1980s Formula 272 LS vs Wellcraft Nova II

[Monteria]

With a growing family, I will need a bigger boat in the next couple of years and have decided to take on a project to fulfill that requirement and timeline. I have both of the aforementioned hulls available but having never been on either afloat, I need help to decide which is the better option for me to restore.

In addition to general opinion/experience, I have the following family comfort/safety related questions.

The Formula seems to sit much lighter in the stern, even though it seems to be dimensionally similar and carries the same stock motors as the Nova. Does it actually have a taller hull, or is it just balanced more forward? Does the Formula also have a higher freeboard as a result?

Does anyone know which has the deeper cockpit, or higher gunwale height?

Is either notably dryer, a better sea keeper, or safer?

Im going into this with the expectation of rotted stringers and transom, but does one have a better chance of being solid than the other?

I have no intention of more than stock power, and don't need go fast, just a good fun and safe family boat. Which would you lean toward and why?

Thank you in advance.

 

[hvymtl939]

I think the Formula is the better looking boat out of the two, fwiw.

 

[tpenfield]

:welcome:

The Formula 272 is the real deal (too bad it is not the 272 SR1 ). The Nova is a pretender.

I like the 1989-91 Formula 272 SR1's probably the best. 1986 and earlier was of the older design. 1987 - 1991 was the newer 2-piece construction with fiberglass floor. The rear seat in the 1990-91 were more contoured and a bit harder to seat 4 across.

Both boats are going to sit a bit low in the water at the stern while at rest. The Formula with twin 350's (5.7) will sit a bit higher in the stern than if it has the 454's. I'd say the Formula will be the better rough water boat, and has a strong following.

Definitely check the boats for water/rot in the main bulkhead.

 

[Monteria]

Thank you for the welcome.

I am not surprised one bit by the better looking and poser comments. Pretty much expected that. By happenstance, both hulls are 1983 vintage.

When you say 2 piece construction and reference the fiberglass floor, what was it pre-86 a one piece top cap and floor? Im assuming thats mentioned as a consideration when replacing stringers in a full restore?

 

[tpenfield]

Thank you for the welcome.

I am not surprised one bit by the better looking and poser comments. Pretty much expected that. By happenstance, both hulls are 1983 vintage.

When you say 2 piece construction and reference the fiberglass floor, what was it pre-86 a one piece top cap and floor? Im assuming thats mentioned as a consideration when replacing stringers in a full restore?

Pre-1987 was separate hull/floor and then cap/foredeck.. 1987 and beyond the floor was part of the cap. The hull just had the stringer grid, no floor.