Posted: May 05 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Greetings Formula Owners and future ones! 

Boat US has generously provided us with a proper forum!  Their representatives have generously provided us with this forum for evaluation purposes specific to individual manufacturers.  Hopefully, it will be as successful as before and allow for individual postings on assorted topics. 

I’m keeping (below) the list of “regular” (Formula/Thunderbird) owners who have contributed so you don’t need to re-type your info.  If you want, you can just copy/paste into the Family Members thread and update as needed.

This forum will continue to assist you in your search for information about a particular model, provide info and allow you to address the people showing experience on what you’ve got questions/interest about, without having to look through 300 posts to find it.

For those just wandering through these pages, you’ll also get a good grasp on this group by looking through the original 300 or so postings that follow this thread.

I’ve listed the following in (approximate) order of their introduction to this thread.

Oh yeah....I almost forgot...  THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!

- 233 Double E

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233 Double E -  F-233LS Intercepter - (1981). Engine: (Replaced in 2001) Single Chevrolet 350c.i. w/ Holley 650 carb – original Alpha drive

Use: Cruising, skiing tubing & some fishing – Freshwater only

Maintenance done by:  Owner

Projects completed:  Ladder on swim platform, Refinished swim platform, stereo upgrade from OEM unit, replaced all trailer wheel bearing components, installed skeg guard, installed power inverter, LED conversion on mooring (all around) light

Projects pending: new depth finder, fill in dock bruises, refinish teak bow trim & cuddy doors

Searching for/needs:  Fresh Water tank that feeds the Cuddy sink, cheap Lowrance depth finder head unit.

74Formula233 -  F-233 (1974).  Engine: original Ford 302c.i. & TR drive

Use: Fishing & cruising

Maintenance done by:  Owner & Hired Mechanic

Projects completed:  Hull paint restored, outdrive stripped & painted, gimball rings, full stand-up hardtop/enclosure, new trailer, trim tabs, engine heads (351W) rebuilt completely

Projects pending: (maybe) re-powering, some misc. interior work, radar

Searching for/needs:

Spongebob -  F-20 Sport (1973). Engine: Ford 351c.i. "Cobra Powered"

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

Doggydoo (Ft. Lauderdale)

#1 F-20ft Sport  (1971).  Engine: Ford 302c.i. – Original Volvo 250 drive

#2 F-233 (1968).  Engine: Chevrolet I6 292c.i.

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: rebuilt the 292 motor

Projects pending: rebuilding the B/W Velvet Drive

Searching for/needs:  (For the 233) a good camshaft source for the 292. (Clifford performance was too radical).

My3sons –                   (1969). Engine:

Use: Pleasure/Cruising

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

F233TBRD454 F-233 (1973).  Engine:454c.i. – TRS drive

Use: Fishing, diving & going fast

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed: Trim tabs (Lenco), Whipple supercharger, new fuel tank

Projects pending: Trim Tabs, hull paint, new trailer

Searching for/needs: 

Monty C – F-233 (1976). Engine:

Use: Currently not being used

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending: New trailer

Searching for/needs: 

Kevin – F-233 (1974).  Engine:

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending: New motor(s)

Searching for/needs: 

Beef -                            Engine:

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed:

Projects pending: Complete re-build

Searching for/needs:  about everything

Mark T - F-31PC (2002). Engine: (twin) 6.2L – Bravo III Drives

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

64 Formula -  (Mobile, AL)

#1 F-233 (1964) (left-hand drive).  Engine: (twin) Volvo Penta 120B

#2 F-233 (1977) Engine: 255 Evinrude VRO (bracket)

Use: Fishing

Maintenance done by: Owner and hired mechanic (not named)

Projects completed:  (for the 1964) drive linkage cables

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs:  Literature & specifications, determining which one to keep & sell.  Stuart can be reached at (251) 753-2045.

Exuma 16 –                 (1974).  Engine: Chevrolet 305c.i.

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: re-powering, drive & prop

Projects pending: tuning for right drive/prop combo

Searching for/needs:  others with data on cruise speeds, top end speed,fuel consumption, etc.

Cuda

#1 F-20SC (1981).  Engine: 355c.i. (Fresh water cooled)

#2  F-302 SR1 (1986). Engine: (twin) 468c.i. , Kaama surface drives

Use: Cruising

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: Interior, exterior, engine, you name it!

