New to the forum, looking for my first Formula
 

I am new to the forum and wanted to say hi. I have grown up living at the lake my whole life and around boating (dad has a checkmate) and I have always loved how the Formulas looked. Now I am in search for one, I am looking for 223 LS of the 88-91 era. I would love to get a bigger boat but I think this is the biggest that will fit in the garage at this point. If anyone had any leads it would be greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to contributing to the forum.

Welcome aboard!! Check the classifieds here on the board. Others will chime in and maybe know of some for sale. I have a 272 and love it

Good choice, I've had two 242's and now a 292 SR-1 and they have all been great boats. Welcome to the site and soon the Formula family.

I've owned a 1990 292 SR1, a 1986 357 SR1 Kamma, and currently have a 1997 419 Fastec with triple 525SC's. All those boats have been the best. As you can see from my screen name I also have a 2006 Fountain 38EC, it is also a great boat, it just has some cabin features and layouts that Formula just doesn't offer. My advise would be to purchase the absolute largest Formula you can afford, even if you have to keep it outside. Once you own one of these boats and then start to look at what else Formula has to offer, you going to get "bowmosis". If you could get a twin setup like the 272 or 292 SR1, that puts you in another league IMHO, as twins are just a blast to run. Anyway, you have chosen a great brand to go after and you'll love whatever size Formula you get.

From a Formula lover, we've had two and loved both, they have great looking classic lines, I'm sure there's a few like you want out there, just don't rush and take your time, you'll find one, when you do come back and show us, good luck with your search.

I know you said 223 but the 242 is an all round better boat if you can make the logistics work. Here is a nice one I came across the other day it seems. I will keep my eyes open for a clean 223
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...ula-242-348234

Not sure if you have seen this one. It is local which is a big plus and prob freshwater but I am not a huge fan of the colors and drivetrain. Hopefully it is a bravo as the 223 is a pretty heavy boat. Also condition is not mint it apears but for the price if you can get them down and it checks out might not be terrible.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...L%29-101928072

I don't think a 223 will fit in a standard garage (24 feet) . . . so unless you have a larger garage, like about 28-30 feet, it probably won't fit . . . boat, trailer, etc.

If that is the case, then a 24 would be much better . . . The SS has more cockpit room than the LS, so it is better for water sports, etc. It is a matter of what you prefer.

I started with a '91 242SS and now have a '96 330SS

friend has a 88 223, great boat, 242 has the 24 degree hull, only 2 ft but rides way better, Ive had a 242, 271, now my 303, can't imagine another brand, especially looking at 20+ yr old boats