New Formula Owner
 

Hey guys, just bought an 82 Forumla 223LS, wasn't really in the market for another boat but it was too good of a deal to pass up. The interior is in rough shape but the motor, hull, and trailer are on the up and up. Most of the interior will end up being replaced, any ideas where I can get Formula parts? I've done some poking around but haven't found much yet. Ill be looking for gague panels, the dash on the passenger side, miscellaneous covers, windows etc. Looking forward to this new boat, and making her a head turner! Thanks for any advice guys!

Congrats on the Formula.

Formula has quite a lot of stuff but some things need updated. The old VDO guages are ok but dated and if you replaced the dash panels with a modern material, like carbon fiber, and new guages, like Livorsi, then you would have new functions looking like new design.

Also if you look through some threads you will see projects where others have done this exact thing; update a dash and it looked great. You can also change color and guage arrangement and usually at a cheaper price than trying to hunt down the original stuff. IF you like original then by all means make yourself happy.

Keep us posted on the project. :grinser010:

Just came across a new development, the boat is actually an F3LS. The guy that owned the boat passed away and his son is the one that sold it to me, so I was told it was a 233ls. I went and picked it up last night and did alot of research on that boat and realized it wasn't a 233 but an F3. Any commonly known issues with this boat? Anything I should be looking out for? What kind of speeds do you think I'll be looking at? Its got a 454 mercruiser bored out to a 460?

No issues I can think of other than moisture issues in the transom wood just simply due to age. That may be a non issue if it was well protected.


65mph should be no problem at all and the more HP of course the faster.
Do you know an estimated HP?

Not other than what the PO said, his guess was 360-370 but I think its probably a bit optimistic.

I may have to qualify that 65mph.
It might be more like 58-62mph if it is like a Merc mag HO with 365HP.
65 might be possible. Something to work with and find out.

Ya I'm interested to see how it does when I get her running right

Congrats and welcome !!!!

Congrats on the Formula, lets see some pics.

Finally bringing her home tonight so I will have pics up in the next day or two! Not much to look at yet, but she's got potential.

So little update on the new boat in case anyone is lurking around...I replaced the right leaf spring on the rear axle because it was broekn, finally got to bring her home last night and the left rear leaf spring broke on the road :hothead:. So I now am replacing both axles and all the other leaf springs. I haven't even gotten to start the Resto on her yet and I'm putting all this work into the trailer. Gotta love boats! I will be putting the pics I have up tomorrow too.

congrats and enjoy.

pics, pics!!! mine runs 55-58 with 350hp, MIGHT have busted 60 the other day but I didnt have the gps (i turned more rpm than ever before)

as for common known issues... rotten transom and front bulkhead (where the cockpit ends and cabin starts) seem to be very common. transom due to years of water and improper sealing, front bulkhead due to water under the cabin floor (most seem to be caused by a leaking windshield)

the f3ls population is growing around here!!

Finally getting the pics up....

She's a little rough, but now I get to redo it, my way...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...1/IMG_5951.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...1/IMG_5950.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...1/IMG_5949.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...1/IMG_5948.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...IMG_5947-1.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...IMG_5945-1.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...IMG_5944-1.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...IMG_5943-1.jpg

ah thats not that bad! little upholstery work and some gauges and it will be good as new!! what condition is the engine/drive in?

Looks like you've got a great foundation for a project! Let's just hope sitting on the trailer is not "As wet as She Gets" :grinser010:

Drive is in good shape, engine needs new carb, alternator, and a tune up. So its in pretty good shape. Needs to be dressed/shined up a little too.

Oh defintely won't be haha

Your F3 project...
 

Here's a shot of my brother's '82 F3...for inspiration. Running a strong 355 thru an Alpha GenII.

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/w...tor/TomsF3.jpg

Really nice looking boat but your right its not a 233LS, I just picked up and 81 233LS and there are some differences but you got the better motor and drive :mad: lol