From a 27 to a 31 size is a big difference and with that th cabin is much bigger. I looked at the 31 when searching and was really roomy compared to my old 27. Just the 27 was not a formula but was comparable.

The 312 has MUCH more room on deck. I felt like my 271 was always tight with 4 adults on deck. The 312 is much better. In the cabin you gain longer benches, more storage space, and a fridge. The bed and all other things are the same. Another thing you get with the 312 is an anchor locker, which on the 271 I always kept in a rubbermaid under the passenger bolster. It was pretty annoying lifting it over the windshield time and time again.

With the ponies mine has it will run upper 80s all day long. Goal this year is to touch 90 in it, which I think is doable. Its a pretty sketchy ride over 80, tends to chine walk.

And just for fun....turn up the volume for this one.

https://www.facebook.com/20748284604...2173256911748/

Nice ride awesome sound :-)

Have you seen this one, seams stabile and fast 700 + pr side :-)

http://youtu.be/OuG6A6T5zJs

Fast lake boat!!!

Weight seams to be the main issue when it comes to any speed specially on water ;-)

From this test the lighter Velocity non stepped hull is by far ahead, then you have the Eliminator number 2 Fountain as a good number 3 even though its more heavy then the non stepped Baja at number 4. The Formula by far the most heavy boat 5685 pounds its almost 1600 pounds heavier the the Velocity (and the slowest boat with 400 + hp) in this test

Still the winner he he The Complete Package :-)

There is a reason the fastech is the "slow go fast boat" Its a heavy lay up. My power in a 32 fever would run well into the triple digits. However, the amenities of the Formula is why I have owned 2 now. I like the way they are built, and feel really solid. I have seen plenty of them with 600, 700, 800 hours that still look awesome without a refresh (were talking hull, interior ect not motors). I think they will hold up well.

The 271 is my second Formula, and I agree that it is a good and solid boat :-)

I would not call it slow but there are many other boats that are faster. The 26 Donzi 5000 pounds 22 degrees deadrise was only 1,1 mph faster (10 hp less)

If we want to keep up with them, we can always buy a bigger engine ;-)

Anyway most Formula owners are happy with their boats :-)

I believe there are new and more modern ways to build even stronger and lighter boats in 2016, then again weight has an advantage in the rough ;-)

Hi Warf have you decided which boat to choose yet ??

I currently own a Formula. May want to up the size. Have not decided if I'm going to. I like the look Of the Fountain 27fever. I feel it is a good entry level boat into High Performance boats, but without the added cost of twins. I did not hear great things about it as I hoped I would have. I don't know. Jury still out. Thanks for all the feedback!!!