Posted: October 08 2005 at 00:00 | IP Logged

Hello Everyone. I'm new to the Forum but not new to Formula. I am on my second F-233 and have been a 233 enthusiast for more than a decade. The first 233 I ever saw was a '69 with a single in-line six. I couldn't believe it was a 23' boat. IT LOOKED HUGE. I wanted to buy it but the asking price was too high at the time. I finally bought a 1982 F233 Sportsman with a 5.7/OMC800 (ugh!). What a learning experience! She was really tired so I rebuilt the engine completely and resealed the outdrive (a couple of times) before I finally sold her about six years ago in real nice shape and good working order. I believe she was still plying the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee this past summer. I bought my current boat, a 1977 F-233C, from the original owner last year. She was originally equipped with an OMC800 and repowered in 1997 with a Mercruiser 5.7LX/BravoIII package. The boat has been well maintained and seen very little use since the repower. Engine and outdrive only have about 120 hours. She runs WOT nudging 45 and cruises nicely at 30. So far we've taken her to Newburyport, Boston Harbor, Vineyard Sound (and beyond) Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod Bay and Narragansett Bay. Still hoping to get a couple more trips in before the season ends this year. I've enjoyed reading about all of your experiences and I'll be happy to share any knowledge I've picked up over the years. I'll work on getting a photo posted. Speaking of photos... check out the book "Don Aronow - King of Thunderboat Row" for some good historical info and interesting old Formula photos!