34 vyper 336 formula
 

anyone have any knowledge of these 2 boats as to performance , handling,quality, resale , etc. ........thanks

I have a 340 Vyper. It's an extremely well built boat compared to most, rides well, is fast, and has amentities that are hard to find in the 33-34 range of boats. It has the largest headroom in the cabin of any mid 30' boat and if outfitted well, you would be hard pressed to beat the bang for the buck.

I don't have a Formula but do know that they ride extremely well because they have a lot of weight. That factor can mean that speed is reduced with the same power. The headroom on the cabin is no comparison to the PQ but they are very well built boats.

Both are great choices in my opinion. The Formula is better well known and thus resale may be higher depending on many factors while the PQ offers you more solid boat from a top notch manufacturer for the money.

Hope this helps.

Formulas are still being built and have factory/dealer support - PQ has been out of business for 1 and half years........

Hay Silverado, PQ is back in business.

So there's some cars in the parking lot and people cleaning and painting inside - this doesn't mean they are back in business. According to some of the past posts, they were supposed be going after the first of the year. Then "4-6" more weeks...on and on and on.
If I was looking at buying another/different boat, factory and dealer support would definately be part of the decision.

What difference does it make if the MFG is in bus?
They "assemble" the boat. The only thing the really manufacture is the FG parts and upholstery. Both would be repaired / replaced local. Everything else made by, Perko, Merc, Livorsi, Sealand, etc.

I had a 34 Vyper. Well made boat!!!! Fit and finish are top notch. VERY comfortable boat. Mine had 496HO's and would run
78-79 any day and 80-81 (GPS) when the moons aligned just right.

Given you spend the same amount of cash on Formula or PQ, You can buy a newer, better equipped PQ. Isn't the 336 an OLD model? I know of 2 PRISTENE 2002 Vypers for sale. Both are loaded, both would show as new. PM me if you want info on them.

I agree with Bill... It would be great if the factory were open but if I were in the market and the boat was what I wanted it would have little to do with my purchase. Pretty rare to have a hull warranty now days.

Every time we shop Formula is always in the mix the only reason we have never switched was they always tend to be slower compared to other boats in the same size category (due to weight) as well as if you look at say a 1997 PQ vs. 1997 Formula the PQ offers a much better interior and more up to date. Not knocking the Formulas because the do build a sweet boat, just a little to much $$$ for the bang in my book.

Agree with the comments here...

Formula has the brand recogition/value, are built like brick shat houses, heavy, and the 336's I have seen tend to really look dated in colors, dash, etc..

PQ's very good value for the money, well built although not to formula standards, vypers of like years will look like much more current designs.

If I found a 336 that looked as current as a like year vyper, would run with it, and was priced the same, I would buy the formula. But I have the feeling the vyper is going to have price, performance, and more current styling advantages over the 336. Good luck, I wish I was undertaking your search!!

Thanks for the input
 

thanks for all the input,,I was originally looking for a 336 you know the Formula name and reputation......but I went last year w/o any luck finding a clean one that wasn't "rode hard and put away wet" so to speak,, and this year is looking the same way so I decided to expand my choices ......

You wont be unhappy with a Powerquest, especially if your going to overnight or take trips. Theirs not to many boats that can match their cabin room in a equal size boat.

I dont count on any factory support when I buy used!
its hard enough to get any when the boat is under warranty .

Silverado
I thought you work for PQ at one time.Why are you knocking them?

I'm not knocking them or bad mouthing them. I hope they make a comeback, but if I was boat shopping, I would want to be able to call someone who knows the product in and out, regardless if the problem was warranty or not.(wiring harnesses, what kind of vinyl/paint/gelcoat and colors were used for certain model years, "X" dimensions,etc.) That's all I was getting at, not smashing PQ or the product.

I just bought a used 290 and called the factory today with some questions and spoke with Bob.
10 minutes later he called me back with all the info I needed.paint codes etc.I think that a good start.
Now on to other things.since you worked at the factory what can you tell me about the 290 and the chine walk issue that most have.

boatnt,

Did you get alot of water in your bilge in your previous 29? Im not really sure were it is coming in at. I'm thinking the vents when it rains.

I'm guessing the tabs you have are 12X13 Insta Trim. Look at them when they all the way up. IF they are negative, it would help to leave them down so they are parallel with the hull bottom. This should help stabilize the boat with out scrubbing speed. Larger/Longer tabs would also help, but could be a pricey option.

The other thing to check is the "toe" on your outdrives. Sometimes this can cause some handling issues as well. Measure the distance between your prop shafts on the back of your drives and the on skinny part of the case just above the bullet in the front. It should be close to 35 1/4" both front and back. If not, you'll have to loosen the inner and outer tie bars to make the adjustments.

Other than that, not much else to suggest other than full hydraulic steering, but I know that is very expensive.

Did you ask "BOB" at the factory about the chine walk and if you did, what did he have to say. I'm just curious because I don't know who Bob is or who they have working there currently.

I just lowered the price on my 340 in the classifieds. This boat is in showroom condition - gauranteed!

New boat on the way so it's gotta go.

PM me if you would like additional info.

Macklin, what did you decide on?


Rich.

Macklin is jumping ship.

He ordered a brand spanking new Active Thunder.

Now we're gonna call him Mactive. :)

Rich - go here. Pretty much shows Macklin's new ride. Very nice.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=153275

Long thread. You have to go all the way to page 5, I think, to see the final rendering. :cool:

It is being clear coated now!

340 for a steal! :D

Very sweet paint job. It is going to look great!:D

Macklin - let me get this straight. You're selling your boat and it will be a steal. Is that right? :)

That's correct Cowboy!

Being the stand up guy that I am....I decided I'ld give AT a jump on the selling of it. I'm sure they would be thrilled not to have to haul it back to Florida when they bring me my new one. ;)

Maclin:
Very nice choice, can't wait to see the finished product.


Rich.