View Full Version : Formosa 550 centre cab
Dave71
17-04-2009, 06:56 PM
I have been looking at the formasa boats and the most of the feed back on the forums has been good. I am leaning towards the 550 centre cab and have arranged a trial in one for next week end. Has any one got any more feed back as to any problems that I may need to look for. Boat is low hour 2nd hand boat that is just over 12mths old. Should I be doubting my choice of boat
Dave:-/
levinge
17-04-2009, 11:58 PM
No mate, I've got the 580 and nothing but good things.
A couple of things to look at:
Make sure the batteries are Heavy Duty Marine
Is the trailer single or dual axle, preference would be for dual axle, better towing for the boat.
Other than that, just check for the usual things, quality of wiring, hardness in the steering at low revs (shouldn't be any), motor tilts easy, rollers on trailer, targa bar clips in good condition, rust or corrosion.
wirlybird
18-04-2009, 07:51 AM
Hi sorry to hijack the thread levinge is the center cab on your boat big enough for a 6'2" bloke to sleep in?
levinge
18-04-2009, 08:21 AM
If you curled up or you can modifiy the area between the seats to accommodate an extension such as a low box to lengthen the level area
Teabag73
18-04-2009, 08:26 AM
I have been looking at the formasa boats and the most of the feed back on the forums has been good. I am leaning towards the 550 centre cab and have arranged a trial in one for next week end. Has any one got any more feed back as to any problems that I may need to look for. Boat is low hour 2nd hand boat that is just over 12mths old. Should I be doubting my choice of boat
Dave:-/
Dave,
I recently bought a 550 Formosa centre cab and even though I have only used it a couple of times I have been very impressed with it's performance. I have the 140hp Suzuki fitted and it well and truely get's this boat moving with ample power. Fuel tank at 150ltr is ample for longer trips and with a the boat being rather beamie I have found it to be very dry for a plate Ally boat. In a recent trip out off Mackay the weather was not so good but found it handle the messy chop and swell with surprising ease. I found it to also be a rather soft ride in those conditions. My only down side is I find the driving position a little cramped and I'm not a big bloke so make sure you check that out for yourself.
wirlybird
19-04-2009, 11:37 AM
cheers levinge i was looking at one of these for my next upgrade i may just go with a sea storm after all.
brute898
19-04-2009, 12:10 PM
Dave71, I have also been looking into the Formosa Centre Cabins to. I have been looking at the 580 model because i have 4 in my family. Can you let me know what you think of the boat once you have been for a test run. What outboard does it have on the back?
Nanny King NQ
19-04-2009, 05:19 PM
I heard a rumour that formosa is going to release a 610 tomahawk walkaround will be interesting.
WalFish
19-04-2009, 05:33 PM
Here are a few pictures of the Formosa Tomahawk in the centre cab and half cab layout. I have recently ordered a 580 Half Cab with the 135 Honda after going for a test ride in a standard Formosa at the Tinny Shack. Nice ride, very quiet and stable with plenty of room for me and the crew. We have a while to wait though, but I was very impressed and made the decision easy (see http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?t=148659)
WalFish
No disrespect indended here, But I dont personally see the advantage in the Tomahawk . Formosa are not plate boats. They are made from 5052 alloy. You can ask for the tomahawk in 5083 though I dont know for how much extra. But like Quintrex and stacer they Market em as "plate" which is misleading IMO.
Before I decided on getting an AMM boat built I looked at the Tomohawk, As they were a cheaper option. they looked like a decent boat but a tad misleading. They claim to be true "plate" which they are not, they have a sealed alloy deck, but its only spot welded and sealed. Which makes the self draining aspect a tad dodgy I feel. I dont know why its not weld sealed? maybe the boat still needs to flex upon impact? Im not sure? or is it a cost only thing?
They guy at the boat show couldn't tell me the difference between the Tomahawk and the normal one, aside the self draining deck. Are they still made the same way?
