Sold my 280...the search is on

[Madifonzo]

Sad Day....sold my 280 today. I have abosultley loved the boat and I am sad to her go. Now on to bigger and better...I hope!

So I am considering 310's and 320's. The other boat that has my interest are the Formula 31 pc's. These boats are wide, solid and super smart on storage and features. Not overly impressed with trim and fitment as I was on the Sea Ray but there is always upgrade possibilities.

I have several Formula 31's and 24's in my group and the owners love them, but they are super biased. So I was looking for some opinions on pitting Sea Ray vs Formula. I posted the same question on the Formula forum...

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[shinsr]

I am on my 2nd Sea Ray and had 3 Formulas before hand. They make a fantastic boat - in my opinion the quality of the materials they use and fit and finish are a step above Sea Ray. With that said, I find the Sea Ray is probably a better lay out from a "user friendly" perspective. The Formula brand historically was very well supported, however, post recession they all but dropped their dealer network and sell effectively factory direct, which has an impact on post sale service and parts. They do have a 5 year formula guard warranty, but dealing with the after market insurance company is no easy task, and there are ALOT of exclusions as you read the fine print. My brother still has a formula with a 13k optional custom factory paint. The paint is blistering after 3 years and they are saying "Not Covered". As far as resale, I don't think there is any other brand like Sea Ray - it is the most searched for brand on the resale market.

 

[Stee6043]

I tied up to a Formula of similar size to mine last year for a day of rafting/swimming. I asked the guy 100 questions and got the nickel tour of the boat. Overall I like the cockpit layout of the Sea Ray better but I tended to like the Formula cabin a little better. The only other things I noticed were that his generator seemed a lot louder than mine and the swim platform felt smaller.

Overall I'd buy a Formula. It's a sharp boat. They seem to hold their value well around here as well...

 

[garmett]

Hello,
I sent you a PM.

 

[liv2ryde100]

what years are you considering.

 

[MasterFab]

Too bad you're not looking at 340s, since mine is for sale....she's kinda unique, BTW.

Dale

 

[magstang1]

I've spent a good amount of time on SeaRays from 28-30 feet. I had a 280ss and a 290DA. My friend has a 30DA. We took a ride on my buddy's 31pc on a day that kept most boats at the dock due to wind. I was impressed. 3-4' slop and his boat just ate it up. She sliced through like a knife through butter. No bone jarring hits, no pounding. Right on through. He is powered by 7.4L mercs and bravo 3s.

I wouldnt hesitate to own a formula for a second. Built right and ride great.

 

[Madifonzo]

Thanks to all for the feedback this far. We have looked at 320's and are not finding them to be as spacious as the 31pc. A 340 might be a decent option but I have had trouble finding them around my area and in decent shape.

I am considering a 2004 Formula 31 pc. The 2005 to current seems to be a smaller boat.

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

Thanks to all for the feedback this far. We have looked at 320's and are not finding them to be as spacious as the 31pc. A 340 might be a decent option but I have had trouble finding them around my area and in decent shape.

I am considering a 2004 Formula 31 pc. The 2005 to current seems to be a smaller boat.

It sounded like Dale will sell you a 340. Knowing Dale, it is better than factory. New York isn't far...

Bryan

 

[JVM225]

I've looked at a couple of Formulas, and talked to some owners, and overall i think it's a great boat.

 

[Madifonzo]

Done deal. Bought a minty mint 04 31 PC from Ohio. It's amazing how much cleaner fresh water boats are compared to those I looked at in salt.

 

[alwhite00]

Post up some pics.

 

[magstang1]

Nice. 7.4s?