Offshoreonly.com - Can the Formula 330 Handle Bigger Seas?

Offshoreonly.com (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/)

- General Boating Discussion (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion-51/)

- - Can the Formula 330 Handle Bigger Seas? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/353583-can-formula-330-handle-bigger-seas.html)

Can the Formula 330 Handle Bigger Seas?

Hello, all. I'm a Long Island Sound boater and I've been scoping out Formula 330 SS's. I've read couple of comments here and in other forums about this boat not having enough deadrise to handle bigger seas. Just took one for a sea trial yesterday in semi-protected waters. I'd say it was 1-1.5 ft chop (not uncommon conditions for day boating on LIS). To be honest, I got a little spooked because the chop seemed to be affecting the ride more than I expected. I drive a 1987 25 ft Whaler now and was expecting the Formula would be a huge upgrade to my comfort level. Now I'm starting to doubt that. I don't fish but 20-50 miles trips are not uncommon for me. With a 33 ft boat, I'm hoping to expand that range. Would the 330 be outmatched in 3-5 ft waves? I wouldn't intentionally head out in that but sometimes you have to come home in whatever the seas give you. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

It might be a good idea to post this question on the Formula Forum...

Agree, there is a guy tpenfield which has 330 SS for years and on the ocean
Formula Boats Forum

I’d look for anything Full Force has owned as they seem to be more rough water able than a battleship:coolcowboy:

I had one for one season. They are 20 degree bottom. They need the tabs buried at all times in the rough. Triming the drives out a little helps. But they bow steer and aren’t very good performing boats in the rough. If you don’t care how fast you get there it may not be to bad. I boat at LOTO and I didn’t care for it’s performance. It was also the biggest gas hog I ever had. Twin 300hp 350s
it was worse than my 35 fountain with 600hp 540s with carbs! Everything else about the boat is fantastic!!

1-1.5 chop on LIS? Thats a calm day unless it's dog days August where 1' chop would be big. What part of the Sound are you on? I've been boating on it for 35+ years, primarily out of the Norwalk Islands area but mostly run over to Long Island or even the east end when I get the itch.

20 degree deadrise if correct isn't much fun on the Sound at any decent speed. I had a shallow entry Nordic Heat and it took a beating, the 24 degree sharp entry 33' PP was outstanding and perfect for the waters.

I've had one (2006 330SS) for about 4 years and have made a few trips to the Bahama's and the boat did fine. I run mainly in the ICW in the FL panhandle. Mostly Ft. Walton Beach to Destin or Pensacola. I've had it in some pretty sloppy stuff and the boat does fine. If it get really rough, tight and confused, you do need to slow down for it get comfortable but unless you have a lot of cross wind the boat doesn't take nearly as much spray and stays drier than my buddies CC. I have 496's and once on plane it gets about 1.1 mpg's till you get above 3500 then starts to drop off. I cruise right around 3000 which is about 32-34 knots. I'd be happy to answer any questions. My boat is also for sale if you are interested. I'm selling because I want a 400SS with diesels and a hardtop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alindquist (Post 4623454)

This is exactly the info I needed. Just trying to make sure I'm buying a boat that's suited for a typical day on Long Island Sound in August. Sounds like it should do fine.

I'm pretty sure I found my boat but I'll PM you for the listing on yours.

Rough ride in Galveston Bay in 2-3s, slams hard into the waves. Much more suited to river running and lake use. Otherwise a very comfortable and stylish boat for it's size.
2006 330 twin 350's bravo 1's. heard they rode better with Bravo 3's but never rode on one in the same kind of seas.