Anyone have or had a 302?
 

With the numbers coming down I am seeing more of these with 454/TRS set ups that appear to be in decent shape for under $20K with trailers.

Having owned 4 Formulas I know to look for rot in stringers and transoms, etc. Is there anything else unique to a 302 from the '80's that is good or bad?

I figure with standard power (660 HP) in the water these are 60+ MPH rigs on an average day and should be very comfortable.:evilb:

WOW!!!:evilb:

I did a search for this and came up with a crap load of stuff from 5 years ago!!

Anyone still around with one of these?

I bought the very first SE in 1979 from Vic at the Chicago Show. I can't recall who it was, but a number of years ago I gave the original binder with fabric swatches to a forum member here that I still had. I also had the first Interceptor, that I traded in for the 302. Great boat, and it would just bearly top 60 with the stock 330's and the original cleavers. I always was hoping to one day find the 1985 302 SR1 Black Kaama boat from the brochure, but some years back I think I heard of it's demise.

The 302's were great boats, but you do have to look closely for rot as you mentioned. There was a minor freshening done in '82, doing away with the port holes and trim change, and obviously the switch to the 311 in '86 with the built-in platform.

Good luck!

I have a 302 and a 311. I like the 302 better then the 311 for driving. It is more fun to drive. The 311 is better to spend a day on.

Thanks for the words. There are are two within 250 miles of here that I am going to take a look at. Personally I have a preference for the LS windshield as opposed to the SR-1 "cut down" look...but that's me. I think that if either one of these is exceptional and I can get into it for around $15K ...I think I'll make the move.

Then I'll have two birds to play with. The way I look at it though a solid 302 for that money is a lot of bang for the buck. The cruise capability at 45~50 in 3'~5' water will allow me to have a more comfortable day outside than I have now with the 255. Don't mis-understand...the Liberator does a great job in that kind of water but hell....I'll be 59 next month and I will enjoy the extra comfort.:evilb:

If you like the taller windshield and are primarily using it offshore, why not look at an older 357. You can find them in the $30 to $35K range in decent shape, and that extra 5' makes a big difference. With the 420's they'll run in the 60's depending how tired they are. I believe there are a couple in the classifieds now.

If you like the taller windshield and are primarily using it offshore, why not look at an older 357. You can find them in the $30 to $35K range in decent shape, and that extra 5' makes a big difference. With the 420's they'll run in the 60's depending how tired they are. I believe there are a couple in the classifieds now.

Jeez, sorry about the double post. Won't let me delete one of them?

The Black Kaama Boat from the Brochure ended up in SW Florida .The owner sunk it on the beach in front of the Ritz in Naples, I ended up salvaging it off the beach and rebuilding it for the owner and fighting in court to keep the original Salvors from layong claim on it . Very long Interesting story.

It was a SR-1 and the owner had the colors changed cant remember the colors. It had 425 kaamas with kaama drives maybe 70mph. Rock solid ride even after sinkin for 2 days and siittin in the surf lookin like a abandoned beach toy..

Livin Right was the name of the boat,

I believe that was what I heard from someone in Decator, but I thought it was scraped. Is the boat still around? Love to hear the rest of the story...

Back in the day, I used to get the original cover slides that I actually blew up and had framed. Still have the 83 cover of the 402 in the bay sunset in a big frame in my office. When I saw that 86 302SR1 brochure boat, I fell in love with it, but it was 'unavailable'. I was torn between the 402 and that 302 Kaama, and stumbled on a steal of a deal on a Cigarette and changed direction. Imho, that particular boat was the baddest looking boat they ever built.

If they cloned those, added the stepped hull, and returned the Kaama's, they'd sell like hotcakes today. Still don't get that nobody picked up the Kaama design either - what a magnificent piece of equipment. You'd have an easy 80+ mph 30 footer, with mild 496's, that sip fuel. With today's fuel costs, what more could you ask for?

MrMagloo any way you could post or email me some pics of that first interceptor. I would love to see those pics.

I'll have to see what I might have after all these years - probably scant few, if any.

I will add a bit to the story - Although I DID have the first Interceptor, we blew the motor the first day. I cannot really recall the situation on why, but instead of just replacing the motor (a 260), they diverted an identical yellow that was shipping elsewhere, so I got a brand new replacement. So technically I don't believe I was truly the owner of the first Interceptor long enough for it to be titled, but I did blow it up!

Now here's the kicker - there were some minor differences that I noticed between that original show boat, and the replacement, that actually worked in my favor.

If you are familiar with the rear seat, the upright portion on the show boat was straight, like the Liberators in '77, while the replacment had the curved ends - Much nicer. Also, the original had an opauge cabin door hatch/cover, while the replacement was smoked. There was also much better trim all around. Lastly, there were an number of new options that I got for the trouble, cabin canvas, etc.

At the time, I got a steal of a deal buying the show boat, but in the end, I ended up with a loaded brand new one. I was estatic.

I'll see if I can find anything - Give me a couple of days. What's your email?

magloo, thanks for the back story. I love hearing that kind of stuff and the early days of Formula. I'm currently restoring a 79 interceptor with twins. Thats why I would love to see how the orignal was equipped. you can send any emails to [email protected].

MrMagloo,

Did you ever own a Liberator?

I will send whatever I can find, but be assured they will be loaded with family type of pics, and not the best of quality after all these years. I'll scan what I can find and shoot them over asap. I think I have a couple scans of the original brochures as well.

No sir. A couple of my buddies had them, great boats.

Great! Can't wait to see them!

I just remembered that Formula has scans of the original brochures online here:

http://www.formulaboats.com/vintage_...brochures.aspx

The 1979 and 1980 Brochures will most closely match what you have. This will get you started while I begin my search.

Mike check your email. Found a few in fair poor condition, but might help with some clues for a restoration.