katywompus

iTrader: (1)

I'll will be checking out a 2003 Formula 353 this weekend. 500EFI's, XR drives, approx 250 hrs. If it looks good, I'll be getting a survey done.
Anything in particular I should be looking for on this model? I know the motors will need top ends soon.
Also, does formula still use wood in their stringers & transom? (2003 model) I had a bad experience with my old 26' velocity having alot of wet wood in it (boat was kept indoors & never stayed in the water) don't want to deal with that again.

Thanks,
Don

jwurl

The only thing wood on the boat is the transom. Jeff Wurl

katywompus

iTrader: (1)

Any ideas on what would be a good buy price based on the above year & hours? Assuming the boat is mint, (supposed to be indoor kept etc.)

Thanks

axapowell

80-100k if it has a nice trailer and is fresh water only. That is a fair range if the boat is in EXCELLENTcondition and needs nothing price. Good luck!

Dave

BONDO10

You can by my 2004 382 with 525's for not much more.Trailer too.

katywompus

iTrader: (1)

I checked it out this morning. Boat has approx. 350 hrs (motors never touched) & is on an aluminum Myco 2 axle trailer.
Fresh water on the Delaware river & over to upper Chesapeake area. The boat looks really clean top side, engines & transom. Minor bubbling under the powdercoating on the windshield. The bottom does look pretty beat up from rack storage though (gouges, chips, scrapes, etc.)
Guy is pretty firm at $90K

Got some other boats to check out as well over the next couple of weeks.

axapowell

Top ends are past due! 250-300 MAX. Bottom issues are cosmetic, but still a concern at least for me. Windshield frame is pretty common issue. Depends on how much you want to put into it. Topside's are going to cost money, try to put that into the negotiations, if not, I'd pass myself.

Dave

katywompus

iTrader: (1)

axapowell, thanks for the reply, that's kinda what I was thinking too.

Expensive Date

Oh, and check the headliner in the cabin good. I am pretty sure that that year had an issue. They are a major job to change, but if its not dropping by now its probably fine. I personally would not go 90k. High 70s low 80s tops.

Rippem

I have the cleanest original equipment/optioned/upgraded 353 and trailer of that vintage (or most any) in existence.
HO/B1X

Have toyed with selling to move in other boating direction(s) that are more family oriented, and for no other reason.

I would encourage you to look at every other used 353 on the market under 100-
only then take a look at mine.
the rest would be easy.