Posted: May 22 2006 at 00:00 | IP Logged

1974 Formula F233 Cuddy Sportfisherman!

There are a bunch of pics on here:
http://www.arctekmarine.com/Fintage.htm
 
That shows the boat in both its original condition when I bought her from the original owner in 2002 and in it's present day state after I did a bunch of work to her.
 
This was a one-owner boat and was used on Lake Huron in Michigan (freshwater) and had ~632 original hours when I bought her.
 
She has the original drivetrain (Mercruiser 225HP Ford 302 with TRII Transmission & TR Outdrive) as described on the above site, though I have done a good amount of work to it including a brand new top-end engine rebuild with new manifolds, risers, heads professionally rebuilt from scratch with hardened valve seats installed and stainless valves!

Average cruise is about 20-21 kts @ 3,000 RPMs (in flat water closer to 21-22 kts, and in real rough water can cruise comfortably on plane from 16-19 kts).
 
Engine was removed end of last year and I installed a brand new Oil Pan, Dipstick Assembly, Gimbal Bearing, and new Outdrive Universal Joints & Bellows.
 
I have entirely stripped the outdrive, bracket, and prop to bare aluminum and re-acid-etched and painted it with Sikkens.  I have installed a new Gimbal Ring and steering pin.  I also installed a new steering helm and cable, and new Stainless wheel.
 
Restored the hullsides paintjob to a mirror finish, and installed bootstripe and name.
 
The hardtop/curtains was just custom built last year by "Arctek Jim" whose site has my pictures.
 
Installed an original Formula233 Swim Platform with new aluminum brackets from my friend's 1973 F233 CC.
 
Installed Lenco Trim Tabs with the LED Indicator Switch.
 
All new stainless cleats including the bow Lift Ring Cleat.  Removed/cleaned/reinstalled/resealed the front pull ring & bracket (that trailer clips to).
 
I have progress pictures of much of the work I did.  She is a beautiful boat, and turns many heads everywhere she goes.
 
I regularly take her 50 to 70 miles offshore and even took her on an overnight Tuna trip last year 100 miles offshore to the Canyon.  Very dependable and very nice ride, EXCELLENT fishability!
 
If really interested, let me know, I have so many pics and can go into much more detail.  I will email as many pics as necessary to show work I have done and boat condition!

INCLUDED is the 2004 ACE Trailer - 7,000# rated Aluminum Cypress Bunk with all stainless hardware, 5,000# HD drop jack, brakes on front axle.
 
Boat is located in Rhode Island.

Asking $14,500.

Also listed on BoatUS Classifieds at http://ww2.boatus.com/classifieds/AddDetail.asp?Boat=19763

Posted: May 23 2006 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Here's some more pics:

Posted: May 28 2006 at 00:00 | IP Logged

This is one of the "biggest" 23's you'll ever fish......a TRUE 23'-3" boat!

She's certainly caught some fish too

Here's a Canyon trip last year:

Posted: June 21 2006 at 00:00 | IP Logged

See the Hardtop assembly now FOR SALE from Fintage in this post:

http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=57238&PN= 1

Posted: June 26 2006 at 00:00 | IP Logged

FINTAGE is SOLD, the HARDTOP is still FOR SALE