Posted: August 21 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hello, I am a Formula Fastech 271 owner for a couple years so far and I'd like to hear others stories on offshore performance boat handling and perhaps just general power boat handling in various seas.

I have been crewing on sail boats for eight years on Long Island Sound and I've crewed on a fishing boat for about three years off Montauk and over the Texas Tower.  The worst sea I've been sailing in so far was crewing in October 2002 on Long Island sound with about 10'-12' seas; we took a very good position in that race because most other boats (which some were bigger) headed in and abandened the race.  I don't remember a bad sea when going on the fishing boat as to the captain would not leave the harbor if he heard the seas were over 2'.

So far I've been picking good days to take out my 271 with the worst sea being a 3' to 4' shop where one of my passengers said "It was violent" after a 12 mile pounding.  On that trip I was able to trim the boat out and catch about 3 waves at a time, but I'd almost always pound the boat on the 4th.

The entrance into the CT Sound has been the most challenging part of any voyage with two different times determining that the harbor or river was the perferred place to do some boating for that day.  Those entrances I would exit into some large rolling waves with water splashing my passengers in the rear.  I had no argument when I said "did everyone have enough?"

Another time, I took out a 19-21' Bayliner (my 271 was in the shop) with a small group and some of my passengers were not really comfortable with 3'to4's in that boat.  It was a windy day and with the smaller boat my helming choice was to steer to avoid the lowest parts of the waves.

So if you have a story, please share it.  I'd especially like to hear about trips to Newport/Block Island through Plum Gut, the Race, Fishers Island Sound.  Thanks.

Posted: August 22 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

CTyank,

Glad you're here!  We'd love to see pics of your 'bird when you can. 

It sounds like you've got a grip on NE waters.  Are you keeping it in the water or do you pull it out for winter?

Be sure to look in offshoreonly.com for the other 'bird owners.  That group is heavily oriented towards go-fast, poker runs & newer models.

Posted: August 23 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

233 Double E, thanks for the warm welcome.  My 271 is meticulously keep out of the water except for operation.  I'm working with marine shops trying to determine the best way to flush the engine while in water (only while making a trip.)  Otherwise, I flush for 15 minutes after each ride and I'm recording the hour meter diligently.

Otherwise, I'll be dropping in various forums looking to find the ones I like.  Hopefully, this one will yield some good conversation.  Thanks again.