Anybody here know anything about Formula 292 Fastech with twin smallblocks?

[X-rated]

Found a very nice one for sale. Been looking for a smaller v bottom twin but know nothing about the 292. Anyone??

 

[454Rocket]

Don't know anything about that boat, but I had a 25ft Formula for 1/2 second and it was legit! Great boats.

 

[RiverDave]

I haven't ever been in one, but am a huge fan of the boat! Always heard good things

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I really like the Formula's, if I lived on or near the ocean that is the boat I would buy. Aren't small blocks cheaper to rebuild if necessary? The 292 seems like the perfect size, IMO.

 

[spectras only]

The 292 is a great model. Even the 272 with single. The 292 comes with either twin sbc 350 MPI's or 6.2 MPI's. The 6.2 is better if staying n/a. You could upgrade both engines with Whipples and it would be a screamer.:thumbup:

 

[Vegaskeith]

 

[Universal Elements]

View attachment 407186

I had one just like this one. Loved the boat but not the $$$ and maintenance that comes with it. Double everything, gas is 25 gallons per hour at cruise (45-50). It is a heavy boat, comfortable and built like a tank. Washing and waxing is fun too. Make sure and bring a 6 foot ladder with you. Definitely get the smaller 292 with the small blocks if you need it. I would go with the single engine 27 footer.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

The 292 is a great package. Most are reporting speeds around 70.
I'm a little biased but the Formula Fastech's are outstanding hulls. What kind of info are you looking for specifically?

 

[BUDMAN]

The only thing I know about them is I would love to have one. So no I guess I don't. Sorry no help from me.

 

[ParkerRat]

I had an older (88) 292 with Big blocks and loved the boat. Incredible in rough water. Cant say enough about the Formula's

 

[X-rated]

Thanks for the replys guys. We live on a large lake that can get pretty whipped up by other boats and wind. We have a dreaded roll bar boat now, our kids have moved on and we mostly use it for entertaining and swimming. I want something faster but still has to be easy to get in and out of in the water. I know the rough water capability of the 292 is really good, I would like to hear from someone who has swam from one.

 

[spectras only]

You would have to get a telescopic ladder added under the swimgrid for ease of boarding. The swim platform sits a bit high off from water level. unless you're very athletic ,climbing up is a bit difficult. My boat has the swim grid designed to sit almost level with the water [ only 6" above ] and can get on it easily by stepping on the tie bar. You'd still have to be careful not to slip and cut yourself on the props.

You can see the difference here, my swim grid is just about the right level with the water. The 292 has the platform even with the hull/deck joint line.
Get the 292, you'll love it.:thumbup:

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

The 292 has a built in ladder on the swim step just like the other Fastech models. It's extremely easy to use and not that high above the water.
We owned a 312 before buying the 353 and the stern section is essentially the same on all of them. I've never had an issue with the drives as they tuck under the step. You're running Bravo style props anyway so they aren't razor sharp to begin with.
This video is from Formula's website and you can see the swim step ladder height when the girl is using the shower to rinse.

[video=youtube;eQLoaGl8faE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQLoaGl8faE[/video]

 

[spectras only]

Lunatic Fringe, if you're a waterpolo player, you wouldn't even need a ladder. You could leap right onto the rear deck

 

[DeltaSigBoater]

Some friends have a 38 Fastch.

While the ladder does make getting back in the boat a bit easier, the tie-bar is at the perfect spot to give you a boost up to the swim step.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Lunatic Fringe, if you're a waterpolo player, you wouldn't even need a ladder. You could leap right onto the rear deck

OK, I guess.:headscratch:

 

[Uncle Dave]

Id still try to find a custom from either coast, but Formula is probably the only "factory" brand I actually trust, and would buy.

That said- there have been issues...... one method they used for a period of time to bond the top and bottom of the hull.

All around good guy and fellow boater Nort, had a go round with formula and there seems to be " feelings" about it.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...may-have-safety-isssue-hull-deck-bonding.html

Not sure which years and hulls were effected.

HEAVY



UD

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Id still try to find a custom from either coast, but Formula is probably the only "factory" brand I actually trust, and would buy.

That said- there have been issues...... one method they used for a period of time to bond the top and bottom of the hull.

All around good guy and fellow boater Nort, had a go round with formula and there seems to be " feelings" about it.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...may-have-safety-isssue-hull-deck-bonding.html

Not sure which years and hulls were effected.

HEAVY



UD

I had just sent him a PM about that. The issue was very limited but did exist.

 

[Uncle Dave]

I had just sent him a PM about that. The issue was very limited but did exist.

Sounds like Poster is likely in good shape then.

Like I said one of the few factory boats I trust or use as a platform to upgrade.

When I worked for Skipper Marine Electronics I was lucky to go on many rides on small to large formulas out of Newport.
Always liked them. Aside from the silent step or whatever they called it..


UD

 

[spectras only]

Always liked them. Aside from the silent step or whatever they called it.. UD

'Silent Thunder'

 

[X-rated]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm in negotiations with the owner and hopefully I'll own this beauty in a few days.

 

[ChiliPepperGarage]

I have several friends that have 38 fastecs (Including Nort) and they are nice boats. The deck issue is a $5K fix done at the factory. I've looked at a couple 38's and would buy one if priced right.

I have no experience with the '29 and don't know if they had the deck issue but don't think so. I think the asking price is a little on the high side though. Price right, this would be a great boat.