Mid 2000’s 40ft Formula cabin cruiser

[Cdog]

Had a great time with a good friend & family at mission bay over the 4th early this month. He inherited a 35 ft sail boat from his dad and docks in MB. I really miss having a boat.

So I’ve got my delusions of grandeur ticking away thinking a mid 2000’s formula might fit the bill for a seasonal and extended weekend trips to SD. We would live on the boat for short durations. Twin 496’s bravo drives. I’m familiar with everything there & can do the majority of my own maintenance. Something like this.

2002 Formula 40 PC, Cascade Iowa - boats.com

Formula 40 PC for sale in Cascade Iowa. View pictures and details of this boat or search for more Formula boats for sale on boats.com.

www.boats.com

So what’s maintenance, dock rent & expenses look like?

Anyone else do this type of boating?

I’ve already reached out to Mike yanke. He’s at powel we will connect when he gets back.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I think @H20 Toie had one of these. There is a ton of info over at OSO in the Formula section.

 

[NicPaus]

The slip fee and bottom cleaning ads up quickly. My cousin has a 70' slip and with bottom cleaning over $5K a month. I would say 2k a month for the slip for 40'.

 

[Cdog]

If I remember right Mike pulled his boat out between trips?? I think my buds slip is like $800 but he might be grandfathered in.

 

[Singleton]

If I remember right Mike pulled his boat out between trips?? I think my buds slip is like $800 but he might be grandfathered in.

Yes. He found a place in SD, where his Formula could be stored between trips on the trailer.
Then he upgraded boats and that was slipped until he sold it.

 

[gqchris]

I got a ton of input on this, but to sum it up, go sit at a marina and see how many people dont even use their boats I could never figure that out!

I would suggest staying away from an Express Cruiser. You feel like in a cave all the time. My goal boat is like a Tiara 31 with a huge deck, the more deck the better. Or a Noreaster type boat. You will want to entertain on the deck.

Like others have said, slip and maint gets pricey! Just go in knowing that. Remember, all your running gear in the water is like sitting in an acid bath. Its so corrosive, and plan accordingly.

 

[Cdog]

This with 496’s would be perfect!!

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Although its not in the salt, we have a cruiser that is moored (floating) on the Columbia river. We have (2) slips, (1) that is covered (winter slip) and (1) that is not covered that we utilize during the summer. It is UNREAL how much nicer the boat stays when under cover. We pulled the boat last year and had put new bottom paint on and at this point don't have any intentions on pulling it out of he water. That all said, I wouldn't feel comfortable with leaving a boat it the water that has outdrives, even though there are millions that do. For me the v-drives give me some piece of mind, and I really like the fact that I can do virtually all servicing above the water line as I do that work myself most of the time. That all to say, if I didn't live 10 minutes from the boat, I'd never have it.

 

[Shlbyntro]

A 40PC is going to be Vdrives in that length and age it can either be equipped with 496s or sometimes Cummins diesels more rarely. If you want stern drives, you're going to be looking at a Formula SS. Cabin area is smaller on an SS, they are definitely intended for more of a weekender kind of use. The PC is wider boat and has more living space below. These boats are my bread and butter. Ask me anything you want to know and I can probably answer

 

[Spitfire]

I got a ton of input on this, but to sum it up, go sit at a marina and see how many people dont even use their boats I could never figure that out!

I would suggest staying away from an Express Cruiser. You feel like in a cave all the time. My goal boat is like a Tiara 31 with a huge deck, the more deck the better. Or a Noreaster type boat. You will want to entertain on the deck.

Like others have said, slip and maint gets pricey! Just go in knowing that. Remember, all your running gear in the water is like sitting in an acid bath. Its so corrosive, and plan accordingly.

My brother has a 31 Tiara Looking to move to a 38 next year. He loves the boat and is sold on the brand. They are quality.

 

[steamin rice]

San Diego boating is great - As already suggested, I'd look at the "SS" series from Formula - They are a little more sporty than the "PC" models, and can go 50+ MPH in exchange for a smaller cabin. If I recall correctly, the 40SS has a decent bed/aft cabin and lots of cockpit space.

Keeping a boat in the water will require maintenance and upkeep vs keeping it on the trailer, but it's very easy to just walk down the dock and get going rather than having the launch, etc each time you want to boat.

My folks kept a boat in the water at a yacht club on Shelter Island for 20+ years. The yacht club was more affordable than renting a slip from a marina and there's also a social part to it.

Good luck!

 

[NicPaus]

If it fits on a trailer I would say pull it out and dry store it. My buddy has a warehouse in Long beach with a empty yard behind it. Find a spot like that and put up a metal carport.

