Can the Formula 330 Handle Bigger Seas?
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04-27-2018, 04:51 AM
#13
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I have my 330SS on Buzzards Bay and 3-4 footers in the afternoon are common. It is a wet ride in choppy conditions and you will have to learn how to handle the boat. The 20 degree hull just does not provide enough comfort through the waves. It is best to try to keep the bow down a bit to cut into the chop. So, compared to the older Formulas with the 24 degree hulls, not a good ride, but still better than many other brands of boat IMO. When it is expected to be rough in the afternoons, we try to pick a destination that has us heading into the waves in the morning and going with them in the afternoon. If not, then it is just slow going and free showers for all. 
The 310SS has a deeper V and might be a better choice, if you are planning on going through the rough stuff on a frequent basis.
The 310SS has a deeper V and might be a better choice, if you are planning on going through the rough stuff on a frequent basis.
04-27-2018, 09:31 AM
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I have my 330SS on Buzzards Bay and 3-4 footers in the afternoon are common. It is a wet ride in choppy conditions and you will have to learn how to handle the boat. The 20 degree hull just does not provide enough comfort through the waves. It is best to try to keep the bow down a bit to cut into the chop. So, compared to the older Formulas with the 24 degree hulls, not a good ride, but still better than many other brands of boat IMO. When it is expected to be rough in the afternoons, we try to pick a destination that has us heading into the waves in the morning and going with them in the afternoon. If not, then it is just slow going and free showers for all.
The 310SS has a deeper V and might be a better choice, if you are planning on going through the rough stuff on a frequent basis.
The 310SS has a deeper V and might be a better choice, if you are planning on going through the rough stuff on a frequent basis.
04-27-2018, 07:45 PM
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Not really ideal
Hey there RedD - I owned 2002 330SS here in the southern NJ waters for about 6 seasons with 496s/B3s and would agree 150% with all of the 20* deadrise comments. IMHO this design does not translate into a smooth ride in anything above 1'-2' that LIS has to offer. The Sound, I think, is very similar behaving water as Barnegat Bay where I've boated for 30+yrs. When a 1'-2' day is rare - like normally only early mornings / early evening type conditions. Most times the wind is kickin' and 2' & 3's are rollin' through and in this the hull is not good ... that might even be putting it too kindly. Very wet and very slappy happy and bow steering as others stated. It doesn't knife through these conditions well with 20*. The 20* deadrise allows for the nice 10' 6" wide beam and adds comfortable amount of space in the cockpit party area, but that's the extent. It doesn't play well with the ride! That said, EVERYTHING else about the Formula 330SS is absolutely top notch & solid. Was one of best I've owned without question, she's just a bit rough in the bigger stuff. Good luck Chris
04-27-2018, 07:55 PM
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I think, is very similar behaving water as Barnegat Bay where I've boated for 30+yrs. When a 1'-2' day is rare - like normally only early mornings / early evening type conditions. Most times the wind is kickin' and 2' & 3's are rollin' through and in this the hull is not good ... that might even be putting it too kindly
