If you know anything about boat construction, there is a difference between a Formula and a Baja. The fit and finish, rigging, etc. are better on a Formula. Period. Nothing wrong with a Baja. But it is easy to see why a Formula costs more.

A) Book prices mean nothing for most boats. At one point the book price for a 1988 Donzi 20' Minx with a SBC was higher than a 1988 22 Donzi Classic with a BBC. That would never happen in the real world.

B) Formula. On top of the quality that has been, and will continue to be, mentioned over and over if memory serves a '97 271 is a FasTech which means it's a step bottom boat (I think single step?)

same money and condition the Formula is a better boat. But if the baja is in better shape id take that, and price might be be factor depending on how much

Yes I agree to the above statement all the same, I understand its supposed to be a better boat.

I would chose the baja in this scenario..

"if" i were looking for a boat with windshield, I would be looking at bajas and formula. Formulas do have some nice features on some of their boats.. foot steps that move.. thats cool!

with all that said.. From what I have seen, since the Formula is a 97, I would choose the baja......soley b/c the 97 will have a black dash on the formula which imho looks dated. At least all the 30ft formulas I was looking at did.!

98's formula started with the white..

baja will run about 65ish with the 502... not sure the formula

other than that!! jump in both boat and see which one you like..

Ya'll will enjoy both!

anyone looking to sell their boat in similar year and condition send me info or link.i am in upstate ny

97 formula + black dash that alone would push me to something else just hard to change that.

BUT again, its like comparing a Vette to a Z06. 99% of people will NEVER drive the thing to point they know the actual difference in a standard vette and a Z.

is the formula better? probayl yes. but unless you going tobe pulling motors, messing with riggin, and taking the boat off shore hard core. not just some day trips. the boats are not far from eachother.

I admit I am biased but ......Formula vote here.


The black dash is loved and hated. I don't like the heat of the black and plan to paint mine either white or silver. New production is in silver but the white is nice too.

the black dash is a big turn off

on erie where i boat i would take the formula in that size do to big water (slop) and with it being a heaver boat it will ride better. every thing else can be changed.