Projects pending: probably everything else

Searching for/needs:  #3

mattzeiler -  F-302 (1979).  Engine: 400hp (twins)

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs:

T-jay 233  F-233 (   ).  Engine:

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

Dick_F223 - F-223 (1972). Engine: 5.7L FI Bravo II

Use: Blue Water Fishing

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: New trailer, replaced engine & outdrive, new fuel tank hoses & fittings, new dash & instruments, new steering, new Morse controls & cables, repl plastic thruhulls with bronze, new half-tower instrument box, rod holders and topriggers, built new port-side seat and tackle locker with fresh water washdown, new helm seat, all new electronics, new nav lights.

Projects pending: Front and Side curtains for the top, Lenco Trim tabs

Searching for/needs: donations to help support Oh Kay J

80FORMULA F20CL -  F-20CL (1980) Engine: 470 Mercruiser

Use: Fishing, Cruising, just getting away

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: Reupolstered Cockpit, New Stereo Sysytem, New Depth Finder, New GPS, Replaced all fuel Lines, Replacing Bad Rear stringer.

Projects pending:  Replace horn, Trim Tabs, Top, Overhaull cabin interior, Possible Engine overhaull (in  winter),  remove bottom paint. Powder coat or paint windshield frame.  “Never a problem finding something to do on a 25 year old boat.”

Searching for/needs: Any suggestions for anything above. 

Picklefish -  F-233 (1967).  Engine: TBD,  Mercruiser II

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed:

Projects pending: killswitch lanyard, re-powering

Searching for/needs:  Sterndrive compatibility info

Allison Hi-Tech  -  F-302 (   ).  Engines:

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed:

Projects pending: re-powering with Whipple–charged 502c.i., installing Sportmaster Drives

Searching for/needs: 

BryanK -  F-34PC (2004).  Engine:

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

BFord1 -  F-357 SR1 (1985).  Engine:

Use: Cruising

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

Bluesfan550 -  F-233 (1968).  Engine:  427c.i. w/Bravo III

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: Rebuilt trailer, re-upholstering

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs:

bjm0918 -  F-233 (1973) Engine:

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: gutted interior windshield restored

Projects pending: re-powering

Searching for/needs:  engine size advice

Makksumm -  F-233 (1966)  Engine:  5.7LD

Use:  Fishing & cruising

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: Stinger re-build

Projects pending:  Arch Installation & retractable bimini

Searching for/needs: 

F255Vanguard -  F-255 Vanguard (1978).  Engine: I-4 “470” (twins)

Use:

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed:

Projects pending: complete rebuild

Searching for/needs: 

75F233  - F-233 (1975).  Engine:

Use:  Fishing

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed:  Complete restoration and conversion to Center Console with T-top

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

Tpenfield -  F-242LS (  ).  Engine:

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs: 

Formula Fever (Ft. Meyers FL)

#1 F-20 (1979).  Engine: 350c.i. (not running, motor is locked-up), OMC drive

#2 F-233 (  )

Use:

Maintenance done by:

Projects completed:

Projects pending:

Searching for/needs:  (For the F-20)  This unit is for sale.  Hull is in great shape, just needs interior stuff. I have $900.00 invested.  Anyone interested call Mark (239) 707-7077.

ahandiman -  (Mississippi River – St. Paul, MN)

F-255 Freedom Cruiser (1979) Engine: 260hp Mercruiser

Use: Fishing, cruising, just getting away

Maintenance done by: Owner

Projects completed: Replaced fuel lines and components, replaced ignition components, installed marine band radio and new stereo

Projects pending:  Fix tilt, re-upholster, paint entire boat, & more I'm sure I just don't know about yet

Searching for/needs:

Posted: May 06 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

233 Double E -

To get a picture in your signature you must have a picture uploaded on the Internet somewhere. I believe BoatUS offers members some web space.  After you have a picture you need to select  Settings  (from the top of this page) and then select Edit Profile.  Scroll down to where it says Signature.  In the text box located there you will need to enter the code needed for a picture. 

["IMG"]http://the picture location on the net["/IMG"]

Keep the brackets but leave out the qoutes.  Insert your boat picture's location on the Internet in place of the red text.  I hope this helps.

-B

Posted: May 06 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

What he said above, LOL, I was going to explain it then saw he did it well, lol. 

I host my pics on a website, then you can copy the URL link to your signature in your Control Panel on here (Settings).

Example:

Right click on the above pic and pick "properties" and you'll see the link.

Posted: May 06 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

sweet! Thanks!

I'm looking for the removeable water tank that goes under the cuddy cushions on my 233.  I think it is about 7 gallons and connects up to a hose that feeds the small sink in the salon.

It's plastic and I believe it has a handle on it for removing and replacing.  Does anyone have one they never use and would part with?  Name the price....

Posted: May 06 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Look into a generic camping water jug that hold 5 gallons. That probably should work.

Try to limit any graphics in your signature to quarter screen format (320x240 pixels). Larger images can be obnoxious to people who have small screen resolutions of 1024x768 or less.