Another friend sold his boat last year docked by HB. He got it like 6 years ago. Slips were easy to find then. He told me he lost sleep thinking one of the outdrives would fail and it would sink. His slip was only $550 a month for 30'. The bottom cleaner called him 1 day and said one outdrive was hanging by a cable. He sold the boat for cheap and the guy wanted the slip. With covid slip prices went crazy. And waiting lists. He used the boat like a condo at the beach as it was cheap. Most of the boats by him never got used. In 5 years some he never saw the owners. But they had them washed and bottoms cleaned every 2 weeks.

 

[Cdog]

San Diego boating is great - As already suggested, I'd look at the "SS" series from Formula - They are a little more sporty than the "PC" models, and can go 50+ MPH in exchange for a smaller cabin. If I recall correctly, the 40SS has a decent bed/aft cabin and lots of cockpit space.

Keeping a boat in the water will require maintenance and upkeep vs keeping it on the trailer, but it's very easy to just walk down the dock and get going rather than having the launch, etc each time you want to boat.

My folks kept a boat in the water at a yacht club on Shelter Island for 20+ years. The yacht club was more affordable than renting a slip from a marina and there's also a social part to it.

Good luck!

We did the 4th fireworks with you guys years ago on your folks boat.

I’m actually leaning towards the slower fatter one. . It’s like a moderately quick moving motor home on water.

 

[Cdog]

A 40PC is going to be Vdrives in that length and age it can either be equipped with 496s or sometimes Cummins diesels more rarely. If you want stern drives, you're going to be looking at a Formula SS. Cabin area is smaller on an SS, they are definitely intended for more of a weekender kind of use. The PC is wider boat and has more living space below. These boats are my bread and butter. Ask me anything you want to know and I can probably answer

Is that 41pc towable with a 1 ton truck or big rig only territory?

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

My brother has a 31 Tiara Looking to move to a 38 next year. He loves the boat and is sold on the brand. They are quality.

Super beefy and beamy... my buds a fishing freak and his Tiara looks to be about 32-35'... takes it to San Clemente Island 50 miles out for two nights no problemo. Course he did that with his 24' ealrier boat too so he may be a bit touched.

 

[dirtslinger2]

I got a ton of input on this, but to sum it up, go sit at a marina and see how many people dont even use their boats I could never figure that out!

I would suggest staying away from an Express Cruiser. You feel like in a cave all the time. My goal boat is like a Tiara 31 with a huge deck, the more deck the better. Or a Noreaster type boat. You will want to entertain on the deck.

Like others have said, slip and maint gets pricey! Just go in knowing that. Remember, all your running gear in the water is like sitting in an acid bath. Its so corrosive, and plan accordingly.

This is exactly what the wife and I are looking for.
We're planning on buying a boat and leaving it King Harbor in Redondo when we retire out to AZ in a year and a half. Got a few friends there, and if we aren't doing live aboard, the slip fee's aren't too bad. Our friend pays $360 for her slip with 9 days a month liveable, and she pays $25 a month for bottom cleaning.
Wife want's more deck space than living space as we would only be doing a weekend or so month.

 

[boatnam2]

Huntington harbor, its $350 moth for a 35ft spot, about $80 to clean a bottom. Guy calls me every week and says he has a spot open from when i was looking at boat over a year ago.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Huntington harbor, its $350 moth for a 35ft spot, about $80 to clean a bottom. Guy calls me every week and says he has a spot open from when i was looking at boat over a year ago.

Man thats a great rate... I've got two buddies in Newport Harbor paying $1500 last I checked with them on that. One is in a 32' great spot at Dunes front row staring at what used to be Back Bay Bistro, other is down by PCH/ Nprt Blvd in 42 Carver and he also pays $1500. I had no idea Huntigton and Newport were so different in $.... I know if you go south to Dana Pt it gets cheaper/ ft and cheaper still way down in Oceanside.

 

[OLDRAAT]

Is that 41pc towable with a 1 ton truck or big rig only territory?

Our 1998 41 PC with gas engines and gear on board was 22K on the sling. A 450/550 or sport chassis is recommended. Also these are wider than the 40SS models with stern drives, so transporting steps up a notch.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Is that 41pc towable with a 1 ton truck or big rig only territory?

In a PC you are looking at getting wide load permits and will likely want a 650 or larger. The SS is towable without any kind of permits but will still probably want more than a full ton and likely more than a standard drivers license as your starting to fudge some rules at that point. You would want to be a highly experienced puller as well. I consider myself to be very good with truck and trailer but I wouldn't pull either of these long distance myself.

