Formula 233 history

DelawareRiverRunner · 08-27-2005, 12:44 AM

When was the 233 designed? What model year was it first sold to the public? Was this Don Aronow's first boat design ever? Does this model have a great racing history? What companies made copies of this hull? Was 1983 the last model year? ( I think it was replaced by the Formula 242LS in 1984...but I am not totally sure of that) Does anyone have pics of these or their clones to post? There used to be a really nice dark blue, silver, black & white 1983 Formula 233LS around here with a single 260hp 350. It was called "HALF FAST" (50 mph top speed I assume).

ThirdBird · 08-28-2005, 08:19 PM

Man, that's a lot of questions in one post!!!

The 233 was Aronow's first boat under the Formula name. However, Aronow did not design it. I believe it was a Ray Hunt design. Same with the later Cigarettes, the first one was a Cary design (Elton Cary I think).

You should get a couple of good books. One is SeaRace by John Crouse and the other is King of Thunderboat Row by Aronow's son Mike. Lots of good history there. Another good book is Speed Kils. That one deals more with Aronows murder but there's good boat history there too.

So, read up, it's very interesting stuff.

Old floating bird · 09-09-2005, 01:18 PM

Be sure to take a look at the other Formula hangout on BoatUS.

http://my.boatus.com/forum/

You'll see the thread I started a little over a year ago. There are some interesting participants there with detailed and personal history with Aronow.

Cuda drops by (near daily) to update us on his projects and you'll see Stangjeeper & Bford1 there too. I'm "233 Double E" there and you'll also see pics of mine on many of my posts.

For some instant verification, specs, configuration options and year change to the next model (242?), also look at the Vintage Formula section of the OEM and don't hesitate to call Chuck at Formula for schematics and other sorts of stuff.

Long live the 233!

Waterdogs · 09-09-2005, 03:40 PM

Check out this Formula web site - http://www.formulaboats.com/content/...px?type=0&ag=1 . They have the brochures for the earlier models. The picture is my neighbors '82 233LS, the boats a blast in rough water!