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Formula 272 vs 280ss

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Old 01-17-2019 | 11:45 PM
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Default Formula 272 vs 280ss

Hey guys,

I’ve been dead set on a Formula 272 Sr1 for a couple months now and have had a damn hard time finding/acquiring one in good condition for a price that won’t require a huge loss when it’s time to sell. All this web surfing has given me a more info and more time to think... both good things.
I’ve come across some Formula 280ss in around the same price range as a nice condition 272 sr1. From my research, it appears that when powered equally, the larger 280ss loses about 5-7mph in top speed against the 272. The 280ss gains a ton more deck space, an enclosed head, newer and my fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.
I think the 272 is much cooler looking and I like the higher cruising speed. But otherwise I think the 280ss is the better choice.

Should i I stick to my guns and wait on the perfect 272 Sr1 or get a 280ss with small blocks and add power to make up the top speed?

Most use is cruising Lauderdale/sandbar, heading outside down to Haulover sandbar or occasionally trips to Bimini or the Keys.
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Old 01-18-2019 | 07:01 AM
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If you're going to trailer with frequency stick with the 272 due to beam. To me the price on those have bottomed out. They seem to sell for about the same thing they did 5 years ago so likely will hold the same value in good condition 5 years from now.
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Old 01-18-2019 | 07:10 AM
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My fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.





Blasphemy !
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Old 01-18-2019 | 07:18 AM
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272 will ride nicer. We had a client with a 280SS that we crammed 502MPIs into a long time ago. Ran in the 60s but the boat never really handled that well. 272s ride like a dream.
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Old 01-18-2019 | 08:20 AM
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"My fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.

What does your girlfriend think of the 272?
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Old 01-18-2019 | 10:05 AM
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Had a 272 good riding boat with that configuration. Before you buy check the bulkheads and stringers they have a tendency to rot.
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Old 01-18-2019 | 10:24 AM
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272 is much better performance boat
280SS much better day boat

sounds like a dude vs chick thing to me - who will win?

Agree with above, survey mandatory to check for wood rot. I bought a used 242LS that needed a transom in 1 year.
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Old 01-18-2019 | 04:27 PM
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“Corny/ douchey” ... How long have you known this girl? She must be pretty or rich or have a twin sister... something.
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Old 01-18-2019 | 10:28 PM
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Love my 272. I would say stick with that you’ll be happy!!!
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Old 01-19-2019 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Open72
My fiancé thinks the 272 is “corny/douchey”.
I'd be evaluating my fiance choice more so than my boat choice.

The only consistent criticism from my wife that I will accept on any boat we are looking at is that the cabin isn't luxurious enough - I take that as a compliment because I know cig cabins suck
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