The 353 that wasn't (boat search part duex)
03-18-2007 | 12:12 PM
#42
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Northern NY
So. I've been drinking all afteernoon, blind testing cabernets with friends....... I was amazed to see all the replies to the thread. This search has been painful at best. One 353 in Texas where the private owner turned out to be a major A'hole. I had high hopes for the Michigan boat but on personal inspection the boat was NOT wat was advertised. 
The pics I got were taken in '04 and were not representative of the current condition of the boat. This was from a dealer where I would have expected better integrity. I want to thank all the Formula guys who have provided insight into helping me with my search.
The pics I got were taken in '04 and were not representative of the current condition of the boat. This was from a dealer where I would have expected better integrity. I want to thank all the Formula guys who have provided insight into helping me with my search.And they all had their fun with me for taking almost the entire summer to find one that was up to my expectations. I am however, proof that there are individuals out there that will treat you honestly. There is a boat out there with your name on it 5P, just keep looking.
Maybe you should ckeck out what Donzilla here has to offer.
03-18-2007 | 01:56 PM
#43
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 618
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From: LOTO / KC
So. I've been drinking all afteernoon, blind testing cabernets with friends....... I was amazed to see all the replies to the thread. This search has been painful at best. One 353 in Texas where the private owner turned out to be a major A'hole. I had high hopes for the Michigan boat but on personal inspection the boat was NOT wat was advertised. The pics I got were taken in '04 and were not representative of the current condition of the boat. This was from a dealer where I would have expected better integrity. I want to thank all the Formula guys who have provided insight into helping me with my search.
The pics I got were taken in '04 and were not representative of the current condition of the boat. This was from a dealer where I would have expected better integrity. I want to thank all the Formula guys who have provided insight into helping me with my search.Give us a list of what you are looking for in a 353
03-18-2007 | 05:34 PM
#45
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From: B'ville, NY
I've PM'd donzilla for more info. According to Jill, he's about 340 miles away, about half the distance to Michigan. And AXA's actually on the way 
Another thing being there are no border crossings. If you look at the original post of the Nuvi display we had a little over 5 hours of stop time, most of it being AXA browsing in every duty free store along the way. When he did finally break down and buy something he at least had the sense to pick up some baileys for the coffee. And yes we had that after the 109mph blast. (I knew my lame 91mph wouldn't hold up long)
Another thing being there are no border crossings. If you look at the original post of the Nuvi display we had a little over 5 hours of stop time, most of it being AXA browsing in every duty free store along the way. When he did finally break down and buy something he at least had the sense to pick up some baileys for the coffee. And yes we had that after the 109mph blast. (I knew my lame 91mph wouldn't hold up long)
03-18-2007 | 06:20 PM
#46
Where To
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,517
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From: Alexandria Bay, NY 1000 Islands
Let me know when I need to be ready!! I'll meet you on 81 south!
What about breakfast with the locals?
As for the 109...That car was a slug!
And Jill is a Biotch.
Dave
What about breakfast with the locals?
As for the 109...That car was a slug!
And Jill is a Biotch.
Dave
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Air, Sea, and Land...Exploring the planet in 3-D!
Air, Sea, and Land...Exploring the planet in 3-D!
03-18-2007 | 07:05 PM
#47
21 and 42 footers
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
Likes: 146
From: Richmond VA
A buddy stopped by today and said another guy we know has decided to sell his 1999 353. I know he just re-built 502 mags but I can't vouch for the boat yet. If you want, I'll get more info.
Russ C.
Russ C.
03-19-2007 | 11:38 AM
#48
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Posts: 5,325
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From: Northern NY
5PM,
Here's a few more,
Double R Performance - on the OSO index - '03 353, super low hours, 500 EFI's, loaded w/good options. Also an 02 353, 500 EFI's, under 100 hrs, good options. Both have nice paint, different than either of the two in the boathouse.I have heard both Roger LaPierre and Dave Hampton speak highly of the owner Raymond Roberts over the years. Located in Ontario, you'll have to deal with your buddy's duty free addiction, but not too far away.
Erickson Marine, Hastings MN. has an 04 353 w/ 496 HO's under 100 hrs. I remember RIP talking about them when he was shopping, maybe he can share some info about them. On Boat Trader listings.
Here's a few more,
Double R Performance - on the OSO index - '03 353, super low hours, 500 EFI's, loaded w/good options. Also an 02 353, 500 EFI's, under 100 hrs, good options. Both have nice paint, different than either of the two in the boathouse.I have heard both Roger LaPierre and Dave Hampton speak highly of the owner Raymond Roberts over the years. Located in Ontario, you'll have to deal with your buddy's duty free addiction, but not too far away.
Erickson Marine, Hastings MN. has an 04 353 w/ 496 HO's under 100 hrs. I remember RIP talking about them when he was shopping, maybe he can share some info about them. On Boat Trader listings.
03-19-2007 | 12:20 PM
#49
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Posts: 4,815
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From: 1000 Islands
Eric Lundgren out there was awesome to do business with.
The boat was represented perfectly.
The price was awesome.
The equipment and logistical terms I tabled at the last to close the deal were met without resistance.
The financing terms were fantastic and easily done.
I got a FedEx envelope, scribbled my Hancock 10 or 15 times, sent it back out, and that's ALL I did.
The boat left MN. and met us in Indiana literally on the hour as planned days in advance.
Facilitated a couple of things to make me even happier after the sale, no delays, no questions.
I thought the gel gloss could be better on this new boat, no problem, shop of your choice have them bill us.
The batteries failed shortly after it got here as they were OEMs and had been sitting the better part of 2 years.
No problem go buy batteries of your choice and send us the reciept. I literally had a check back sooner than I thought the mail turn-around time would be.
A round of applause for Erickson Marine please!
Eric Lundgren, his wife, and their 37 SS have a nice little write-up on the back of the last Formula Action news letter.
We spoke on the phone for an hour last fall. Super guy.
I mugged these people for this boat 3+ years ago and they still genuinely care if I'm happy.
I want to mention as well that Mr. Nelems has done right by me and a boat he didn't even sell to me on another issue where I did experience a little resistance from the extended warranty company, and some upgrade Formula parts and stuff at fantastic pricing and immediate shipping, drop shipped or from Alabama
A similar performance indeed.
This is the Formula experience as it has been for me.
Last edited by Rippem; 03-19-2007 at 12:34 PM.
03-19-2007 | 04:38 PM
#50
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From: B'ville, NY
On to a maintenance note, who wants to take a stab at why the vinyl on this boat was so yellowed, it looked like the kind of discoloration you'd see with a white room someone had smoked in for a couple years. The other odd thing was the gauge panels, shifter panel, etc..., were the same .
