Formula Boats

[Rlauria]

I’m sure this is probably not the best place to ask but has anyone considered the Formula 240 BR instead of the R4? I really am concerned about the weight on the R4 and I don’t like my local Cobalt dealer.

[Norris_Boating]

From my understanding, if you are looking for an outboard ocean boat go with the formula. If you are going for an inboard lake boat choose the cobalt. I don't like my local dealer either so I found a different one closer to the lake than my house.

[tgrace98]

From my understanding, if you are looking for an outboard ocean boat go with the formula. If you are going for an inboard lake boat choose the cobalt. I don't like my local dealer either so I found a different one closer to the lake than my house.

I did the same. There are 3 dealers closer to my primary residence than our lake home. But we bought from the dealer at the lake. Better service and better pricing

[Rlauria]

Unfortunately we live at the lake only and Cobalt dealers will only quote you based on your zip code. I have tried to get pricing from dealer that are not that far away but unfortunately I live in the Singleton Marine area. I still am concerned about the R4 weight and you can’t even see or test drive one!

[dustinm]

Unfortunately we live at the lake only and Cobalt dealers will only quote you based on your zip code. I have tried to get pricing from dealer that are not that far away but unfortunately I live in the Singleton Marine area. I still am concerned about the R4 weight and you can’t even see or test drive one!

You are correct with dealer area of responsibility, these other guys are using their lake homes as their addresses for lake dealers. We are right on the line between dealers and the one we bought the boat from was pissed that the other gave us a quote. And yes, depending on family needs our next boat will more than likely be a Formula with the direction I have noticed Cobalt heading. We will have more than few years to sit back and watch though..

[BRDad]

Unfortunately we live at the lake only and Cobalt dealers will only quote you based on your zip code. I have tried to get pricing from dealer that are not that far away but unfortunately I live in the Singleton Marine area. I still am concerned about the R4 weight and you can’t even see or test drive one!

I’m also very interested to get peoples thoughts on the R for weight.

[Krob1114]

Unfortunately we live at the lake only and Cobalt dealers will only quote you based on your zip code. I have tried to get pricing from dealer that are not that far away but unfortunately I live in the Singleton Marine area. I still am concerned about the R4 weight and you can’t even see or test drive one!

Lol. I hope to be unfortunate someday.

[CobaltDeadHead]

I'm a used boat buyer, so the dealer rules don't really apply to me. But the subject brings up something I've pondered. We don't live at the lake, but our boats always will live at the lake at our marina. There are two Cobalt dealers on the lake.

Dealer A is 15 minutes by boat and 40 minutes by car from our marina.

Dealer B is 30 minutes by boat, but only 20 minutes by car from our marina.

Both dealers are an hour and fifteen minutes from our primary residence.

So, which dealer would Cobalt make us use?

Sounds like a grade school arithmetic word problem.

[CobaltDeadHead]

On the subject of Formula boats. The brand does make great boats and a very worthy alternative to Cobalt. I love the fact that they remain family owned and are not part of a corporate conglomerate like Cobalt now is.

For those who would consider buying a new Formula, what engine package would you buy? Merc, VP or would you consider giving Ilmor a shot? This is especially interesting to consider when you are looking at the 270 BR and up. You can option a 270BR with 7.4L 480HP Ilmor.

Taking money out of the question, I think I'd be highly interested in that 480HP engine

[Big Block Power]

On the subject of Formula boats. The brand does make great boats and a very worthy alternative to Cobalt. I love the fact that they remain family owned and are not part of a corporate conglomerate like Cobalt now is.

For those who would consider buying a new Formula, what engine package would you buy? Merc, VP or would you consider giving Ilmor a shot? This is especially interesting to consider when you are looking at the 270 BR and up. You can option a 270BR with 7.4L 480HP Ilmor.

Taking money out of the question, I think I'd be highly interested in that 480HP engine

Formula is in bed with merc. You really don't see Volvo in Formulas. Ilmor is a great option but not sure I would take one before Merc just because of hp.

[tgrace98]

I would no doubt look at Formulas but as far as weight goes they make pretty heavy boats as well. As far as motors go I would go with whatever your dealer likes to service.

Lake of the Ozarks which is near me has a huge Formula dealer there and they seem to power all their boats with merc.

[CobaltDeadHead]

I have a Merc currently, but don't have any particular loyalty to engine brands. It's really all about performance in my eyes. Currently the VPs out perform Mercs in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. Not sure how Ilmor fares

[stifflkd]

I’m sure this is probably not the best place to ask but has anyone considered the Formula 240 BR instead of the R4? I really am concerned about the weight on the R4 and I don’t like my local Cobalt dealer.

If you are interested in the Formula 240 I think a closer comparison is the R6. No head in the R4 and overall length of 240 and R6 are similar. Formula is a great boat but they have not made many changes on that model. Looks like their view is "bigger is better". We are going into 2022 and it appears they still have not incorporated glass cockpits to the model. It just doesn't seam like a focused model. If you are concerned with the weight and flatter hull of the R6 look for a late model R5. There still are a few in showrooms. Your dealer should try to work with you but don't expect a discount since both dealers would want to make money.

[tgrace98]

I’m sure this is probably not the best place to ask but has anyone considered the Formula 240 BR instead of the R4? I really am concerned about the weight on the R4 and I don’t like my local Cobalt dealer.

If you are interested in the Formula 240 I think a closer comparison is the R6. No head in the R4 and overall length of 240 and R6 are similar. Formula is a great boat but they have not made many changes on that model. Looks like their view is "bigger is better". We are going into 2022 and it appears they still have not incorporated glass cockpits to the model. It just doesn't seam like a focused model. If you are concerned with the weight and flatter hull of the R6 look for a late model R5. There still are a few in showrooms. Your dealer should try to work with you but don't expect a discount since both dealers would want to make money.

correct Cobalt mainly focuses on the 23-28' boat market. the Inland lake boater. Formula is more the coastal or great lakes boat. They specialize in 30' or larger.

[Rlauria]

Thanks for the input, the R6 is to big for my dock and the way we use the boat. R6 in my opinion still have a weight issue. The Formula 240 is about 900 pounds lighter than the R4.
I plan on taking a test drive in a 240 next week, unfortunately I am not sure if I ever will be able to test drive a R4.