Every performance builder out there has realized that staggered engines are the way to go (Formula and Active Thunder are the exceptions).

Comparing what 270K gets you is not apples and oranges but rather what do you get. Shogren has a 90 hour 2008 TG for 199K and Pier 57 has an '11 TG with similar hours for 259K. That difference in price can buy a whole lot of parts (to make up for the lack of warranty).

Not sure you can lump Formula in with builders like Cig, OL and NT......that would be apples vs. oranges. Formula doesn't build a single boat that breaks 100 mph, yet the competition does.

Nothing wrong with Formula, they just need to spruce up the Fastech product line to be competitive in today's market. Their line up is identical to the line up they offered 5-7 years ago, nothing has changed but the prices (and they have gone up!). They don't have 50 dealers across the country to order one of each model anymore so they need to build a boat that makes people want to buy. The Ilmor 382 is a step in the right direction for sure.

It is painted on the central companionway door as well. Nice touch.

Look at the 35 Sonic. More head room and more ammenities.

Even with Ilmor Power MSRP is $300k. http://www.sonicusaboats.com/shop/in...series/35.html

Formula makes a nice boat, but they are dated with graphics and outfit, etc.

Sonic Versus Formula, Sonic wins out in several aspects.

IMO sonics look just as dated as fastechs. They continue to use old color combinations, rudimentary dash designs, and the same old box like faring. Just my 0.02.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2011...Mallorca/Spain

Just an example I quickly found. Very dated colors and designs for a 2011. That fastech looks more up to date IMO. Again just my 0.02

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...1108&noOfPic=5

Another example. If that doesn't look dated you need your eyes examined.

Seems to have a nice sized cockpit which is missing in a lot of performance boats and is even worse with staggered motors.

Maybe boat manufacturers would be better off if they came back to Earth with some of their upgrade pricing for starters.
I`m always amazed that an upgraded stereo for example is $7,000... or hull side paint.. (a black stripe) is $12, 0000

You could buy my OL...and have allot more boat for allot less price, and run quicker ;)

It's great to have choices, isn't it? :drink:

All the brands mentioned have their plusses and minuses. Sonic has it's strong points, but I feel that it is not built to the same standards as Formulas. OL, Cig and Nor-Tech are brilliant, but likely to cost far more than the 353.

Maybe a Sunsation 36XRT would a good comparison? With side-by-side 525's and similar options, it comes to $360,468. Add $22,300 for staggered engines. I don't know what sort of discounts you could get on a Sunsation, though.

Personally, I'd scrape up the extra coin for a 382 with Ilmor 725's and Indy drives, but that's another thread... ;)

I wouldn't say the formula is outdated, but I will say that when I compare it to one in the classifieds from 2002 its exactly the same. Then again, what do I know? I'm still in a 98 baja :lolhit:
I will say formula makes a beautiful boat though, I've always liked them