Hello all,

I am looking to get some information on the Formula 292. I see the common configuration for these boats are a 5.7 (350) and a 6.2 liter ( 396??). I am assuming the better of the 2 for performance would be the 6.7. Those of you that have this boat what is you opinion.

Also, I am looking to compare this to a Fasttech 312 with 454 / 496 or 502's. How do they compare is the extra length worth the bigger boat? Is it even really bigger, I know sometimes this is not always the case.

Looking for some feedback on this to start looking and make a decision.

Thanks

6.2 liter is 377 cubic inch. The extra cubic inch over the 350 is due to increased crank stroke. My 292 has 6.2's and runs 69-70 mph with a best of 72 mph. Maybe 1-2 mph over the 350 package.

The newer 292 has two steps in the hull where the 312 is a single step. With the small blocks in my 292 I see on average 1.8-2.2 mpg cruising up to 50 mph. I imagine the 312 with big blocks is quite a bit heavier. Need to consider that when towing.

I haven't been in a 312 so can't comment on the difference in cockpit size, etc.

With either boat I highly recommend finding one with hydraulic steering. I went with 280S K-planes too which helps a lot in rough water. Good luck on your search.

Thanks for the feed back. Are there any models that I should strike from my list. Like on the 312, stay away from the small block package and non 454 mags.

What is the deal with the 292 with the Volvo engines?

Are you looking exclusively at fastechs? The first year, 97 I think, had the older style black dash which looked dated compared to the rest of the boat. That being said I don't know of any issues with any fatechs. They are wood free except for the transom. They are a bit faster than the older sr1 straight hulls. The size is with the platform included so a 312 is 2 feet longer than a 292, but 2 feet shorter than a 311 sr1.
I see your in florida, so I assume you run in the ocean. If you can swing it go for the 353. You will want a bigger boat soon anyway. I would opt for minimum 454mags, unless it's a 292, than 350s and 6.2s seem to be close and not a deal breaker

292 vs 312

I rode in both before I bought my 292. I felt the 292 was a sportier package than the 312, and rode better in the choppy local lake, and I ran with one in poker run and the 312 was more bouncy than the 292.

Both of these boats had the same performance, 292 has 350s, the 312 454 mpi.

Either one will need hydraulic steering, some came from the factory with this option.

Big plus is BBC option in the 312, not an option ever in the 292. Modding the 292 will be harder since it is small blocks and there is not many options of used sbc performance upgrades.

Actual size of the two is not very noticeable. See picture.

I would go for the 292 over the 312, I like the side profile better.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]534513[/ATTACH]

Better size comparison picture [ATTACH=CONFIG]534546[/ATTACH]

Thanks looseconnection for the comparison. I really do see they look very close in size. However, I lean more towards the 312 w/mags because of the additional power. It does not seem the 350 to 377 is much of a difference. but when compared to the 312 w/ mags, I guess it is a big difference? I think the 312 with mpi put the boat at about the same power / speed as the 292 with either package.

I do like the graphics and the lighter weight of the 292. Also, I think the BBC mags are a bit more reliable.

When you or others state the 292 is better in rough waters, what what type of chop are we talking 3 - 4? I would think the 292 (because smaller / less weight) would not do as good as the 312.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7F5LLgKl_A This was in Mobile Bay, Al
1-2 with occasional bigger hole.
head on to begin with and at the end it was quartering.

running about 55 to 65.

The 292 does not like to go slow in choppy conditions, it is not a water plow, more of a skipper. if you slow down you will think the ride is horrible. Camera was mounted up near where the windshield mounts to the top cap, the little vibration shows it is a solid ride, no pounds or creaks, now the crappy windshield wiggles around but all of them do.

I will try and find some more footage of choppy water, I do not have any 312 footage.

I do like bbc for the buildablity, but you can beat on a sbc and not hurt it. I like turn the key and go so for me a stock sbc is hard to compare with.

Very nice video and yes pretty smooth. I like it alot :-)

thanks