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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!
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It might be a good idea to post this question on the Formula Forum...
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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: |
zzz....:hitfan:
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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.
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Originally Posted by alindquist
(Post 4623454)
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.
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. |
I really like mine 02 496's granted I have only run it 4 times but been out in Lake Michigan in a 2 gave it a little tab and felt great and stable.
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No |
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. |
Originally Posted by endeavor1
(Post 4623347)
I’d look for anything Full Force has owned as they seem to be more rough water able than a battleship:coolcowboy: |
Originally Posted by tpenfield
(Post 4623637)
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. |
Not really ideal
Originally Posted by red_delicious
(Post 4623681)
This is great info. Thanks for weighing in.
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 |
Originally Posted by NJgr8ful
(Post 4623762)
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 |
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