Posted: October 04 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

I have just started looking into buying a 233.  I have always liked Formulas, and did not know, until recently, they came in a center console (which is what I want).

I have been reading up on the CC version, and it sounds nice.  I understand several hulls have come from the 233 mold - one being the Albemarle 24.  What is confusing is that I have read the Albe 242 is considered a "wet" ride, but I have heard several comment in how dry their 233's are.  I am in Buzzards Bay, MA which has lots of short, steep chop (2-3'+).  Given it's size, will the 233 CC run dry or wet in these conditions (somewhat subjective - I know)?  Do any of you use spray rails (I have seen these on Seacrafts)?

I have also looked into the Seacraft 23, which again looks strikingly similar to the 233 hull.  Biggest difference looks to be in the chines.  How do these two hulls compare for ride?  The Seacrafts seem to command a higher resale from the name, but I am thinking the Formula offer a better value.

Any input is appreciated.  I am looking for one that is ready to run.  I would actually love to totally re-do one, but just don't have the time currently.  I may find one that is in decent, but not perfect, condition to run for a few years, then re-do.  What price ranges have you seen the 233 CC's going for?

Also, what do you prefer - in-boards or out on this boat?  I have been assuming I would get an OB boat just from a simplicity stand point.  I plan on trailering, time is always tight, and OB's seem better suited to doing "dump & runs".

Again, thanks for any input, and sorry for the rambling 1st post.   

Posted: October 05 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Maybe I asked too many questions at once.

I'd be interested to hear any feedback from 233 center console owners.  I've got my eye on one in particular and would like to hear feedback from anyone on this forum with experience on this hull. 

Thanks.

Posted: October 05 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Kitebuz,

Welcome on!...  Be sure to look through the postings by Fintage.  He is a New England area fisher and has probably commented on the questions you're asking here or on other postings away from the Formula section.  You can search his posts easy enough.  He's good people...  http://www.arctekmarine.com/Fintage.htm

An Australian company is using the original hull mold to crank out new 233 units (I hear....)  Look through some of the earlier posts in the Formula/Thunderbird for more info on them.

I have yet to see a 233 from any year with an asking price of more than 20K.  I think 14K was the most I can recall at all.  Asking & selling are worlds apart though.

Others here have put their 233 units through more then I probably ever will but I have never been sprayed by any wake or wave I've plowed through.

Be sure also to check out Dick at the link below....  Dick_F233
http://home.stx.rr.com/dfischer/OhKay1.htm  He's done I nice write up on his project and is probably enjoying what you're considering.

Welcome again. Visit & post often!

Posted: October 06 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

233DE - thanks for the welcome.  I am familiar w/ Fintage (& his boat) from the THT forum.  I am actually going to try and contact him as I am looking at a 233 in RI this weekend.

I enjoyed Dick's website, and also those of others that have gone thru their boats.  If I wind up w/ a 233, I imagine I will have the deck up sooner or later.  Wish I had more time to do a total refit now, but not the case.

I will keep you posted on what happens after the weekend. 

Posted: October 11 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Good point - everything is relative.  I did seatrial the boat in Narraganset Bay.  It was a light (@ 8 knt) wind, and small chop 1'-2'.  She didn't even notice.  We got into a few bigger swells, and I can see how people are so enthusiastic about the ride.  Anything is wet in the right conditions (wasn't for us that day), but I can also see there are few boats in this range that ride as well.  Fintage also shared some great stories and ride experiences that put bigger and much more $$ boats to shame.

Posted: October 17 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

fshtalzF233C wrote: The Albe is identical to the 233 so if one person says it's wet and one says it's dry it is a matter of opinion. This hull does a great job of cutting through chop and dislacing spray but in a headwind if you don't have a good enclosure (see Fintage) you're going to get wet. My son and I spent one particular day this season on Buzzards Bay. When the wind kicked up, we went up through the canal into Cape Cod Bay. The wind was blowing directly down the canal and when we got up into CCB we faced six foot swells with a 3-4 foot snotty chop. We had a blast but we came home really crusty because my enclosure was home in the garage (shame on me). The bottom line is, the F233 hull handles seas that other boats simply wouldn't allow you to be out in.

Very well put.....

I laugh when people try to insist that their boat is dry as a bone (without curtains or anything LOL).  It's a pure case of exaggeration when you hear that.

That said, you summarized the ride of this hull very well.....although I think it is not a direct headwind you meant when you said it will spray some....for me a direct headwind is fine, it's the headwind at a slight angle that gives you the nuisance spray....

and, yes the curtains are so nice!  I Tog fished in the pouring rain on Saturday in 20 kt winds (higher gusts) and we were comfortable as hell!