Honestly imo, you're in professional boat transport territory to move either of these across the road.

I can tell you from a used perspective, the SS boats are generally rode hard and put up wet. be very careful with those but get a survey AND a mechanics inspection on stuff this size, make sure said mechanic pulls compression numbers and code history on the engines. Owners of boats this size who actually take care of them always have service records so it's worth asking them.

 

[NicPaus]

Huntington harbor, its $350 moth for a 35ft spot, about $80 to clean a bottom. Guy calls me every week and says he has a spot open from when i was looking at boat over a year ago.

What harbor was Mikes boat at? Right there by Sealegs. I went down on it and I don't think it was over 30'. He told me 550 a month.

 

[ramos45]

FORMULA SS 400 - boats - by owner - marine sale

Total rebuild on both motors and out drives 10 hrs on twin Mercury 502s Great shape. Runs great. Interior is great condition. Air forced toilet. Big screen TV JL sound system Wet sand by hand...

lasvegas.craigslist.org

Work checking out if you're in the market.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

FORMULA SS 400 - boats - by owner - marine sale

Total rebuild on both motors and out drives 10 hrs on twin Mercury 502s Great shape. Runs great. Interior is great condition. Air forced toilet. Big screen TV JL sound system Wet sand by hand...

lasvegas.craigslist.org

Work checking out if you're in the market.

Are you the seller?

 

[HST4ME]

Some good friends of mine up north just bought one this year. They absolutely love it.

 

[Mandelon]

If you're keeping it in San Diego, check out Southwestern Yacht Club. They have some trailer storage and a couple slips available now and then. They are in San Diego Bay, but in Point Loma. Chula Vista is cheaper, but it is a long ride to the mouth of the bay.

We used to boat all over Mission Bay and most of San Diego Bay. There's lots to see, and plenty of bars, restaurants and cool places to visit.

 

[RiverDave]

Had a great time with a good friend & family at mission bay over the 4th early this month. He inherited a 35 ft sail boat from his dad and docks in MB. I really miss having a boat.

So I’ve got my delusions of grandeur ticking away thinking a mid 2000’s formula might fit the bill for a seasonal and extended weekend trips to SD. We would live on the boat for short durations. Twin 496’s bravo drives. I’m familiar with everything there & can do the majority of my own maintenance. Something like this.

2002 Formula 40 PC, Cascade Iowa - boats.com

Formula 40 PC for sale in Cascade Iowa. View pictures and details of this boat or search for more Formula boats for sale on boats.com.

www.boats.com

So what’s maintenance, dock rent & expenses look like?

Anyone else do this type of boating?

I’ve already reached out to Mike yanke. He’s at powel we will connect when he gets back.

I swear my next boat will have AC and a head.. take a look at XO boats as well! Smaller and easier to manage

 

[ramos45]

Are you the seller?

Oh no, just passing it along. I haven't physically checked it out but sure seems like a comfy ride.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Oh no, just passing it along. I haven't physically checked it out but sure seems like a comfy ride.

OK.
I didn't want to step on any toes.
I'm fairly certain my wife and I looked at Momentum while it was in Arizona and we were a hard pass.

 

[ramos45]

I swear my next boat will have AC and a head.. take a look at XO boats as well! Smaller and easier to manage

For sure, ac is a must for anything with a cabin. My scarab iii had 13.5k btu ac/ heater and it was nice to have when slipped on shore power, it would freeze you out. Not until the final 2 years of ownership (9 total years) did i finally start using it on the lake. Installed ezstart device and used Honda 2200 plugged into shore power receptacle.

 

[ramos45]

OK.
I didn't want to step on any toes.
I'm fairly certain my wife and I looked at Momentum while it was in Arizona and we were a hard pass.

Please tell more, what downfalls did you see in the momentum?

 

[rrrr]

This with 496’s would be perfect!!

View attachment 1253705

That's a lot of boat for the money. Looks like it's been updated and maintained.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Please tell more, what downfalls did you see in the momentum?

What I will say is if anyone here wants my take on this boat, they are welcome to contact me by PM and I'll share what I know.

 

[HotRod82]

Had a great time with a good friend & family at mission bay over the 4th early this month. He inherited a 35 ft sail boat from his dad and docks in MB. I really miss having a boat.

So I’ve got my delusions of grandeur ticking away thinking a mid 2000’s formula might fit the bill for a seasonal and extended weekend trips to SD. We would live on the boat for short durations. Twin 496’s bravo drives. I’m familiar with everything there & can do the majority of my own maintenance. Something like this.

