That sounds marvelous. Ilmor's Indy drive looks to be very well designed. I wonder if it would be possible to squeeze one of their V-10's in there?

It just boggles the mind that Formula doesn't bring back at least a few of the classics. Donzi should look into reviving the old Wynne-Walters 28 as well.

There aren't many other boats that have such a varied history.


I've never seen a 233 with twins before. I'll bet things are rather tight in the bilge.

Nice to see such a flawless specimen being enjoyed so much by its owner.

There's a really nice 272 ls on the north shore of massachusetts, not sure if its too far for you but its in excellent shape twin small blocks nice trailer lots of accessories for about 12k

Great pic of #16!

Ironically I got a virgin (never riggged) "F233" boat in trade a few weeks ago. Pretty sure it is a Formula knockoff since hull date is 1988. All hull/deck/cockpit details appear identical with only a slight variation in the transom detail (see pic, any ID help appreciated)

If I get the time I may turn it into a #16 replica....would be easier if it didn't already have some oval port windows installed. Guess I could make some white inserts for those??? Also wish they hadn't installed some of the rails etc..but that should be an easy fix.

If anyone has any cabin pics of #16 please let me know, this one already had the cabin finished..other than some sun damage on the cushions and drooping vinyl headliner..it is in darn great shape for it's age and lack of attention.

To the OP, this style hull would be great for your needs, also had a new 88 242LS, that or the 233 type boat will make you very happy on the water.

Pics of the "F233 project", currently on hold due to being distracted by recently aquired Banana 24 :-)












Other than the port window "issue"...shouldn't be hard to get it to this (restored original #16)....only time and money, right??? LOL







Oh, here's another shot of "16" in 1964 of the infamous "Beatles tour of Miami" by Mr. Aronow....

'Droid,

By Damn if that's not a 233 it's missing the best chance it ever had!! My God...that copy is "Spot On". The mold must have been a plug from one of the originals.

As for the "16" details...check the sources over on the 233 Registry. I believe the shop that did the restoration is in Sarasota and would probably be happy to share the details of the project with you.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks!

No doubt it is a copy..talked with Scott at Formula..he said it had to be a knock off from one of the originals. I (we) know the boat company that did it from ther HID...but don't want to open that can of....worms now. The only difference I can find is the slight transom "bulge" detail difference. You can see it in the pics posted earlier.

Also spoke with Rob at BoatHaus today, he did the resto on #16 and said to call again and we will talk about details as much as needed...super nice guy! Also hope to get high rez versions of the 100+ pics from the restoration gallery on their site.. http://www.boathaus.net/Aronow_Formula/album/index.html

Just wish some of the hardware like the rails etc hadn't already been installed...oh well holes can be filled.

Have a friend who is a Chevy engine guy hunting a nice 409 for me now :-) I have a brand new never installed Bravo 3, but will sell it and get a Bravo 1 for it, IF I decide to continue with this project...the rest will be pretty easy for me to do....I think :-)

Apologies to the OP for slight hijack...but again I think you will be pleased with either of the Formula hulls mentioned for the intended use.

When I had my 242 on Lake Lanier (Atlanta) back in the 80s/90s...I kept on crusing hard with it, when lesser boats had to slow way down due to the normal weekend roughness of Lanier.. Formula's are make for the rougher stuff and handle it wonderful!

Thanks again,

Dave

Dave,

I have seen 409's occasionaly at Super Chevy shows and at swap meets....so they are out there. The thing that I wonder about is setting up the water cooled exhaust manifolds...are the parts available, does the bolt pattern match up with a 396/427/454 or did they make them up custom?

Your project will be a fun one to watch for sure.

OP...this 233 Interceptor has been on Ebay twice without success.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEWAX:IT#v4-36

I called the seller and he is willing to let it go for $2500. If it was closer to me it would be mine. I got shipping quotes in the $1400 range to get it to me in South Florida from North Carolina....it has no trailer. Seller says it starts, runs and he re-built the carb and tuned it up. It has a fresh water cooled Volvo 260...new in 2001. For around a $5000~$6000 total investment...this will make a great boat for someone and since it's a rare 233 Interceptor...it will maintain it's value.

FYI...just to give you another choice.

That 233 would be worth it just for those awesome wood interior pieces...LOL It looks like he ended the relisted auction as item is no longer available.

BTW, nice to meet you and shoot the sh!t for a while last week. Wish I had more shade and a cool drink to offer! I pulled the last organs from that banana boat and donated the hull to another guy. He says he'll clean it up and sell it. Can't wait to see that...

Same here handful..on my way over to see you I had the seller on the phone. He explained that the first go around some a-hole ran the bids up to $3500 in the last 15 min...then dis-appeared. Seller was glad I called because he had no contact info for the other bidders. He was to put it back up this past week which he did...NO BIDDERS!!! He told me that if he didn't get action the 2nd time around for close to $2500 he would let it go for that.

From our end of the state to Wilmington,NC with a gasoline truck will cost $$700~$800 in gasoline plus 2 days minimum travel...realistically 3:days. Cut the fuel in half with diesel.

I put a request on OSO to snag anyone moving a trailer south from the NE to our area but so far nothing. I would love to get the boat and I think the ask is fair...but with no trailer and shipping quotes at $1400~$1500 one way...I can't justify it.

If you know anyone that is comming this way with a trailer from near there let me know.

I have an empty trailer heading from NC next weekend...unfortunately going North instead of South, sorry..... I know, that was cruel, my bad...LOL

This is a nice looking F233 for it's age and price...and I am in NC, with trailer. :-)



Hmmm...wonder if the new engine cover and rear seat wraparound section that came with my "233 project" would fit?? The white would be a lot cooler....and I wasn't gonna use them anyway.