formula vs. fountain
 

Im going to look at a 95 32 fountain, and a 94 303sr1 formula this weekend. Wanting to know the pros and con to each and which is the better boat for the money. Thanks for the input.

"Better" all depends on what's most important to you. The Formula will give you more headroom in cabin and more amenities, the Fountain will give you a better ride.. especially of the two boats you are looking at..

are you really looking at 2 different boats, or are you just in the mood to watch fur fly? cuz i can see a zillion guys screaming "my boats better!!!"

Lol, I didn't think about that. I really am looking at both. I've always loved fountains but spending all this money I want to make sure I'm getting the better boat. Resale value, performance, not to worried about cabin space.

To beak
or
not to beak
that is the question.....

I have a 32. My slip neighbor had a 303. Id say either boat is going to be evenly adequate. Fountain a hair faster, formula a little more room. Too close to call IMO between those 2

And both a PITA to work on the motors. Look at both for yourself, ride in them and buy the best deal. Can't really go wrong.

The formula is a heavier boat and will take big water alittle better then the fountain I think so that is something to think about if u boat on a like that can kick up fast. I boat on eire and it can go from 1-2s to 4-5s in minutes.

Surprised no one said they are both the same length yet

I've always loved the way the 32 fountain sit in the water but I've heard from a few people say to watch for rot in the ransom right due to a leaky rub rail in the back.

Where is your info? I just did a quick search

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1992...10071361/Specs

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1993...10186822/Specs

Seems the fountain is heavier.

Watch out for rot everywhere !!!!!

Tha formula on nada has twin 350s, the fountain has twin 454s. If both had big blocks, I bet the weight would be the same. Buy whatever boat you like better. It's your money.

I agree, just calling someone out for instantly stating the formula is heavier and will crush waves better.

Got a buddy with a '96 303 SR-1 with twin 465 HP 454's (soon to be 500 + HP 496's). With 26" labbed Bravo I's it runs 75 MPH GPS. I've not been in a 32 Fountain, but my experience in a 32 Sunsation compared to the 303 is that the Sunny with the longer bow rides better in the rough. To me, the 303's shorter nose doesn't lend itself to as good a rough water ride as opposed to similar boats with more boat in front of the windshield/fairing. The engine access isn't terrible on the 303. I've been in the bilge many times for pulling spark plugs, winterization, etc. and I've dealt with much worse in terms of access.

The 303 takes a lot of HP to run fast.

No it doesn't. It just needs shortys. Stock 454's with shortys and the wrong props. Best speed 77.3 gps

What do both boats have for power and how many hrs.on each?

I sand corrected I gess I was wrong... I was always told that the sr-1s where really heavy boats compared to outher makes. My bad I learned something new today

They do crush waves better. See, Formula uses bigger stainless screws and fasteners. It adds up......

Oh.....and the storage difference....

You can stash a WHOLE extra 6pack in the area forward of the forward birth access panel.....

Just sayin..."

The fountain has twin 502 w 300hrs. The formula has 454s just rebuild w less then 10hrs

Looks like you just answered your own question......

300 vs 10?

That's just the motors, everything else has 600+ hrs on it

Get the one in best shape, for the best price possible. At 19 and 20 yrs old, the resale is less of a issue than the boats at $100k where there is more to loose. W/O knowing the condition and price of either, assuming close since you are considering both, they will both depreciate the same amount IMO. You can't go wrong with either of those 2.

I don't have a dog in this fight but.. If it was 1986 I think the Formula would be about the coolest boat you could get. But this is 2014.. Fountain Babay!! No other way.. Or should I say Buey :)

I own a 99 32 Fountain with 502's and I have a friend that owns a 303 with 454's that have been built slightly. His boat has more cabin head room but a shorter v berth. The 303 has a little longer cockpit but a shorter engine hatch. I can stand in front of the engine in my Fountain and get to the water pumps no problem. I have run both boats on the same day in the same water about a 1-3 foot chop. The 303 seems to not like a lot of trim to get the bow out of the water without bouncing a lot causing you to use more tab to correct, overall the boat rides well when you get it set up right and with the extra hp from a slightly built 454's it will run in the low to mid 70's. The fountain does feel a little more stable when running in the same water with less tweaking of tab and trim. Both boats like to run flat but the fountain seems to like to fly a little easier when running hard so you have to be quick on the throttles at high speeds. Overall they are both good boats but I will say that when running at speed the fountain feels a lot better.

Formula makes a nice, good looking well built boat. But I like my beak. Buy as much as you can while you can because you will want more in a year or so. Trust me and almost all on hear would probably agree with the previous statement!!!!.:evilb:

Gotta say I would love to have that decision to make. ;) Stuck with my old tub for a while, unless the kids bring home schollies for college. Keep studying, kids!

Buy the best condition and best maintained boat of the 2 you can for your money. Take all the information you have gathered and buy what will work best and feels right. Are the trailers in good condition, is insurance cost the same? Does either boat come with "extras" that will cost $ for you to replace? Enjoy the art of the deal and post pics of your new boat when you buy it!

Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer
The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Formulas...

VoodooRob brings up a good point. Consider the shape of the trailer too. Had I bothered to pull a brake drum on my latest boat/trailer purchase I would have seen that the brakes were not working (had the boat delivered). The tab to put the brakes in tip-top shape was a grand.
I would want to see all repairs over the life of the boat if available. Is everyting working on both boats? Even little things like bilge pumps. Not too expensive to get a replacement but I had to remove both risers/exhaust manifolds, alternator, and cool fuel system to get to it! Major project!
Trim tab and drive indicator cables... items included (does either have an anchor and at least 200 feet of 1/2" line)?

I agree with the opinions from other members. Both boats are quality. Make a VERY long list and compare both boats. Know that you can easily drop 7-10k to both equip and repair little things especially if you don't do your own work.

I'd like to see some paperwork on the engines or find out who rebuilt them. I'd hate to buy the Formula mainly because of the engines and have problems with them. Along the same lines, how well documented is the service of the 300 hr engines? Maybe get it cheaper because of the hrs and budget in a rebuild getting a little more power out of them in the process in the near future?

Wow 31 posts Fountain vs Formula and nobody's fighting!!!

I'm probly going to sell the trailer right away if someone is interested

Ok.....I'll start....

My Formula is better built, rides better, weighs less, tows better and fits more skanks in the stabbing cabin.

Was that a good start to pick a fight? Not sure how this works....

No, no, no. You don't start a fight by saying yours is better, you have say the other brand is worse or just mention the b-word.

This might get it going....
[IMG]http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/...psfb778517.jpg[/IMG]

Beeks up.......

You got that right...I just replaced the tires on my Sunsation's trailer and found that my brakes have never worked. It's probably going to be another grand on top of the 700 for tires to get the trailer setup right at minimum.

Hey, the bright side is that if I ever sell my boat, the next owner can be confident this girl is in tip top shape! Just wish all owners felt the same way about their boats.

Thats cute. The fountain wreaths look like bubbles.