Considering a 07-09 Formula 45 and a 09 Sundancer 43

Which would you pick?

  • 43 Sundancer

    Votes: 4 25.0%

  • Formula 45 Yacht

    Votes: 10 62.5%

  • Other - Please specify in the thread.

    Votes: 2 12.5%
  • Total voters
    16
I

IFlyEm

New Member
Jun 20, 2016
11
San Diego
Boat Info
Boatless
Engines
Boatless
Hello,
I know this is a Sea Ray Forum but I am hoping to get some insight between these two vessels. We are looking for a good family boat for San Diego Bay cruises with the family, some off shore cruises, and maybe a jaunt out to Catalina. After doing some research I think I have narrowed it down to the Formula 45 and the 43 Dancer. Features on these boats that I like are the private midship staterooms, one piece windshields (I really don't want to mess with isinglass), and the joystick propulsion (IPS on the Formula and Zeus on the Dancer). This will be my first ocean going vessel and my 2nd boat. Though my 1 boat was a 21' bowrider many years ago.

My wants for our new boat:
- Sleep 4 - 6
- Needs to be able to fit my family of 4 comfortably for weekend stays in San Diego.
- < 50' OAL
- Twin Diesel
- Good in moderate seas off the coast of California
- Joystick control (Preferred)
- One Piece windshield (Preferred)
- Reliable
- Target Price $250k - $300k

Any thought's between these two boats?

Thanks!!
 

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I would chose the Formula based on the IPS drives alone. The Zeus drives will be a nightmare as has been discussed here on CSR many times. Personally I would consider either if they were equipped with shaft drives.
 
I would. Shafts have been around 200 years. Simple to maintain. Joystick control can be added to shaft driven boats with thrusters if necessary. I'm a firm believer in "KISS". Have fun shopping and take your time. You may find, as I did, that your wish list, brand, model all change over time. I shopped for two (frustrating) years. Never the less, whatever you buy you will enjoy. I'ts not just about "the boat", its the experiences you have.
 
We also considered the Formula 45 and Sea Ray's 43/47 (47 is what the latest model is referred to now) before we purchased our 48 w/straight shafts. Our research uncovered to many problems with the Zeus pod systems. We found the 48 to have a munch nice layout and additional amenities. Also considered the 45 Formula, we were a prior Formula owner for 10 years. Our experience with Formula's customer service is 2nd to none, we have also been to the factory.
 
Both are beautiful boats. I am going to say keep looking......for something with V drives. The guy across from my slip has pods and has had nothing but trouble with them (the boat is still under warranty). He had to be towed back to the dock just a couple weeks ago when the boat would only go in reverse. To put it bluntly, they don't perform as well as V drives and have a lot of moving parts, which costs money.

V drives are far less maintenance and are proven reliable. Also, hit something shallow and see that the cost of repairs are compared to V drives. If you are a boater, hitting something will probably happen someday.

My two cents worth.

Keith
 
There are 2 boats at my yacht club over 50ft that have shaft drives, bow and stern thrusters with joystick control. Both behave just like pod controlled boats and are reliable.
 
Add another vote for shafts. Avoid Zeus drives like the plague. Unless of course you don't mind spending 10's of thousands on upkeep.
 
I captain a 45 Formula 3-4 times a week and I am not a fan of it at all. First off there is no air flow at all. It’s like a greenhouse when cruising! It has IPS which is nice for docking but I would get a boat with shafts. The cabin is nice and roomy and laid out well. Another big issue is the walk through going up to the bow. People bang their head constantly trying to get up there.
 
Ok now you guys have me thinking shafts and thrusters. Might need to reopen my options. I'm assuming V drive is what I'd want?
 
Fred has his 460 listed and it’s a freshwater boat!

Josh
 
I know next to nothing about Formula's - but have read a lot of great reviews.

How important is the joystick? If it is critical - I would go with IPS.

IPS is the only pod drive I would consider.

Pods vs V-Drive? Well I guess I am old school. Took me a long time till I liked the single throttle/shifter controls - preferred the separate transmission throttles.

We did a charter in the PNW last year, had a sabre with IPS for a week. OMG - I understand why that will be the future. What a person can do maneuvering that boat was radically good.

Not pods today. But sometime in the future might be. Over time the bugs will work out and they will be much more maintenance manageable.

Already looking at our next boat - not right away - but the next boat we will move to. The current favorite is available in straight drives or IPS. Gotta say - numbers favor the pods. Shallower draft, higher speeds, and lower fuel consumption.
 
Just pointing out that the Formula has a 13' beam and the Sea Ray has a 14' beam. Beam=stability, especially if you are considering jaunts to Catalina.

Jaybeaux
 
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