R-30 or Formula 310??

[gdane]

Well my chatter friends. Going to the boat show tonight to decide Formula 310 or Cobalt R30?
What say you my chatters?? Like them both just worried that Cobalt is changing the R30 in 2021. Haven't seen any pre-production pictures yet but will ask at the show. I already know that as deals go I can get a larger percentage off the MSRP on the Cobalt than the Formula. Maybe because the Cobalt is changing the R30? Both boats MSRP about the same with comparable upgrades,motors ect. Loce any input! Thanks

[tgrace98]

I’ve walked around on both and I thought the formula had more seating and room in the boat. If you go formula any thoughts on the ilmor motors?

[Table Rockin]

Now were getting serious......very interested to see what you decide.

Here are my pro's and con's: Granted I've only been on one 310 and it was last year's boat show.

R30 - Love the overall look and interior styling (shocker I know). The thing that drives me nuts on the R30 is the beach-sized sunpad on the back. They could of shaved a foot or two off its depth and had much more interior room.

310 - I also love Formula's look. Its a bit unique and looks killer. I think the interior falls just a hair short of Cobalt personally. I also dont like certain aspects of the seating layout like the seat close to the captain's chair where you'd pass through to the bow. And I think they should have flipped the u shaped seating to the port side.

I like power but I'm not a motorhead or anything....so if you are looking for power packages that are unique to the brand (ilmor) then that probably helps you made a decision as well. Really for use on TRL I think you'll be happy with either. Formula has no TRL presence so I'd guess you'd have to get serviced from some other dealer?

What size slip do you have?

[BigGib]

Probably can't go wrong with either choice, two of the best built 30'+ bow riders on the market. I would probably agree with Tgrace on the interior of the 310 though, a little better layout in my opinion. The dash on the Formula is usually a work of art too.

[cmattj]

Whaaaat??!?! Say it isn’t so?? I loce you’re R7 ! Geeze our ears are still healing.
But I’ll throw in my .03 cents.

I liked having a exterior painted Boat for a few years. I was terrified of scratching it like a car but boy was it durable! plus it cleaned up easy .

Formula is know for that imron paint process that even 15 years old and they look terrific!

The side saddle front passenger seat is great with another couple along but awkward with anyone else IMHO.
Formula has offshore Don Aranow ( Donzi/ Cigarette/ Magnum ) so the thinking of a well built tough heavy boat follows it to today’s design.
It’s offshore plus comfort design makes it a luxury wave crusher.

The Cobalt has its obvious history as the R30 is a sexy boat!! A R7 with expansion .... as the lines are more modern. Let’s see what changes in 2021? Maybe it’s suddenly a rebadged and shaped A29 or a design close to it with twins.

She is lower slung in the water, and the layout is more contemporary. She is big and gelcoat so my color choice is also All white with a boot stripe.
This would keep my cleaning addiction to a minimum .
The hydraulic swim platform is awesome for lounging without a pad, and If components for the platform are serviceable in the future I’m not afraid to have it not work.

So I’m torn as they both possess easy to land on wants..

Let take a ride in each. I still dig yours pal!


With a Single engine..

[Table Rockin]

That dude has the life... along with test captain Steve

[Lockey14s]

R30 100%

I respect formulas and think they are great, I am a huge fan of the older ones. The new ones I just feel look dated. To me they look like they are stuck in the early 2000s (yes i know i have a 2003 boat that i love). But the R30 just has that clean classic look to it. This is my opinion based on looks alone. i have never ridden in either boat.

[Tuscany]

R30 100%

I respect formulas and think they are great, I am a huge fan of the older ones. The new ones I just feel look dated. To me they look like they are stuck in the early 2000s (yes i know i have a 2003 boat that i love). But the R30 just has that clean classic look to it. This is my opinion based on looks alone. i have never ridden in either boat.

I can’t disagree with that. Formula’s styling does look dated, their interior materials also, but the paint choices make up for it.
Cobalt is resisting more progressive exterior color design change, and maybe they are right by doing so. Cobalt boats are easily recognizable.
If push came to shove, I would probably go with Formula. Something about those color choices...

[Table Rockin]

Going to the boat show tonight to decide Formula 310 or Cobalt R30?

Sooo....did you make a decision? Sign on the dotted line?

[Lockey14s]

R30 100%

I respect formulas and think they are great, I am a huge fan of the older ones. The new ones I just feel look dated. To me they look like they are stuck in the early 2000s (yes i know i have a 2003 boat that i love). But the R30 just has that clean classic look to it. This is my opinion based on looks alone. i have never ridden in either boat.

I can’t disagree with that. Formula’s styling does look dated, their interior materials also, but the paint choices make up for it.
Cobalt is resisting more progressive exterior color design change, and maybe they are right by doing so. Cobalt boats are easily recognizable.
If push came to shove, I would probably go with Formula. Something about those color choices...

Yessss, Cobalt needs to take the hint from Formula on paint and engine choices!

[Table Rockin]

How does Formula produce such a heavier boat than Cobalt in like sized models? What materials do they use to accomplish this? Seems like a disadvantage on inland lakes but good benefit in open water/offshore.

[gdane]

WELL Sorry for the late reply. Have had customers in town. As a business owner have to make hay while the grass is growing. Anyway many decisions. The captains station is interesting. Like the Formula dash better than Cobalt but the boss didn't like the side by side captains chair set up in the Formula. Formula has more engine choices but would go with the twin 6.2 380 in both boats. Formula's swim platform is outdated especially vs. Cobalt's hydraulic deck. Still the best in the industry. Haven't captained a Formula 310 so have set up a trial this spring. So the saga continues.
Thank-you for all your comments!! Loce you guys.

[gdane]

I’ve walked around on both and I thought the formula had more seating and room in the boat. If you go formula any thoughts on the ilmor motors?

TG The Cobalt feels larger but the layouts are different so hard to compare. As to the Ilmor vs Volvo both have the 6.2 380 twins would be my choice.

[Table Rockin]

WELL Sorry for the late reply. Have had customers in town. As a business owner have to make hay while the grass is growing. Anyway many decisions. The captains station is interesting. Like the Formula dash better than Cobalt but the boss didn't like the side by side captains chair set up in the Formula. Formula has more engine choices but would go with the twin 6.2 380 in both boats. Formula's swim platform is outdated especially vs. Cobalt's hydraulic deck. Still the best in the industry. Haven't captained a Formula 310 so have set up a trial this spring. So the saga continues.
Thank-you for all your comments!! Loce you guys.

If you go Formula what is your plan for servicing? You find someone close?

[gdane]

Probably can't go wrong with either choice, two of the best built 30'+ bow riders on the market. I would probably agree with Tgrace on the interior of the 310 though, a little better layout in my opinion. The dash on the Formula is usually a work of art too.

BG I liked the Formula layout but the boss liked the Cobalt better. I really like the dash on the Formula vs Cobalt . Some decisions for sure. Like features on both boats and don't like some things on both boats. Want to captain a Formula before we decide. We have ridden and captained a Cobalt R30 so just another piece of the puzzle to figure out.