206 Ls
 

Hey guys I am looking a buying a 1988 206 LS.It has been in storage indoors since 1990,it has 91 hours on it.Last week the owner took it out of storage and had local marina comminsion it for use.After a few hours of run time it now had developed a rod knock.I am looking at buying it to fix and use on my local lake.What is it worth?How well was this boat constructed?Here is what I know so far.

1988
5.7 320 HP Multi Port Fuel Injection
Bravo One Drive
Stainless Prop
Mint trailer
Trim tabs
silent choice
swim platform


Other then that the boat is in perfect condition. Let me know what your thoughts are :D

Thanks Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

As far as I know, the old 350 magnums only had 270 HP. Also, the most HP a 5.7L Mecruiser has now is 300 HP (unless it is a "Scorpion" model, which is also a later production setup). I wonder if it's been repowered once already? Shoot, the ol' 454 put out 330 HP...

Re: 206 Ls
 

I owned a 1986 350 mag (carbed) for 3 years. Great boat for a runabout. We slept on ours a few times and it wasn't too bad. As long as everything works, except the rod knock, and the finish represents the VERY low hours, I'd say it was worth around $5500 to $7000 with the trailer. That motor should be 270hp. The 454's were 330hp.

Dave

Re: 206 Ls
 

Sounds like a good deal, except for the engine.
That will be a costly repair. Probably close to half the purchase price or more.
I'd look into what an engine will cost, or cost to rebuild, including removal and installation, and decide for your self.

According to the NADA Guide the boat alone is worth 8000 to 9000. If you search for boat prices, For Formula you need to look under Thunderbird.
I didn't price the trailer since I had no info on it.

Having the Bravo drive is a real plus. Especially if you plan any performance upgrades to the engine.

You mentioned that it has "Silent Choice" exhaust. Did you mean to say "Silent Thunder". Silent Choice gives you the option of having the exhaust routed through the transom or the prop. Formula's "Silent Thunder" routes all the exhaust through special water box mufflers in the swim platform. You'll see two square exhaust outlets on the rear of the platform.

Formula builds an incredible boat. The best materials and fabrics are used. And they all have timeless lines.
I too have an '88 206 LS. Only difference is I have a 350 MAG engine with an Alpha drive. Every where we go it draws attention. People are surprised how old it is. They think it's fairly new.

If you have further questions....just ask.

Re: 206 Ls
 

I've got an 87 206 and I love this boat. Iggy has helped me out on a few small items because mine sat for a few years as well. Like he said it turns heads everywhere I go. No one believes it's an 87. I won the "smallest boat" award in our poker run but I hung in there with all of them. I dropped a new engine in mine last year and haven't had a problem yet. I've been testing props and speed wise I'm topping out at 60 on the GPS but I'm still short about 300 rpms. Hope it works out for you. IGGY, how've you been lately? :drink:

Re: 206 Ls
 

Hi there.....
I'm OK, but the boat hasn't moved in two months. Not that there's anything wrong, just tied up at work and the weather hasn't cooperated on the weekends. Starting Monday the 11th I'm on vacation for two maybe three weeks. I hope to be on the water then.

How 'bout you and yours??
Having fun?

Re: 206 Ls
 

Sorry to hear about the weather and busy schedule. Yes I've been on mine every chance I can. So far I've only missed one weekend. Everything is running solid and knock on wood, no issues. Our poker run, which was my first, was a blast. Bolster seats would be the next "upgrade" when I decide to step up. I've searched other boats but I can't and won't stray from the Formula tradition. It is just a very prestigous line and I'm proud to be part of it. My next move will be to a 272 so keep me in mind if you know anyone selling on. I hope you enjoy your vacation time and may the weather be in your favor! Take care and be safe. :D

Re: 206 Ls
 

It's funny, I thought about adding bolster seats too.
I enjoy being up high enough to see over the windshield, but hate having to stand to do it. But then there's times I'm glad to be able to duck down out of the wind. Like on a cool spring day or caught in the rain.
Hmmmm.......maybe I could just increase the height of the seat posts.
Just a thought. I'll work on it.

Got the itch to move up already, eh?
I've seen a lot of 272's advertised on OSO and a couple other places.
If I spot one that's sounds decent I'll be sure to pass it on.

Be safe.

Re: 206 Ls
 

You have Merc's first venture into the fuel injected engines. They did NOT work out well. I had one that was a basket case when I bought my Donzi Minx. Lot's of very good parts in the engine. Pull the engine, have the crank turned, check the rods, pistons etc, then put a high rise manifold and a q jet, or a holley on it, and you will have a helluva good engine. It's got four bolt mains, forged crank, forged pistons, heavy duty rods, and a decent cam. Good heads, with screw in studs. The FI didn't work well. I heard there was a problem with the fuel injectors squirting the fuel right on the sides of the cylinders, and wiping out the rings. While you have it apart, you might want to go with a little more radical cam, but not much. It's a damn good base to rebuild from, if it isn't wiped out. If all the parts are still usuable, it would be worth having a machine shop fix it back up.