2002 Formula 40 PC, Cascade Iowa - boats.com

Formula 40 PC for sale in Cascade Iowa. View pictures and details of this boat or search for more Formula boats for sale on boats.com.

www.boats.com

So what’s maintenance, dock rent & expenses look like?

Anyone else do this type of boating?

I’ve already reached out to Mike yanke. He’s at powel we will connect when he gets back.

We recently sold our 32' express cruiser that we kept at Sunroad Harbor Island. (now Safe Harbor Marina) IMO, this is one of the best marinas around SD with great amenities, and lots of secure parking. It's literally across the street from the airport, it would be easy for you to fly in and walk to your boat. Our 32' slip was about 675 bucks, with bottom cleaning and insurance our boat cost us 1200 bucks a month without any repairs being done. Like you, I did most of the maintenance myself. The Mission Bay side is cheaper than the SD bay side but parking and THEFT are major issues. IMO, don't get a cheap slip with no parking, it's a huge headache especially on holiday weekends. We plan to return there with a new boat next year.

 

[HotRod82]

Oh, and one more thing......get a bow thruster. Without question the best 5K I've ever spent. The bay, gas docks, and restaurants are not like Havasu! They are jam packed and the wind always comes up in the afternoon. Navigating Glorietta bay on the fourth becomes a breeze instead of being a major stress event! I always tried to Navigate without the thruster, but it sure was nice having it in your back pocket when you needed it.

 

[C-Ya]

Cdog,

Just take a look at the boat below. It has a lot more function for your family than “any” Formula. Sure it’s not fast, but it has many creature comforts.

Mainship 400 Trawler boats for sale - Boat Trader

Find Mainship 400 Trawler boats for sale near you, including boat prices, photos, and more. Locate Mainship dealers and find your boat at Boat Trader!

www.boattrader.com

Flybridge, Kitchen and living room is not in cave. A tender for exploration cruises. 2 bedrooms. Diesel which will be much more dependable and better gas mileage than the gas motors. Easy walk to bow.

I can think of a ton of boats that will fit your needs. The above Mainship needs work. I posted this to show a Mainship as an example.

 

[Mandelon]

My friends have a trawler style "yacht" down at Mission Bay Yacht Club. They have a ton of fun down there. I'm still waiting on my invite so I haven't seen it yet... LOL

 

[Cole Trickle]

Nothing better than an ocean boat..... Let me repeat that nothing worse and a bigger drain on the wallet than an Ocean Boat

 

[boatnam2]

What harbor was Mikes boat at? Right there by Sealegs. I went down on it and I don't think it was over 30'. He told me 550 a month.

He was next one over closer to PCH.

 

[boatnam2]

Nothing better than an ocean boat..... Let me repeat that nothing worse and a bigger drain on the wallet than an Ocean Boat

Yep i even lost a deposit on mine, i literally went to the harbor 5 days straight and on the 6th day when deal was to happen, it didn't feel right. Clean boat but something inside me told me its not for me. I maybe seen 5 people go out on boats all the time i spent there. I have a couple river friend who did the big boat in Dana point, they are already over it and have sold boats.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Yep i even lost a deposit on mine, i literally went to the harbor 5 days straight and on the 6th day when deal was to happen, it didn't feel right. Clean boat but something inside me told me its not for me. I maybe seen 5 people go out on boats all the time i spent there. I have a couple river friend who did the big boat in Dana point, they are already over it and have sold boats.

Its awesome and if you have the time and flow i think its a great past time.

Its a spendy deal just ask @OCMerrill

 

[OCMerrill]

Its awesome and if you have the time and flow i think its a great past time.

Its a spendy deal just ask @OCMerrill

It needs to be used constantly to keep things running as you make a repair list.
That said I have logged over 6500 ocean miles in 13 years. That's with me at the helm.

At night with a party happening I am usually stuck at the helm. We don't really have an alternate so I grew one. LOL

And if you really want to KILL everyone's wallet just have an engine pulled to put in a new transmission after it broke a clutch disk and sent the POS through the main gears. We like The Boat Yard in Channel Islands Harbor. I understand possibly sold? Big props to Erith at AAA Marine in Ventura. Very Fair!

 

[boatnam2]

Someday I may try it, i like to whole idea of chilling in harbor or taking a little spin.

 

[TCHB]

Had a great time with a good friend & family at mission bay over the 4th early this month. He inherited a 35 ft sail boat from his dad and docks in MB. I really miss having a boat.

