I've had both Baja's and Formulas, and both boats served the same purpose, bought both brands used, resale/detail/fit/finish was better on the Formula, Purchase price was better on the Baja's,had no issues really with either brand, the Baja's handled a little better(true v bottoms) versus the Fastech hull design..Both good boats, but you've got to compare apples to apples, 292 Formula to a 33 Outlaw isn't much of a comparison.......Contrary to what us guys have always tried to get our women to believe,,,,,,SIZE DOES MATTER.

Another thought, rather than a 292 with 6.2's, I personally would look for maybe a 336, or older 311 in good shape. There are a few out there and they are tremendous boats.

The 292 is actually more of a 27 footer with an attached swim platform glassed in. For actual size comparison, the closest to a 33 Outlaw would be a 353 Formula. The 336 would be very close, as the older 311's.

My 89' 311 still does not rattle anywhere. It's not the fastest boat by any means, but it handles the rough stuff as well as any boat anywhere near it's size, better than most. Just my two cents.

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Get comfortable, its gonna be a long one.

They are not the same boat. If your comparing apples to apples, compare the formula to the 29 outlaw. the 33 outlaw is a different boat. if it were between those 2, 33 outlaw all the way. go drive both and make the decision yourself. that 33 is going to feel a lot bigger. If you said you were looking at a 29 formula and a 29 outlaw, thats a different question. those 2 boats, 33 outlaw.

Like mentioned above, the 29 formula is a very small 29 (length and freeboard). The 33 is a much larger, roomier boat.

I think the 33's hold thier value pretty well.

[QUOTE=Formula Outlaw]Another thought, rather than a 292 with 6.2's, I personally would look for maybe a 336, or older 311 in good shape. There are a few out there and they are tremendous boats.

My boss has a 96 model 336 with 500 h.p.'s and 130 original hours on the boat for sale. This boat is like brand new. It also has a BRAND new trailer. Custom Gaffrig gauges. Let me know if you are interested.

Formula is finished better and is a more solid boat.

The 33 Outlaw will ride much better in rough water. There's a BIG difference between "under 30 feet" and "over 30 feet".

The Formula with twin 6.2/320 horse motors will run pretty good. I guess a solid 72mph (given that the base 300 horse package ran 70 per boattest.com).

The Baja with twin 496HO/425 horse motors should run 72 as well (also from boattest.com).

If there is a ten grand price difference, then that's about right.

The Formula is a pricier boat (in similar sizing), but is smaller, won't ride as well in rough water, but will get about 2.0 mpg at 30mph (2.12 with 300's). 1.9@40mph.
The Baja is larger, roomier, will ride better, will get 1.8 mpg at 28 mph. 1.75@40mph.

My 311 (which measures over 33' with platform) runs similar speeds with 502's and in my opinion doesn't get quite as good of fuel economy as what they are showing on either of these two boats (course it may just be me).

I've never owned a Baja but know others who have. I think they that Bajas get a bit of a bad rap. Two things I don't think anyone would argue. 1. The Baja you're talking about is a much bigger (beter riding) boat than the Formula in question. 2. Formula's are very high quality boats. If you look at two similarly powered and sized Formulas and Bajas you'll see that you pay for that Formula quality.

We have two Formulas. My dad's 272 is an '83 with over 1500 hours. Some of those hours (with me behind the wheel) were really hard hours with a lot of wave jumping, and other foolish behavior. It still has all the original rigging including engines and drives (there's something to be said for stock Merc power) and it runs like a top. My 357 is an 85. I also have a buddy with an '85 23' Baja and I can tell you that there is no comparison in the way the two boats have held up. You'd think my Formula was ten years newer than his Baja.

However, given the choice between a 33' Baja and a 29' Formula I think I'd have to go for the bigger boat all other things being equal. After all - size does matter.

I have a 33 Outlaw and love it. Handles big water very well. Mine has hp 500s but I usally just cruise around 50mph. I had a 29 Fountain which is about the same size as the 292 Formula. The ride difference is night and day. The outlaw mows down just about anything. I have had no problems with mine and the wife loves the room and smooth ride. The fit and finish on mine is great but I do agree the Formula is probably better. That being said, there is no substitute for size. The 33 is a true 33 and over 34 feet with the platform. Mine has the four bolster option which is well worth it Imo. We can put 8 people in the boat. The fountain fit 4, and it was cramped. As far as resale, I don't know anyone that says any boat has great resale right now. Its a buyers market so all boats suck, including Formula. Especially now that you have to compete with Formulas 0% financing. But, I don't buy a boat to sell it; I buy it to use and enjoy it. When I sell it, I expect to take it in the a$$. Boats are not investments they are pleasure. Buy real estate or stocks if you are afraid of what the boat will be worth x years down the road.

Have owned both a baja and a formula,, and would take the baja over the formula any day of the week.. people who talk about fit and finish being better on a formula is a joke,, no offense...