DO NOT try to get the fuel injection working. There is a guy here on Oso that spend two years and tons of money trying to get two running in a Sonic. I sent him all the stuff I had from mine, but the last I heard, he gave up and bought two other engines.

Btw, watching a 206 run through a stiff chop that was making my teeth rattle in my fishboat is the very reason I got into this silly sport.

Here's what mine looked like when I bought it. I got it running again with a carb set up, but I made the mistake of buying some "freshly rebuilt heads" and not checking them.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Cuda is right about the 320 EFI,few parts available and no one with the knowledge to service it. The 206 is a neat boat,tho,buy it and repower it with a new complete Merc engine,lots of deals available :p

Re: 206 Ls
 

Im trying to get in touch with the owner now,I will go pick it up tomorrow if still available.I can't believe the hype on this boat.I have spoken to people on the phone who praised this thing up and down,now I have to buy it.The boat is all original including the owner.She bought in 1988 and used it till 1990 then she had a job transfer to over seas and left the boat in parents garage till three weeks ago.She now moved in down the street from me and had the boat shipped to her.So it sat for the last 16 years henc the 90 hours including the 12 hours she just put on before the rod knock started.Lets keep our fingers crossed and see what happens.

Thanks Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

Would be interested in buying the engine complete or just the computer and intake with all the efi stuff. We have several running at LOTO and have had no problems.

Re: 206 Ls
 

What would the EFI be worth?How about the complete package?I may have to think about doing this?



Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

CUDA: "Btw, watching a 206 run through a stiff chop that was making my teeth rattle in my fishboat is the very reason I got into this silly sport."

Cuda is right, this is exactly why my bass boat sits in the garage on the weekends and caused me to buy the 206. I guess you're right Iggy, I've got the 5 foot fever already! I'm addicted to these boats and admit it's going to be hard putting her away for the winter. Where I run my 206 is perfect but I would like to hit a few larger poker runs and the 272 would be ideal for them. Right now it's just a pipe dream but it never hurts to aim high. One other thing Nordic95, so far my experiences with everyone in the Formula family are great people and VERY helpful. Heck every time the suns is blocked by my bimini top I thank Iggy!

By the way, keep everyone who was touched by Saturday's accident in your prayers. Myra and Bruce with the Nashville Catz boat are members of our Music City Powerboat Club and it's a tragedy what happened to everyone. Be safe!

Re: 206 Ls
 

LOL
Stop it, you're making me blush! :D

When we spotted our 206 sitting in a Wal-Mart parking lot for sale I knew the Formula name by reputation. It was ranked right up there with Cigarette, Donzi, and Magnum.
It should because they were all founded by Don Aronow. Formula being his first company.
We looked it over as best we could in the parking lot without climbing aboard. Went home checked the going price on-line and called the owner. We met the following weekend, spent an hour crawling all over it, took it out for a run and fell in love. Bought it on the spot. Been happy ever since.

So go buy it, fix the engine, and have a blast. You won't be sorry.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Ok guys I'm a proud Formula owner. Her are some pictures sitting in the driveway.I just got it home and still checking it out,it does need a cleaning.Why does the drive say 320??

Re: 206 Ls
 

more pics

Re: 206 Ls
 

320 EFI is the model of the engine,some dealers put the extra decal on the drive. Congrats on a very rare find.

Re: 206 Ls
 

I heard that this might be a rare option that was ony offered for 87-88-89 models and is a true 320 HP,that why it has the Bravo One package.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Very cool boat. The 320 on the drive is the hp of the engine.

My Donzi with the 320 Efi had a sticker on the side of the boat.

Re: 206 Ls
 

nice find

Re: 206 Ls
 

HEY!!!......you stole my boat!! :D

We have twins!!!
We both have the same color combo.

Here's mine.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=50864

Re: 206 Ls
 

That is funny,they are twins.So how do you like the way it rides and handles?

Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

I don't know where in Jersey you are.
I used to live in Toms River and Beachwood NJ.
I bet these would be fun out on Barnegate Bay, Silver Bay, and Toms River.

The lakes in Florida can get real choppy to rough. With maybe 3' waves.
In all but the heavy stuff it rides like a dream. The waves here are usually close together and that makes for a rough ride. Not too bad for me but uncomfortable for passengers.
Handling is great. Except at idle speeds. It'll bow steer. Wanders like a drunken sailor. Got to watch it constantly. I've tried raising the drive a bit and tried lowering the trim tabs. Nothing really helps except increased speed.
Other than that it turns well, I have yet to push it hard enough to make it slide. Not that I'd want it to.

