FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN – What is the right choice for people who are looking for a boat?

FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN Review

Reference price: from $117,450 (with trailer)

Type: Bay Boat

Weight: 1050 kgs (dry weight)

Seats: 7

What we like about it: The center console design, 19° V-shaped aluminum hull, and ample livewell and storage space.

What we didn’t like about it: The set seating isn’t the most comfortable, and the price is relatively high.

Rating (4.7/5)

FORMOSA is renowned for its spacious and sturdy CENTRE CABIN series. Its clever layout maximizes the use of the generous hull, making the most of the boat’s space. As the most popular version of this series, the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN combines the favored size with exceptional performance, offering anglers the perfect fishing platform on the water. Moreover, it comes with impressive optional add-ons.

Below, we’ll analyze the driving experience, passenger experience, specifications, and other versions of the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN.

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Overall Impression

It’s well known that summer is the prime time for fishing. Recently, I developed a strong desire to go fishing on the open sea. The image of enjoying the sea and the thrill of catching fish immediately eased my work fatigue. So, I promptly invited my friend Gael and our families to head to Cape May Bay for a fishing trip.

Considering that we didn’t have a boat suitable for offshore waters, we decided to rent a bay boat for our fishing expedition. Following a friend’s recommendation, we chose to rent the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN.

We scheduled the fishing activity for the evening, as it’s not only when the fish are most active but also when the climate is more pleasant. For this outing, we brought along our wives and my daughter Mila and Gael’s son Ezrah. Of course, the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, with its 6.35 meters in length, easily accommodated all of us.

As we arrived at the dock to pick up the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN from the rental company, it was also the first time we laid eyes on the boat. We all exclaimed that it looked incredibly cool. The all-welded aluminum hull combined with the raised V-shaped bow gave me a strong sense of security.

Passenger Experience

Since Gael mentioned that he hadn’t driven a boat equipped with a 150hp engine before, it was a challenge for him. So, today, I took on the role of the captain of the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN. I also assigned each person a seat on the boat. Our wives sat on the foldable storage lounge at the stern, while Mila and Ezrah sat on the cushioned lid of our storage compartment behind us.

The layout of the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN is truly impeccable. Not only could our wives directly watch over the kids, but we could also interact with them at any time. Unfortunately, the comfort level of the seating on this boat has room for improvement; it’s somewhat rigid. I believe it’s more designed for serious anglers.

Driving Experience

Mila and Ezrah were eagerly anticipating the upcoming joyful activities and shared their excitement with our wives. While they chatted, I quickly studied the functions of all the buttons on the console. Honestly, the dashboard of the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN was a bit complex. I’ve never used so many driving tools before.

As I twisted the throttle, the two touchscreen panels embedded in the dashboard lit up. They displayed numerous applications, including GPS, fishfinder, and Bluetooth speakers, which piqued my curiosity. I wasn’t even sure if we’d be able to experience all these functions during this trip, as they were quite abundant.

It took nearly ten minutes for Gael and me to familiarize ourselves with all the features and storage locations. By this time, the kids were getting a bit impatient. To ease their eagerness, I played their favorite music on the speakers while reassuring them.

With the wonderful music playing, I smoothly started up the boat. Despite its impressive power, it maintained remarkably stable navigation. Even when facing waves and winds on the sea, it remained unaffected. I was truly satisfied with its performance on the water.

User Experience

As we enjoyed the beautiful sunset and the comfort of the sea breeze on our bodies, we almost forgot about the main activity of the trip. When I brought the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN to the shallower waters to prepare for fishing, nightfall was fast approaching. But there was no need to worry; the boat’s hard-top was equipped with lights. After turning them on, most corners of the boat were immediately illuminated. We had no concerns that the visibility of our fishing gear would become an issue.

Since Mila and Ezrah weren’t very keen on fishing, our wives planned to take them swimming in the water. Thanks to the ample storage on the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, it easily accommodated swimsuits and other gear for all four of them. Moreover, both the stern and the sides of the console cabin were equipped with livewells. I’m confident that we’ll have a successful catch tonight.

Specifications

The FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN boasts a center console designed for nearshore fishing and cruising. With its higher gunwales, it can handle the continuous impact of rough seas. The V-shaped aluminum hull, created using full-welding technology, easily cuts through waves, ensuring your safe return home.

If you’re an avid night angler, you’ll surely appreciate the carpeted cabin of the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, which provides comfortable sleeping accommodations on the water. This well-equipped fishing boat makes it an excellent choice for inviting family or friends to join you for a fishing trip.

Other Versions

Undoubtedly, not everyone has a large family, and some are seeking a boat with a smaller size. That’s where the FORMOSA 565 SRT CENTRE CABIN comes in, as the smallest version in this series.

FORMOSA 565 SRT CENTRE CABIN

Compared to the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, the FORMOSA 565 SRT CENTRE CABIN offers an advantage of nearly $20,000 in terms of price. This could spark interest among many users.

However, the $20,000 price difference also means that the 565 SRT CENTRE CABIN falls behind the 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN in terms of passenger capacity, maximum engine horsepower, and fuel tank capacity. This also translates to less cruising range and power. Nevertheless, many consumers might not mind these minor drawbacks.

