Formula 233 hull ID?
 

Bought a 23' formula today but the guy i got it from said it was a 1978, however the hull # is F2312188 Last i knew the last two digits were the year??? And does anyone know what the rest of the #s are? thanks

My 1999 400ss hull # ends in 99 and my 2006 292's hull number ended in 06 so I'd say you are probably right. I think Formula switched over to the rounded corner windshield and the fiberglass "silent thunder" style swim platform in late '86 or '87................. vs the square corner windshield and teak platform........so that's also another way to confirm maybe.

Way back in the day, companies were pretty much free to make up serial numbers as they pleased, then they were standardized to the format you see today. I've seen serial numbers similar to yours, and I would say it is a valid number, probably from the '70s. Post a picture of your boat and I'll bet I can identify it.

Can't get a pic on here got an email i can send it to you? Thanks

Link to ad
 

http://maine.craigslist.org/boa/1631914472.html I have better pics if i can get your email boiler? pm it to me if you want

engine #s
 

the port engine #s stamped on the flat surface next to the distributer is at the top f 122 t under that 2nd # is 8317957 Stbd engine top 122 t 2nd # is F 8317960 It has the MC-1 drives with the eye on top of housing

Looks like that boat sat in the water check out the transom and stringers

That's NOT a 1988 model!!!!

Magicfloat might be able to identify it.

Nope, definately NOT a 1988.

I know it's not an 88
 

My question is if it's a 1968 or 1978?

Ill guess a 1978

try this
 

It's not easy to determine from the pictures in the ad. But as already pointed out it is definitely not a 1988. I don't think it is a 1978 either - the interior (e.g., the dash board) looked very different in '78 and usually the hulls were not painted like that. Looks clearly older.
The windshield has changed over the years and although it is difficult to see from the pictures it appears to have those divided front windshields which the 233's only had around 1973-1975 (i.e., 2 window panes rather than the whole big ones used before and after).