Formula 292 versus 312 Fastech
10-01-2007 | 12:27 PM
#12
21 and 42 footers
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
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From: Richmond VA
The SAF, (Spousal Approval Factor) counts high in the cabin area. The Fridge and extra room gets many points. I have heard that wood stringers etc. can rot out so am not too happy if wood is in the 312. I dont mind it for interior parts just not structural. What about double stepped hull versus single? Is there a big difference? Thanks for the feedback....it helps alot.
The single step is not as effecient as the twin step and the 312 with BBC will burn more gas......to me the additional length/size was worth it. I even pulled the head out from under the V-berth, installed a 5,000 BTU A/C system and placed a porta-potti on the floor in front of the V-berth. The compartment that toilet sat is was so small I couldn't get my azz in there anyway!!! I also made an extension for the bed so our feet were actually 2 feet out over the bench seats. Worked great, if you look through old Formula threads from 1-1.5 years ago you likely find the thread where I posted how I made all that stuff.
10-01-2007 | 01:15 PM
#13
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From: Further South East of Dome Island
Yes, I am referring to the wood used in the hull structure like stringers/transom etc. Cabin wood is no problem. I see someone posted that all 312s are no wood hulls. The 292 are as well. So not an issue.
10-01-2007 | 03:14 PM
#14
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From: Newmarket, Ontario
You guys are great......a wealth of knowledge. I am going to search out the older threads to see what info is known. I know someone mentioned that the Formula's are not as fast and to be honest that is ok by me. Doing 70 and cruising at 50 is more than adequate.
Any significant difference in handling chop between the 2 boats? Again I know it's only 2 feet in length but that is a key to us.....a smoother ride and the ability to run at faster speeds versus having to turn back.
We are moving up from a 2001 22' Mariah. TKS.
Any significant difference in handling chop between the 2 boats? Again I know it's only 2 feet in length but that is a key to us.....a smoother ride and the ability to run at faster speeds versus having to turn back.
We are moving up from a 2001 22' Mariah. TKS.
10-01-2007 | 04:28 PM
#15
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At some point, Formula stopped using wood in it's construction. It would be nice to buy a Formula new enough to have no wood in it.
10-01-2007 | 09:24 PM
#16
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In 1998, Formula went to their fiberglass grid stringers in Fastechs for the 312 and up. From 1999, they all had it from the 271 up. There was still wood in the bolsters etc, but not the stringers. Before 1998 it appears that they still used wood, but if any company did it right, with out any issues, Formula would be the one.
Good luck with the move up to the Formula (I would go with the 292)
