Help me decide which boat to buy...
 

Hey guys, the wife and I have narrowed our boat choices down but are still having a hard time making that final decision. Because we want to buy from a local dealer we started with Fountain, Formula & Baja.

Looked at 35 Fountain, 342 Baja, 36 Outlaw Baja and Formula 353 Fastech.

It has come down to the 36 Outlaw and 353 Fastech. Both boats will be LOADED up with 500efi's, hydraulic steering, k-planes, Graffig gauges, McCleod Bolsters, Vacu-flush head, shorepower and all the bells & whistles. This is a purchase we have waited for and really want the perfect boat for us that we will be happy with for several years.

Pros & Cons;

Formula is almost $20,000 more than Baja

Baja has more options IE Microwave, TV/VCR, A/C

Formula has Full Windshield

Baja has Alumium Swim Platform

Baja has Pop up Cleats

Formula has more engine compartment room with floor area to stand in. (Very Nice)

Formula has McCleod electric foot rests.

Formula has bow rails on sides rather than just one down the middle.

Both Formula & Baja have good financing options available.

Both are offering about the same on my trade.

Formula has a better warranty, 5 years vs 1 year with Baja.

The Formula is a stepped hull, should run faster.

The wife is leaning more toward Formula. She really likes those electric foot rests which are only available on the drivers side of the Baja, and the ultra leather interior. But we both like the TV/VCR, Microwave, A/C option in the Baja.

I know we have to buy what is best for our lifestyle in the end, but any feedback on these two boats will be appreciated. This is a tough decision that we will have to live with for a while.

You can guess what I would suggest????? but since you narrowed it down between Formula and Baja. My cousins have a 1999 27 baja and I can say it is a extrtemely great built boat. I know they hold their value really well, However the Baja is a nice ride from what I know. I think I would go with the Formula and try to beat the price down some more. Lets face it Power boats in the 27-?? range are not flying off show room floors. Better yet go to Miami show and get a real deal. :D

Will

I vote Formula. Based on some conversations I've had recently (and some of the rumours started on this site) I honestly believe Baja will be going stepped hull in the next 2-3 years. That will kill the value of any true-Vs. You may pay $20K more now, but you'll get $20K more at trade-in time.

Get the Formula, it will be the best $20,000 you ever spent! ;)

It is a personal Choice- with that said, I suspect the formula has a better build quality and holds resale longer- you may want to check that aspect out. The Baja's I've seen at shows appeared to show traits of mass production. I'm not trying to put down the Baja, I just suspect the formula is in a different class- My .02- happy boating!

Hey BAJA BOSS

I thought Lake Norman had noise restrictions, so are you still going with the 500's??? and just run silent choice?

You selling you 27 Boss,??? or trading

[ 01-09-2002: Message edited by: 27Fountain ]

I would go with the Formula. I think they are much better built than the Baja. But I guess it is smarter to go with what your wife likes.

mike

My preference would be the Formula...also based on build quality and resale. A TV/VCR combo would be easy to install.

FORMULA HANDS DOWN!
Both boats are pretty good.But I think you will get alot more technical and dealer support from Formula. The fit and finish on the Formula is better than the Baja.

why did you rule out the 35 lightening, 88 mph w/500 hp's