Best regards,

Frank C.

Posted: May 06 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Frank,
Thanks. Yeah...I'm probably going to have to consider that.  For now and before its 100% necessary, I'm seeking the original equipment from F to keep it as "genuine" as possible.

I'm starting to realize however that with boats, that's not always possible, wise or desirable. 
I'm just glad it's a Formula and all the hardware and components from 20+ years ago works and looks pristine (or close to it) when other mfgrs didn't build for the long haul.

Posted: May 07 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

I'll second that!  I'm very happy with my rig, at 30 years old, and all original, including the STILL WORKING Factory Horn!!

Even the stainless is original and shines, LOL, unlike some other boats, lol.  I have heard about several people around here with 2 year old Aquasports that have rotted stainless hardware!  LOL

As for a water tank, sorry, mine never had one.  If I did, I'd sell it to you tho, I would have no use for it.

Posted: May 07 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Thanks again.  I got mine from a guy in Texas who trailered it to fresh all its life.  I'll try to get some pics loaded up soon.

The horns are AFI units and the orig owner never used them.  They needed some adjustment and cleaning. After studying them for a bit, they look great and work like thunder.

The gauges are made by "Medallion".  I can't find any information on this mfgr.  I want to take apart the oil pressure and one other one to go over them and re-seal them from moisture & ensure they're reading right.  Do you know what happened to this mfgr?

The bimini tops were never used as the orig owner was about 7ft tall so they're perfect too.  Just creased from being folded up so long.

Have any of you been to the Formula website lately?  There's a real treat for us "vintage" Formula owners there.  Look up the link for vintage formula and you'll see many brochures for our birds.

There's more recent stuff there too for the gents. with the big $ (& new birds).

Posted: May 24 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Yeh,

I frequent the "Fintage"  section of the Formula site often!

Posted: June 01 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Congrats!  I imagine that the group "Water Bonnet" may be able to help with the window.  They are the OEM for mine.  I believe they are in Florida.
Be sure to check out the "OffShoreOnly" site for a very active Formula owners thread.  It's good for discussions.  I believe it still costs to view pics and post though.

As far as value goes, I'm not really sure but it sounds good.  If it helps, I got my '81 233 for about 9K after all was done and it is in top form also.

Posted: June 30 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Dave,
Hopefully Spongebob will chime in but if not, be sure to look into offshoreonly.com for the Formula group there.  The frequent posters there are mostly newer model owners but likely started out with something silimar to what we have.

What info do you need anyway?

Posted: June 30 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Yep. If you haven't been here already, you're gonna hit jackpot with this link.

http://www.formulaboats.com/vintage/documents.aspx?type=0

Posted: July 02 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

That's odd...All of them open up no problem for me. Adobe reader 5.0 is what they open in.

Mine isn't even an updated version but if your's isn't either, maybe updating it or even deinstalling it for a lower version would help?

There's what looks to be a nice 233 Interceptor about like mine on E-bay right now.  It's a '79 and looks in superior shape.  It will be interesting to see what it sells for or if it even meets the reserve price. 

Posted: July 07 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

This is the one that was on Ebay.  The reserve wasn't met so it's going to brokerage - not enough space or time for 2 boats.  After 19 years, we replaced her with a 25' Grady White last fall to get more room and still have the good ride and speed.

Posted: July 10 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hello i have a 1973 Formula Thunderbird i have a Trs drive  400hp. 60mph + i am looking at putting some trim tabs does anybody have a Formula like mine with  trim tabs installed ? if so were exactly do you guys have them mounted. there seems to be no way to mount them on the outer most part of the transom because of space there. i would appreciate some advice and some pictures if possible.

                            Thanks!

Posted: July 15 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Thanks in advance.

Posted: July 15 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

I figure the dry weight of my '79 F-233, 454 cid is pretty close to 5000 lbs.  The original spec sheet says 5480 lbs. with twin small blocks.  The single big block with TRS drive and associated transmission reduces the weight by some but certainly not as much as a whole engine and (Type 1) outdrive.  I added a closed cooling system too.

Posted: July 15 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

I just looked at the NADA guide site.  The net weight for the1977 model runs 5580 lbs to 5900 lbs.  That is one heavy boat!  I thought it was pretty heavy.  A few years ago I looked for a new trailer and when the guy looked up the boat he could not believe how heavy is was for a 23 footer.  This other boat trailer dealer says a trailer rated for 7000 lbs is what I need.  I think with a full tank of fuel (100 gal?) and gear I would be pushing the max.  What do you think?  What is the trailer rating of your trailers if you tow?

