New member - 24' Formula - basic questions
08-09-2012 | 08:27 PM
#11
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,296
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From: Lake Travis ,Texas
I drove Dougs 233 last season and with a 454Mag and a Bravo best it ever ran was low 50s and we tried 3 different props.
You definitely have a prop issue if you are only getting 50 and your WOT RPM should be around 4800. Formulas run best with a bit of bow up. As you get used to the boat you will get a feel for what drive and tab angle works best for the way you are loaded.
I'm guessing ideally with a light load and properly trimmed with a 23" tuned prop that rig should see 60 plus. Those boats with twin 260/350 Chevy's see 65 on any given day.
I'm guessing ideally with a light load and properly trimmed with a 23" tuned prop that rig should see 60 plus. Those boats with twin 260/350 Chevy's see 65 on any given day.
08-10-2012 | 07:06 AM
#13
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,097
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From: Syracuse, NY
My 233LS was an 81 and ran about 45 with a 260hp small block. I'd gues with a 350hp big block, you should be around 10mph faster? That hull has a seriously deep V which makes anything less than 8ft'rs reasonable water and the bravo will stand up to the air time alright for sure. The down side of the real deep V, is a little less speed. I know my current Baja is about the same length but a shallower V and a 454/alpha. She runs right at 60 with a 1.36 ratio outdrive spinning a 19P cleaver. You likely have a 1.5 ratio, and you want your engine at the 4600-4800rpm range maxed out. So... My guess would be a 21P prop with some added cup to carry the bow. Sprink is right, the Formula's (especially yours) like to have some bow lift.
08-14-2012 | 06:08 AM
#15
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 375
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From: Carmel, IN
That is a beautiful classic 'bird. Good luck with it and what sounds like the pending restoration work. Keep us all posted on the progress.
Sprink-Looking through that brochure brought back some very old memories looking through Formula brochures when I was a kid and dreaming of the day when I would be able to own one.
Thanks for posting!
Dave
Sprink-Looking through that brochure brought back some very old memories looking through Formula brochures when I was a kid and dreaming of the day when I would be able to own one.
Thanks for posting!
Dave
08-31-2012 | 04:02 PM
#16
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 128
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From: Michigan
Thanks for all the info so far guys. I'm getting to know the boat better and starting to work on it as the season wines down. I have another, what I hope is a basic question.
I noticed that the prop is kind of stiff to spin while in neutral on the trailer. Spinning in reverse seems a little easier but still stiff. When i spin it forward it is kind of hard to spin (one hand) and seems like it kind of gets stuck, then i can shake it or let go and then I can spin it again.
I didn't try spinning in gear. The boat runs and shifts just fine, both forward and reverse (sometimes it wont come all the way out of forward to neutral with out giving a little extra pull back on the shifter). I have only spun a Alpha 1 by hand so I dont now how the Bravo's feel. I did take the prop off at one point, maybe I put it on too tight?
Thoughts/suggestions? Is this normal? Maybe this should be a new thread.
Thanks again.
Dean
I noticed that the prop is kind of stiff to spin while in neutral on the trailer. Spinning in reverse seems a little easier but still stiff. When i spin it forward it is kind of hard to spin (one hand) and seems like it kind of gets stuck, then i can shake it or let go and then I can spin it again.
I didn't try spinning in gear. The boat runs and shifts just fine, both forward and reverse (sometimes it wont come all the way out of forward to neutral with out giving a little extra pull back on the shifter). I have only spun a Alpha 1 by hand so I dont now how the Bravo's feel. I did take the prop off at one point, maybe I put it on too tight?
Thoughts/suggestions? Is this normal? Maybe this should be a new thread.
Thanks again.
Dean