So I’ve got my delusions of grandeur ticking away thinking a mid 2000’s formula might fit the bill for a seasonal and extended weekend trips to SD. We would live on the boat for short durations. Twin 496’s bravo drives. I’m familiar with everything there & can do the majority of my own maintenance. Something like this.

2002 Formula 40 PC, Cascade Iowa - boats.com

Formula 40 PC for sale in Cascade Iowa. View pictures and details of this boat or search for more Formula boats for sale on boats.com.

www.boats.com

So what’s maintenance, dock rent & expenses look like?

Anyone else do this type of boating?

I’ve already reached out to Mike yanke. He’s at powel we will connect when he gets back.

John in Havasu had one.

 

[gqchris]

If it fits on a trailer I would say pull it out and dry store it. My buddy has a warehouse in Long beach with a empty yard behind it. Find a spot like that and put up a metal carport.

Another friend sold his boat last year docked by HB. He got it like 6 years ago. Slips were easy to find then. He told me he lost sleep thinking one of the outdrives would fail and it would sink. His slip was only $550 a month for 30'. The bottom cleaner called him 1 day and said one outdrive was hanging by a cable. He sold the boat for cheap and the guy wanted the slip. With covid slip prices went crazy. And waiting lists. He used the boat like a condo at the beach as it was cheap. Most of the boats by him never got used. In 5 years some he never saw the owners. But they had them washed and bottoms cleaned every 2 weeks.

Nic does your buddy rent out the yard space for trailer boats? Sounds ideal.

 

[Done-it-again]

FORMULA SS 400 - boats - by owner - marine sale

Total rebuild on both motors and out drives 10 hrs on twin Mercury 502s Great shape. Runs great. Interior is great condition. Air forced toilet. Big screen TV JL sound system Wet sand by hand...

lasvegas.craigslist.org

Work checking out if you're in the market.

Why does that Stabbin cabin look like it just finished with a porn shoot.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

It's a cubic dollar program but if you use it it's worth every penny. There is nothing better than boating in the big blue.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Lots of opinions as usual.... folks I know who buy near shore ocean going vessels in 35-50' range typically have a slip and use the vessel more as a condo on the harbor. My boy with the 42' Carver doesn't even know or care to know how to drive the thing. His wife bought it to get hime out of her house and he goes down their Thursdays at 4pm, sleeps on it and comes home to work fri am. Then he goes down again Sat after honeydoos done and returns Sunday to get back on marital clock. Works great for both these 45 year olds. The marinas and people I've met in slips basically have a lot of folks who live within an hour or so away in the heat and they come down weekends to chill. Most don't need to move the boat... they cocktail right there happily. Least thats what I see.

 

[H20 Toie]

I had a 2008 400SS with 525's
at first i had a lift at the house then ended up getting it bottom painted,
awesome boat, handles rough water pretty darn good, held up really well for being in the ocean the 4 years i had it,
ran 50mph easily, 60 was top end, i'm 6'4" and could not quite stand up down in the cabin, a PC i can,
Bed was comfortable, shower, heater and ac worked great, lots of good times with it
boat is built very well, never had issues with anything coming lose or falling apart and it did get air time
i flushed the motors every time we ran it, only took few minutes,

Only downside of the boat was trailering, i had a myco fifth wheel trailer and we had it set up with the boat as low as we could on it, still had to take lights, radar off to trailer, put flags and banners on, figure it was a 3 hour deal to get it ready to trailer or same to set back up in the water, that was with just me doing everything,
i towed it once with a F450 ONCE never did that again, with sport chassis it was no problem, same with Peterbilt,

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I had a 2008 400SS with 525's
at first i had a lift at the house then ended up getting it bottom painted,
awesome boat, handles rough water pretty darn good, held up really well for being in the ocean the 4 years i had it,
ran 50mph easily, 60 was top end, i'm 6'4" and could not quite stand up down in the cabin, a PC i can,
Bed was comfortable, shower, heater and ac worked great, lots of good times with it
boat is built very well, never had issues with anything coming lose or falling apart and it did get air time
i flushed the motors every time we ran it, only took few minutes,

Only downside of the boat was trailering, i had a myco fifth wheel trailer and we had it set up with the boat as low as we could on it, still had to take lights, radar off to trailer, put flags and banners on, figure it was a 3 hour deal to get it ready to trailer or same to set back up in the water, that was with just me doing everything,
i towed it once with a F450 ONCE never did that again, with sport chassis it was no problem, same with Peterbilt,

View attachment 1253974

Dang that thing did 50!?

 

[H20 Toie]

Dang that thing did 50!?

No 60mph