Thanks

Posted: July 16 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

The one that came with mine from the dealer is rated for 9000lbs.  It's made by Roadrunner.  It has 4 wheel brakes.

It is heavy for 23 feet.  Formula made them heavy and made them to last. 

What are you pulling it with?

Posted: July 16 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

I have the original trailer too and the tires are rated for 1680 each, times 4, but the brakes are only on the front axle.  I used to tow it a lot when the trailer was younger and it stopped fine until the brakes rusted out.

Monty C, it looks like you're pretty close to me.  Let us know how you make out with the trailer search - I need one too.  The axles, wheels, and tires are in pretty bad shape and everyone who calls about buying my Formula needs a better trailer under it.

Posted: July 18 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hi, I'm new here.  I have a 74 23ft Formula Thunderbird.  I need to put new motors on it.  Any ideas what the most costeffective way would be?

Posted: July 27 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

F233TBRD454,

What did you ever do about trim tabs?

Posted: July 27 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hi double,

    i installed a pair of Lenco electric Trim tabs 9x12. real easy and clean no hydraulics to worry about and they are alot faster responding than Bennet hydraulic tabs. not to to put Bennet down thay got a great product but i was really amazed by Lencos trim tabsand the price$$. i ended up mounting them covering the strake edge. unfortunately the only company that makes trim tabs to mount as far out possible are a whopping $4000!!kilenhaufer or something like that. the Lencos  work great where i installed them i spoke with several trim tabs companies and saw finaly a couple  of boats just like mine with the same configuration. so thats what i went with..........And let me tell you  the difference is like night and day!! i use to run about 60mph... With the tabs down and my bow down i hit 67mph. i get out of the hole alot quicker and its great to level the boat and keep it from pitching or yawing at in high seas.....very happy!   Keep posting!

                        23"3 feet of thunder chasing the wind!

Posted: July 30 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hi Guys,

I haven't been on in a while but have followed posts thru email notification

I'd like to weigh in on a couple things.

Trailers:  I went with a new trailer this year by www.ace-trailers.com - 7000# Aluminum Float-On model, Tandem Torsion 3500 Axles, Drum Brakes front axle only, 2500# Drop-Jack, ALL Stainless hardware throughout, Guide Bars, 20,000# Strap on Winch.

Has proved to be MORE than necessary as far as braking ability and carrying capacity (don't believe NADA's weights, they are wrong).  VERY high quality trailer!  Cost?  $2350 + $300 (delivery from FL to RI) + $85 (spare tire & bracket) = $2,735 Total.

Trimtabs:  I too have researched putting trimtabs on mine, and have decided on Lencos with the Indicator Switch and Auto Retract.  Makes too much sense after reading the specs/info on this setup vs. Bennet.  I'm an engineer, and there's just too much crap going on IMO with the hydraulic Bennets.

Lenco has been around long enough to have perfected their system, and I have read testimonial after testimonial about systems in place for years with no problems.  I like the simple clean installation of the Lencos and actually will be ordering my kit online in a minute here...for $337 + $140 (upgrade to the optional switch) = $477 Total.  Very reasonable price for the Cadillac setup it is!

I'll be using the TT12x12E (edge mount), as I have a lot going on on my transom with the swim platform, original seawater pickup on Starboard side, and transducer, and need the shorter vertical requirements.

Keep Posting! 

Posted: July 30 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Thanks Fintage!

I'm probably also going to be in the market for a new trailer and part with the original after a few years and trips to salt.

What did you do with the old trailer? Ergo: how do you dispose of it?

That's also encouraging news about trim tabs.
I need to get a constant issue resolved concerning the engine stalling out first but they're not far behind...

Posted: July 30 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hey,

Glad to offer help to fellow Formula 233 Owners!  Love all the Birds you guys have posted!  Thanks also for the comments on mine!  I show her lots of love and keep her looking sweet, and so far she has treated me back the same way!  Hell she's all original, including the drivetrain and has now about 1100-1200 hours (629 when I bought her in July 2002), so I can't complain, still runs like a raped ape, and the motor still looks new!

Posted: August 01 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Thanks for the tips on trailers and trim tabs, Fintage.  I checked Lenco prices at surplusunlimited.com but couldn't come close to yours for all that.  Where did you find it?

Posted: August 01 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

My  1971  formula  200  that  i just bought a month ago runs great. Where can I get info on the volvo 250 outdrive? I have the original  volvo service folder and even bought the clymer manual, bit they are both rather vague in some areas.  Dave

Posted: August 01 2004 at 00:00 | IP Logged

"Ebay"
has the Lenco Trim tabs you need with the Retractr rocker switch pretty cheap.

    23"3 FEET OF THUNDER CHASING THE WIND...