JP-8

There really isn't anything more that could be added to Sprink's summation.

The 233 is most deserved of its legendary status, as is the 255 Liberator and all the rest of Thunderbird's classic performance boats. The build quality speaks for itself.

Jim Wynne really hit a major home run with this design.

The 233's pedigree is about as rich and colorful as it gets.




This is a fine specimen that I was considering, but it just wasn't practical to transport to my neck of the woods. I think it would be worth looking into.

sprink58

JP-8,

I agree...Intercepters do it for me too...but 1500 miles each way kills it for me as well.

JP-8

Though it may not be the most economically viable proposition at present, I think it would be rather fitting if Formula offered a commemorative edition 233 Interceptor. I've always thought the Interceptor to be a bit underpowered with just a single 260. A nicely spec'd 383 or even a big block with aluminum heads would seem more appropriate.

sprink58

In my opinion....the ultimate would be a retro Intercepter with a Cadillac/GM LSA marine 550 horse running through an Ilmor drive.

If I had the $ this would be a project I would get into.

Back to your idea...sort of along the lines of what Donzi did for several years...but in the case of the 233...I think it would be a home run for sure.

Here's a pic of an early 233 with Don Arronow at the wheel taking a "very famous british rock band" around Miami. The Beatles were on their first North American tour and Brian Epstien said that John and Paul wanted to take a ride in a fast power boat. Don was more than happy to honor their request...talk about heritage...

[IMG][/IMG]

Thought I would add this in also

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkk6MR29hmw&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

I don't know if dave Tubbs is a member here but his 233 Intercepter certainly does represent well.

Baja226sport

iTrader: (28)

My 1988 272 SR1 handles big water well. I have yet to get a drop of spray in my face while running it and I have taken it on a few 100 mile round trip excursions this season.

The twin big blocks are not terrible on fuel either. I have run it from the C&D canal down around Kent Island and back on the Chesapeake (a little over 50 miles each way) and used about 70 gallons for the trip. I don't feel that is horrible.

It will cruise nicely @ 3300 rpm around 45 mph and is now seeing 70 mph on top with some tuning, bolt ons, and new props.

It is heavy though and I will be needing a new truck as my GMC 1500 tows it but sure don't like it!

sprink58

Wow...my twin 260's in my 255 get about the same mileage on the average...about 1.5 MPG overall so you are right where you need to be with big blocks.

With aluminum 19" props on 1.5 ratio No 1 drives I'm cruising at 40 mph at 3500. I ran some 21 cleavers a while back and ran a short stretch at 62~63 GPS. I might get 65 out of it with the right prop/tune...probably 21" Mirage plus and a hot ignition. I don't have the power to push mine any faster but might play around with a pair of 406 small blocks I had in some stout "Pro Street" Camaros sitting in my warehouse....God help those No 1's if I do.

Right now my total investment in my 255 is $6500...lot of "Bang for the Buck"

You have to love these old 'birds...they just keep on giving.

Baja226sport

iTrader: (28)

I agree totally!! I have a bit more invested in mine but still NOTHING compared to going and buying a new one!!!!

The only thing I don't like is how much power you need to really move these things. I am just making 70 mph...actually 70.8 on the gps and the boat has about 850hp total in it now.....That's mid 80's in a 29 fountain!

But, like you said these older Formulas are priced right, ride nice, and usually with a little elbow grease are still a real head turner!

By the way, nice looking boat!!!!

Baja226sport

iTrader: (28)

SIDESKRAFT....have you actually gone and looked any of these boats over yet?

Sideskraft

I looked at a somewhat rough 272 locally along with a better 242, but neither seemed special for the money. After learning about the cost to upholster the cockpit and cabin, we're mostly looking a boats that don't need that work (very expensive). Same goes for a camper top -- these cost upwards of $2K. It's starting to look like we might end up with a mid-late 80s Mirage or Mach 1, based on their deep-v hull, build quality, equipment, styling and bang for buck. I'd jump on a nice low hour 4 Winns Liberator 261 if it had a 454 Merc/Bravo setup, but they are very rare and get scooped up fast. We looked at a Baja 255 Force today, but we didn't like the dark cabin and cramped v-berth (length good but head room is not). There hasn't been many new boats coming up for sale in the past couple weeks, probably because of the hot weather. I'm keeping my eyes and ears open.

sprink58

Sounds like you are looking for a mid eighties boat with everything you want in turn key condition.

Keep looking...you'll find it...but probably not until after Labor Day.