I have never been for a ride in one, so cant comment. But they only run a 15 deg deadrise I believe, with a very forward chine, so to me they look like they'd bang a bit. But never been in one so its hard to say.
I suppose the best bet is a test ride and see how they perform.
Dave71
19-04-2009, 06:47 PM
I ended going out this week end .I was happy with the over build quality and ride of the 550. Conditions were pretty good on the water so I can not comment yet as to how it handles in bigger seas, It had a 115 Suzuki on it which pushed it along pretty well with 2 kids and 2 adults on board. The only issue I had with it is the room in the centre cab. There is not a lot of room between the seats and the the side of the cab but a bit of time in the boat and a few adjustments I think negate this. I can say I would be happy to own one and all going well I soon will.
levinge
20-04-2009, 07:52 AM
No disrespect indended here, But I dont personally see the advantage in the Tomahawk . Formosa are not plate boats. They are made from 5052 alloy. You can ask for the tomahawk in 5083 though I dont know for how much extra. But like Quintrex and stacer they Market em as "plate" which is misleading IMO.
Before I decided on getting an AMM boat built I looked at the Tomohawk, As they were a cheaper option. they looked like a decent boat but a tad misleading. They claim to be true "plate" which they are not, they have a sealed alloy deck, but its only spot welded and sealed. Which makes the self draining aspect a tad dodgy I feel. I dont know why its not weld sealed? maybe the boat still needs to flex upon impact? Im not sure? or is it a cost only thing?
They guy at the boat show couldn't tell me the difference between the Tomahawk and the normal one, aside the self draining deck. Are they still made the same way?
I have never been for a ride in one, so cant comment. But they only run a 15 deg deadrise I believe, with a very forward chine, so to me they look like they'd bang a bit. But never been in one so its hard to say.
I suppose the best bet is a test ride and see how they perform.
Mate, plate or not, the overall design and build of the Formosa's sees them as very marketable product.
I personally own a 580 and can swear hand on heart that they perform well above their weight. The protruding keel runner (1.5 inch) that starts at the bow sprit and runs under the hull, has the advantage of being the first part of the hull that hits the swell, this punches a hole in the water and the rest of the hull follows through, giving an easier ride through the water.
I have had it out in everything up to 22kts and 2.5m ugly NQ swell/chop. They actually bang alot less than other plates in their size. Ride is good and they are a very very very dry boat. 15 deg deadrise is no prob, mine is powered by a 135 Honda and my holeshot froma standing start would be less than 4 seconds fully loaded.
The only thing I will change later is to replace (when it is needed), the floor from Marine Ply to alloy, but I envisage this will be a long way away....
They are pressed boats, but I am not sure on the Tomohawk as it is a whole new direction they have gone, so it may be a true plate???
One thing about the Formosa's they allow you to spend better $$$ on your electronics and boat fitout with the dollars saved against AMM, Riptide, Tabs etc IMO
While other boat builders will struggle to remain in business, Formosa have set themselves in a very good position with a good product and a very achievable price for new boat owners, so I think they will only go from strength to strength as a name...
I personally own a 580 and can swear hand on heart that they perform well above their weight. The protruding keel runner (1.5 inch) that starts at the bow sprit and runs under the hull, has the advantage of being the first part of the hull that hits the swell, this punches a hole in the water and the rest of the hull follows through, giving an easier ride through the water.
I cant see how a 1.5 inch keel can make any difference In Hull performance.The amount of water it displaces would be negligible. It would be due to sharpness of Bow entry and total deadrise and weight. But I have never been in one, and most reports claim a very good soft ride so I cant imagine them being a bad choice to buy.
Formosa have a very good "niche" in the market I feel. They offer a very decent package. Which is fantastic to see people thinking outside the box.
