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Formula 272 vs 280ss
Hey guys, I’ve been dead set on a Formula 272 Sr1 for a couple months now and have had a damn hard time finding/acquiring one in good condition for a price that won’t require a huge loss when it’s time to sell. All this web surfing has given me a more info and more time to think... both good things. I’ve come across some Formula 280ss in around the same price range as a nice condition 272 sr1. From my research, it appears that when powered equally, the larger 280ss loses about 5-7mph in top speed against the 272. The 280ss gains a ton more deck space, an enclosed head, newer and my fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”. I think the 272 is much cooler looking and I like the higher cruising speed. But otherwise I think the 280ss is the better choice. Should i I stick to my guns and wait on the perfect 272 Sr1 or get a 280ss with small blocks and add power to make up the top speed? Most use is cruising Lauderdale/sandbar, heading outside down to Haulover sandbar or occasionally trips to Bimini or the Keys. |
If you're going to trailer with frequency stick with the 272 due to beam. To me the price on those have bottomed out. They seem to sell for about the same thing they did 5 years ago so likely will hold the same value in good condition 5 years from now.
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My fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.
Blasphemy ! |
272 will ride nicer. We had a client with a 280SS that we crammed 502MPIs into a long time ago. Ran in the 60s but the boat never really handled that well. 272s ride like a dream.
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"My fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.
What does your girlfriend think of the 272? |
Had a 272 good riding boat with that configuration. Before you buy check the bulkheads and stringers they have a tendency to rot. |
272 is much better performance boat
280SS much better day boat sounds like a dude vs chick thing to me - who will win? :duel: Agree with above, survey mandatory to check for wood rot. I bought a used 242LS that needed a transom in 1 year. |
“Corny/ douchey” ... How long have you known this girl? She must be pretty or rich or have a twin sister... something. |
Love my 272. I would say stick with that you’ll be happy!!! |
Originally Posted by Open72
(Post 4668570)
My fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.
The only consistent criticism from my wife that I will accept on any boat we are looking at is that the cabin isn't luxurious enough - I take that as a compliment because I know cig cabins suck |
I love my 272.
We love our 272 but we're thinking about downsizing. What kind of prices are you seeing out there?
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We have a customer with a 2001 280SS and have taken care of it for him since he bought it a few years ago. It came from the loto area and was and still is in pristine condition. It has 350mag Mpi’s (300hp) and bravo 3’s and the boat will do an honest 58gps light. It is the perfect crossover boat, Me and my brother always say it’s the boat for a guy who’s family is pushing him into a Searay and he’s just not ready to give up https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0264927ed.jpeg |
Tough to beat a Formula 302.
I'm all for a well-kept Formula 302 instead of any 280 SS or 272. Here's Betty Cook in her Formula 302 KAAMA pulling the winner in the 1984 Annual Catalina Ski Race. First 2:15m of the video. Since you plan on going offshore, the 302 will handle some large swells a lot better than the others and provide a pretty roomy cabin also. The Formula 302 was derived from the Magnum Marine's 27 Sport, so it's an 8' beam and easy to trailer. Here are a few photos of a couple of nice ones. At least one of them is for sale for about $20k. ;)
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d948447eed.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...314213fd39.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d45d08da1e.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...14df6264b2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...732cc752d4.jpg |
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