MJ Ferm any other Formula lovers

[willy]

Let me know what you think. Spoke with the fellow tonight, supposed to go look at it on Sunday.
He bought it 96 from original owner who had a stroke. He re-powered it in 2001. But other than keeping it clean he and adding some things it is like he got it from the old fellow.
He says it has raw water cooling system with a flush system he uses after each use. It is maintained by the Merc mechanics that installed it and he has there where they are at. He installed new risers and manifolds last year and new style stainless elbows for the exhaust.
His flow scan says he is getting between 10 gallons per hour and thirteen depending whether he has full tank or not and whether he keeps cruise at 20 knots or a little faster.
He says the transom and hull and floors are solid as a rock and that you can see a lot of the inside of the hull due to the access points available.
I spoke with a friend of mine that ran an old formula very similar to this and he said that it was the best riding boat he had ever been at and did not care what sea conditions you ran.
I am not crazy about the tower but that can be taken down if I want and if the transom is solid I would eventually bracket the boat and replace the I/O if and when I inherit some of Ozzies money.
Give me opinions and give me what to look for on sunday if you can spare the time.
The pics he has are very good and show quite a bit.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Year? Model? Any pictures? Obviously check the major stuff on it, but MJ pointed out this to me go in the cuddy and pull the cushions up and check the stringers in the bow area. The stringers are a major area of concern on the older FORMULAS. Also check the tank as alot of them had fiberglass tanks, and an aluminum replacement will set you back over $1K for a 120+ gallon tank. Get some details and on it for us like the drive and engine info and I'm sure we can help you out. If it's the FAMOUS FORMULA 233, then yes it's about the BEST riding hull of that size range. Too many companies to list copied the hull design, and ALBEMARLE still to this day is useing it as well as BLUEWATER.

[willy]

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...201449&posts=1


So sorry guys, thought the link had pasted.

[Airslot]

I love the hull and know it well, having put 2000 hours on a 2001 Albe 24. My only concern in the Center Console config is that it could be a wet ride in the snot. I know she'll bust through any sea that you dare to try her in, but I was really glad to have the hard top and full curtains once the seas reached 4'. If your gonna fish her in seas less than 3', go get her and have fun. Then again, rain gear can make for a more comfotable ride if Mother Nature turns against ya.

[willy]

got ya Air, that is my debate also, but just loved the hull looks and I have not had a CC for a long time. I think if I was to get one this would be a top candidate from what people are telling me. How is the build quality of these puddle jumpers?

[THEFERMANATOR]

She looks pretty nice, I was eyeing it last night actually. I would look closely at the engine and the hoses, I see where somebody has changed a few of em, so make sure there not laying on anything. Overall there pretty good, and the center console's are fetching top dollar still. She would take a chop in stride for sure. Stringers seem to be the number 1 issue on all of the FORMULA 233's, and the transom a close second.

[Airslot]

As Therm said, the stringers are about the only problems with these. If taken care of they will last forever...

[willy]

OK Ferm thanks, does the stringer and transom issue affect the I/O's the same?

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by willy

OK Ferm thanks, does the stringer and transom issue affect the I/O's the same?

Most all of em back then were I/O's, we didn't get outboards big enough to really do the job until the 80's. Check them anywhere you can, but pay extra attention for places that look like there coming loose from the hull.