For anglers looking for a boat specifically dedicated to water fishing activities, this boat’s configuration is fully sufficient. But the caveat is that you won’t be inviting a large number of friends every time you use it, as you would for a party.

What do we like about it

• The center console is designed to provide ample room for hauling rods.
• Ample livewell capacity.
• Stylish and hard-top that doesn’t have to be raised manually.
• The deck with drainage provides a good dry feeling for sailing at all times.
• The fuel tank capacity is very large and will last for a long voyage.
• Optional extras are plentiful.

What we don’t like about it

• The price is not budget-friendly and might be challenging for many consumers.
• Lack of comfortable seating areas, not well-suited for leisure activities.

FAQ

• Are there any advantages to bay boats?

Bay boats are known for their center console layout, which is essential for most anglers and provides a spacious and comfortable environment.

Moreover, most bay boats offer versatility for all types of fishing, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. In summary, the excellent performance of bay boats makes them highly suitable for fishing.

• What is an affordable price for a bay boat?

Bay boats typically come in larger sizes, allowing you to enjoy fishing with your family and friends on the water.

Due to their sturdy construction and wide range of functionalities, bay boats tend to have a moderate price range. We believe that an affordable price for a bay boat would be around $50,000 or lower. With careful observation and extensive research, you can easily find high-quality bay boats that offer great value for the price.

• What is a good size bay boat?

Most bay boats have a length ranging from 19 to 26 feet. On average, 24 feet is a common size for anglers choosing a bay boat. However, if you need a more compact size, you can opt for smaller dimensions. Alternatively, if you desire a larger, more luxurious bay boat, 26 feet would be a better choice.

FORMOSA 565 SRT CENTRE CABIN Specs

Length	6.35m
Beam	2.50m
Bottom Sheets	5mm
Side Sheets	4mm
Internal Freeboard	720mm
Fuel Capacity	220L
Transom Shaft Length	ExL/S
Dry Hull Weight	1050
Max Horsepower	200
Min Horsepower	150
Deadrise	19
Max Passengers	7

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Lengths	Maximum Horsepower	Maximum person capacity
CANCELLI 20 Fishwork	6.00 m	140HP	6 persons
Quintrex Trident 650	6.55m	200HP	7 persons
Bar Crusher 670C	6.70m	200HP	6 persons

FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN vs CANCELLI 20 Fishwork

If FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN can be considered a fishing boat suitable for family outings, then the CANCELLI 20 Fishwork is undoubtedly designed as a dedicated vessel for serious anglers.

There are reasons for this distinction. On one hand, the CANCELLI 20 Fishwork lacks extensive cushioned seating areas, making it more suitable for friends or family who are comfortable sitting on the deck.

On the other hand, you won’t have to worry about organizing your fishing gear while on the water. When you’re out fishing all day, the two spacious livewells located at the stern of the CANCELLI 20 Fishwork, along with the numerous rod storage compartments, offer a sense of reassurance. If you live by the coast and are seeking a boat for fishing trips with friends, this is a boat you shouldn’t overlook!

FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN vs Quintrex Trident 650

The Quintrex Trident 650 is the most versatile size version in the Trident series, offering both convenient towing and a spacious hull that can accommodate up to 7 people.

The stern layout of the Quintrex Trident 650 is quite similar to that of the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN. They both feature foldable seating and fishing platforms with rod holders at the stern. The main difference lies in their bow layout design philosophy.

While fishing on the 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, you’ll notice ample space in front of the central console, allowing you to engage in battles with the fish in the water. On the other hand, the Quintrex Trident 650 primarily dedicates its bow space to a spacious cabin, providing you with more resting area. Of course, you can choose the option that better suits your preferences and needs.

FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN vs Bar Crusher 670C

The Bar Crusher 670C shares an almost identical layout with the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, but in certain configurations, I believe it offers a better setup than the latter.

The Bar Crusher 670C features a full windscreen design. Unlike the 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN, which can only shield from partial winds, this boat’s design provides full protection from the elements. Being at the helm of this boat will give you a sense of security similar to driving a car.

Moreover, the Bar Crusher 670C comes with more comfortable high-back captain’s chairs. Additionally, it boasts the unique Quickflow® ballast water technology from Bar Crusher, ensuring enhanced stability when at rest. If you often find yourself in the captain’s seat, this boat is sure to satisfy you.

Summary

The FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN is one of the most popular models in the FORMOSA lineup. Its ample deck space both at the front and rear ensures a comfortable driving cabin, protecting you from the harsh sun and rough waters.

Regrettably, the Bar Crusher 670C comes as a package deal with a trailer and engine, resulting in a higher price point. However, this package approach brings convenience and eliminates the need to worry about finding a suitable trailer later on.

Of course, whether the FORMOSA 635 SRT CENTRE CABIN suits you depends on your personal boating needs. It leans more towards fishing activities, and if you’re looking for partying or entertainment, it might not provide the best experience.

If you’re interested in learning about more types of boats, be sure to follow our homepage. We’ll continue sharing various boat types to help you find the most suitable boat for your needs. Thanks for your support!