I’m looking at two boats. The SR1 is turn key with brand new Lorenzo engines. The Cafe needs some love and running stock Mercruiser 502’s.

My question is how much of a difference is the ride between the two boats. Who has had both boats? What are your options on the two? Am I splitting hairs? I had a long talk with the engine builder for the SR1 and really liked him. I’ve had a few people say the same thing about the Cafe and that it is a wave crusher and rides like a dream in the rough stuff. On the other hand the couple of people that own SR1’s love them.

Thoughts and opinions welcome.

Both heavy, deep-V hulls, with similar straight bottoms and similar overall weights. I think you're probably splitting hairs on a significant ride difference between those two.

I have not owned the Formula, but I did own a Cafe for a couple of years. heavy wave crusher that still only ran 71 with 650hp per side.

I think it depends on how you are going to use it, if you are spending overnights on the boat I would go with the Formula,if not go with the Cigarette.

I like both brands but the cafe is a much sharper looking boat. Neither will be fast.

We overnighted on our cafe dozens and dozens of times, but the Formula would definitely be better for that.

I sold my cafe and very much regret it. Should have kept it for the kids……

Bottom line - one has a windshield and one has the coveted number 1 on the side. Big decision…..

Sr1 62 mph with 485 hp per side on trs
not fast but roomy for sure!

35 foot Cigarette is a cooler boat. I am not against the Formula it is a good boat, but it is not a Cigarette.

Anyday on the water is a good day, I wish you happiness in your decision.

I think what Craney said is good advise. I've owned a 311 SR1 and a 353 FasTech and also spent many hours on a friend's 357 SR1 and another friend's Cafe Racer. They are both beautiful boats that ride like cadillacs on the water, but if you are overnighting a lot, then the formula would have more amenities and space to make me want to lean that way. If I was just day-boating and going out there to have fun running around and crushing waves, then I would go with the Cafe Racer.

You also mentioned that the Formula was more "turn key" and at this point in my life (I'm older and I like to think wiser too) the less work I need to do on something to have fun with it the better!!

Whichever boat you decide to pursue, I would also spend the money on a professional survey from a reputable company, before I purchased it. Good luck with your decision!

Thank you for the comparison but my question is this. Everyone calls the cafe racer a wave crusher but both the CR and the 357 weigh the same. Is the CR just a better built more solid feeling boat compared to the 357?

I love the lines on the Formulas, but climbing over the windshield to attach a bow line sux. Been in several of various years and sizes and I hear a lot more rattles and creaks in rough water than in my AT. It's mainly just interior components though.

I used to simply go thru the open deck hatch whenever i needed to grab a line or such...
made things easier than go over windshield