Watch your water depth. They are ass heavy at low speed and take a bit more water than most other boats.

It's a little slow coming out of the hole. With four or five adults on board it struggles to get up on plane. I usually ask for one or two people to step up to the wind shield to weigh the bow down. You may not have that problem with 320 HP. I only have 270 HP.
The current prop is a 21" Laser II and it came with a 21" Mirage. For my set up Formula recommended a 19" Laser II prop. I just may drop it down to a 19". With the Mirage I had run a lot of positive drive trim to carry the bow. The Laser II carries the bow easily and also lifts the stern a little.

Gotta run.
Later.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Watch your water depth. They are ass heavy at low speed and take a bit more water than most other boats.



Iggy you must have seen me on the lake this weekend. I had 3 people in my boat (all in the rear) and idled across a 5' depth and drug the bottom. This might have been a tad off but I know it's close to that depth. Luckily it was very soft so no damage was done. It did "sandblast" my SS prop to the best looking shine I've ever seen. I've got a new engine in mine which hit the dyno at 300hp and I still like to have people in the front with me on take off. All this talk about boats makes me want to leave now. I'll be out there Sunday for sure.

Re: 206 Ls
 

I measured mine sitting on the trailer (from the water marks to bottom of skeg) and it will draw close to 3' of water.
Last time we had it out a guy in a bass boat was behind us. As we crossed a shallow spot at idle speed, I kicked up sand. He started yelling for me to raise the drive. I had it up as far as I can and still run. He couldn't believe how deep the boat sat. Once it was on the trailer he saw why we hit bottom.
And yes, my prop has been sand blasted more than once too. :(

Re: 206 Ls
 

Iggy, every single engine boat I've owned will "hunt" at idle speed. I've found that if I don't move the wheel, the pressure will build up on the side it's turning to, and make it turn the other direction. Both of my Donzi's do it. So did my Checkmate.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Any deep vee will hunt at idle,it's just goes with the territory :p Not any kind of design flaw,just the way it is. It's easy to get used to. A flatbottom boat or a pontoon boat won't do it,but all deep vees do it. No big deal. Enjoy your great find :drink:

Re: 206 Ls
 

This is the hardest thing to teach people when they are learning to drive. The bow will wander but wait for it the boat will come back to course, by moving the steering wheel you just aggrevate it.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Hey guys thanks for all the compliments,I am taking motor apart tomorrow to see whats wrong,I'll keep you all posted.


Thanks Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

Removed motor this morning and found that block is cracked.Where can I get a replacment long block for the 320 HP set up that I have????


Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

Any GM 350 block will work. You can get a four bolt main, there were lots of them in trucks. You don't really need a four boat though. Bare blocks are a dime a dozen at junk yards. They have been making this engine for 51 years (though not 350's).

Re: 206 Ls
 

Not mine. If I don't correct it the bow will swing right on around.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Check for excessive slop in your steering.

Re: 206 Ls
 

Take your time and give the engine and drive line a good going over....you will then have a reliable and SWEEEEET looking boat for next season....Congrats :drink:

Re: 206 Ls
 

I already have engine at builders and they will have it back to me this Friday,one week not bad.Lets see if it last longer then that.I'll post some pics when I get it back.They did say they found the #4 cylinder cracked on the inside and the piston was broken into pieces,and it ran ok like this.We think this may be the nocking I heard,but not sure :eek: Lets see what happens.

Thanks
Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

Cool boat! A buddy of mine has a pair of 320 EFI motors in a 24 Donzi Spitfire. They were a very expensive option, hand buily by Mercury Racing. He loves the 320 and has owned several of them over the years. Also had a 320 in an 18 Donzi with an SS drive. If you decide to sell the fuel injection unit, I'm sure he'll buy it.

Kurt

Re: 206 Ls
 

Thank you,I may sell whole boat,I was out looking for a pontoon boat and ran across this boat.I see how it rides.


Thanks Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

OK, I installed the motor this weekend and ran it on Sun. What a fun boat this is.It rides and runs great,I only have one problem,It seams to lose fuel pressure prime after sitting for a few days.If I run the pump with a jumper wire it starts right up and then runs fine all day.When I first turn on the key after sitting it does not run the pump.But after it does start it works great all day.I did see a small leak coming out of #22 listed on the picture,what is this?Web site says its an oil pressure switch?Wouldnt this be a fuel switch?What should I look for?

Nordic95

Re: 206 Ls
 

Oil pressure sensor cuts out the fuel pump in case the engine dies.
This way if there is a fire and the engine shuts down the fuel pump doesn't force feed the fire with fuel.
All cars have a similer device, but they also shut the pump down in an accident, shock sensitive.

Your fuel pump should come on during cranking to pressurize the system. Then continue to run as long as the engine does.