330 CBR Questions . . .


T

tpenfield

Member
Quick update for the membership . . .

I sold my 1996 Formula 330 SS a few weeks ago and am now searching for the next boat.

We were/are looking for good-size mid-cabin bowriders, but had not considered the Formula 330/350 CBR's, based on what we had seen at some boats shows, etc.

However - We did take a look at a 2015 330 CBR yesterday and came away with a changed and positive impression with a few reservations.

A few questions . . . and maybe the Formula TAG guys can comment. (PM me if you wish)

1) The boat (that we saw) has what looks to be the 'base' power option (350 Mag/Seacore) - it seems underpowered - considering 600 total HP vs. 12K lbs. of weight. I have seen some boattest reviews of the 330 CBR with the 8.2 ECT engines and top speed was a hair over 50 mph. I am wondering if anyone can comment on performance of the base (350 cu. in. Mag) engine package on this boat. Maybe mid 40's top speed? I would think the 6.2L 350 HP 'new generation' of engine would be a better match for this boat.

2) Cockpit vinyl tearing !!! 5 year old boat - the boat has 2 patterns of vinyl for the cockpit upholstery. the normal 'smooth' vinyl and a more textured vinyl. At the seams where the two vinyls meet the textured vinyl is starting to tear in places. It seems that the textured vinyl is not strong enough and is giving way from usage. No signs of abuse. Is this a known issue (pre-mature tearing) with 2015-16 vintage seating? Does Formula Guard warranty cover such a thing?

3) As I crawled around the depth of the boat, I was surprised to see Perma Panel still being used in the structure (stringers/bulkheads). So the Sun Sports and CBR's are still Perma Panel?

4) Deadrise on the hull is 21˚ and the competing boats from other manufacturers are 22˚. I am wondering what the choppy water ride is in the CBR's - the boat is a bit heavier than the competition, but wondering if the hull is too similar to the old generation 330's which had their limits in choppy waters.


Anyway - an overall positive impression of the 330 CBR, but any input on the above questions from 350/330 CBR owner or other experts would be appreciated.

TIA,

Ted
 
Last edited:
Quick update:

I got some input from both Formula TAG and the Formula Facebook group on my questions.

FWIW -

1) The boat is 'underpowered' and I can probably expect speeds of about 45 mph. Key advantage with the 350 Mag Seacore power package is that the engines have full closed cooling, whereas the 8.2 engines are half systems and would require exhaust manifold replacements every 5-7 years in salt water. The boat, being heavier and a slightly sharper V hull, should be able to maintain about 15-20% more speed than my 330 SS in rough seas.

2) TAG has not seen frequent inquiries about vinyl prematurely tearing. If I end up getting the boat, I'll have to figure out a fix to the vinyl. . . . certainly in my wheelhouse.

3) TAG sent me some factory photos of the boat being built. Gives me a good idea of the structure. One thing I noticed is that the main bulkheads extend all the way to the sides of the hull, which is different (better IMO) than the earlier generation Sun Sports.
 
Ted,
I am sure you could purchase original seat skins from the factory, if still available.
 
Yup . . .

I just got some upholstery 'skin' pricing on another boat that has seating challenges. $11K for the vinyl skins, then it would be a matter of taking the old upholstery off and installing the new stuff.

I would think Formula would be in the same ballpark cost-wise.
 
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