I do feel they could go one step further and look at offering a true plate boat, with fully welded floor, and slightly better sub structure. Cant imagine It would cost a great deal more. Those that want to save can buy the classic, and those that want true plate could buy the Tomahawk, I feel they have missed the mark a bit with the Tomahawk.
levinge
20-04-2009, 10:32 AM
I agree with you for the most part, for the fully welded floor "option" I suppose, The Tomohawk would probably benefit from a full weld floor and scuppers.
As for the sub structure under the floor, they have a really solid structure and I haven't felt anything in the boat to move me away from it being a solid boat.
In the end its personal choice and I am very happy with my rig.
nickstock
20-04-2009, 11:19 AM
I think value for money Formosa can not be beaten. You can not compare them to an AMM as you have to compare apples to apples. A 550 centercab by Fisher or AMM would be thousands and thousands of dollars more. Lets face it, providing that they back up the offer of a 3 year structural warrenty then you have a minimum of 10 grand to play with.
Last year I looked at a 4.5 meter tiller AAM that cost $32000 with a 'old tech' 60 2 stroke merc. Big dollars when you look at the new 2009 formosa 520 c/c with a 90 e tec for sale for under $29000.
I am currently in the market for a new boat to use out of Cooktown and am unsure on whether to get a plate 'style' boat or another glass boat.
If I decide on alloy, then the formosa is right up there on my list. I have not heard a bad report (not saying that there isn't any though) on the current range of formosa boats.
Nick
notsa
20-04-2009, 01:05 PM
No disrespect indended here, But I dont personally see the advantage in the Tomahawk . Formosa are not plate boats. They are made from 5052 alloy. You can ask for the tomahawk in 5083 though I dont know for how much extra. But like Quintrex and stacer they Market em as "plate" which is misleading IMO.
Before I decided on getting an AMM boat built I looked at the Tomohawk, As they were a cheaper option. they looked like a decent boat but a tad misleading. They claim to be true "plate" which they are not, they have a sealed alloy deck, but its only spot welded and sealed. Which makes the self draining aspect a tad dodgy I feel. I dont know why its not weld sealed? maybe the boat still needs to flex upon impact? Im not sure? or is it a cost only thing?
They guy at the boat show couldn't tell me the difference between the Tomahawk and the normal one, aside the self draining deck. Are they still made the same way?
I have never been for a ride in one, so cant comment. But they only run a 15 deg deadrise I believe, with a very forward chine, so to me they look like they'd bang a bit. But never been in one so its hard to say.
I suppose the best bet is a test ride and see how they perform.My Friends AMM Boat used to get a lot of water in it then he found that it had a few spots (75mm) that were not welded.:-/
Dont wanna turn this into a pissing match, Im sure every boat company at some stage has made a dud. Even Top quality builers like AMM, Fisher, Noble etc. It happens.
Formosa have an excellent market and offer a very good deal IMO. Heck I'd be more than happy to own one.
But as a matter of personal opinion I feel they missed the mark slightly with the Tomahawk. Anyhow best of luck with your purchase.
End of the day as long as you have fun on the water then who cares what boat your in.
levinge
20-04-2009, 07:37 PM
Couldn't agree more Flex, whatever gets you onto the water and to your favourite spot is all that mattters, oh yeah and safely out and back....
Tight lines all!!!!
Dave71
24-04-2009, 08:33 PM
I have just purchsed the 550 so it to the water this week end ;D
Mad-One
25-04-2009, 12:03 AM
you won't be sorry. Enjoy your new toy
cheers Mad
Dave71
26-04-2009, 07:57 PM
Took the 550 out for a run today. Very happy with the boat and even got a few fish ;D
levinge
27-04-2009, 09:26 AM
Well done Dave, welcome to the Formosa Club matey. Took the missus fishing yesterday and counted 5 Formosa amongst about 12 boats. Looks like they are becoming a popular boat....
ozbee
27-04-2009, 09:52 AM
they are in between which in these times makes them very much good value for money boats. so easy to say go full plate but at that dead rise it is not going to be the best riding boat in Australia no matter what it is built from. but for value and good weather it is very much a suitable vessel that would handle a following sea going home as good as anything else. its loss is its not the best boat punching a sea but if to rough going out one can return early. cause you can get better but not much out there that leaves much change out of $ 100,000
levinge
27-04-2009, 11:33 AM
You must've been out in one Ozbee to make those claims...
