbor fest then ABay through labor day. Used to run my checkmate on Oneida alot.