Personally I believe it not the money you pay, the proof is in the boats design and although the Formosa has a 15 degrees deadrise, they punch far above their weight. Mine has been out in some shitty stuff up to 2.5m swell and handle it very well, so much to say we were dry out and dry home...
I agree there are probably some better boats out there, but by the time I have spent the same dollars as they have just to buy their boats, I will have been fishing for quite a long time (years in fact).....
Personal choice I suppose!!
We regularly
Mad-One
27-04-2009, 01:18 PM
Well where are the pics of the new toy?????
ozbee
27-04-2009, 06:03 PM
if you understand my meaning i am very much giving your boat a compliment but to put it up against haines , seafarers etc with dead rises starting around 21 you wont match it but in saying that you wont get much change out of 100 grand while you do . your boat is good value for money
Mrs Ronnie H
27-04-2009, 06:19 PM
Hi Dave
As already said-- Welcome to the Formosa Club. Have you got any pics????
We saw three out Saturday in the passage as well as our own.
What did you end up with-- all the extras???? Pics please.
Great times are headin your way
Ronnie
levinge
28-04-2009, 07:58 AM
Sorry Ozbee, must've miss read your post.
Come on Dave, we are all waiting mate.
brute898
28-04-2009, 09:22 AM
Lets go Dave I cant wait to see some pics of the boat mate.
Teabag73
28-04-2009, 05:04 PM
Good stuff Dave you won't regret your purchase. I too recently purchase a 550 Formosa Centre Cab and have been impressed thus far, even in some pretty average weather.....All this talk about Deadrise and the higher the better, well everything is a compromise. Yes, a higher deadrise generally means a better sea boat in bad weather though at rest (anchor) in a swell they can be less stable wrt rolling. Please note that this is generally and there are some exceptions though not many. I think the Formosa is a good fishing boat compromise. Good luck with the purchase......
PS: I have good some good tips and option ideas from Brett which has been very helpful. Mine goes in on the 11th May to get the rear bimini done at the motor timmers. Very similar to Bretts......
Dave71
28-04-2009, 07:26 PM
Thanks all for your input. Pics are coming. Boat has been fitted with Navman GPS,sounder and VHF radio. CD player. Rear lounge,transom door and ladder, kill tank and centre cab hatch and is powered by a 115 suzuki. Would be interested in some pics of the rear bimini as that is about the only thing that the boat nedds to cover the "family "part of the deal.
levinge
28-04-2009, 08:41 PM
Dave here are some of my Rear Bimini. You'll notice the struts are high up and they are great as you can cast and fish without them getting in the way.
Regards
Brett
Dave71
23-06-2009, 07:54 PM
I have put about 20 hours on the clock and I am more than happy with the boat. Did a round trip of about 110 miles with 4 on board week end before last Plenty of fishing space, 1 at the front 1 at the rear 1 each side behind the cab. Was choppy on the return, sat on around 20Knots, took a couple of bangs but generally rode well. Took the missus and 2 kids out last week end and the minister for war and finance who is not keen on going out into the open water was comfortable/confident in the way the boat handled. A winner for what I intend to use it for.:)
nickstock
24-06-2009, 08:49 AM
Good to hear mate,
What is the boats wide open throttle with the 115 on it? I am looking at a 5.5 meter plate boat and I am leaning towards putting a 115 opti on it. I would be interested in some comparision figures between 115 suzi and 115 optimax.
Nick
Dave71
24-06-2009, 01:16 PM
WOT is 43MPH-70klm.
levinge
24-06-2009, 06:08 PM
Yep they certainly get up and go hey there Dave.
Good to see you on the water, BUT
Where are the photos????
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