1985 f18
 

I picked up a hot rodded little f18 for my brother today and I have to tell you holy crap. It has a high 5 prop on it but it still did 58 on the GPS. Fastest I've been in a boat and the most air I've gotten boat. Super steady at speeds, but slow down any and it get pretty squirrely. Definitely a testament to formula engineering and durability!

They are peppy little boats. I had a '78 F-18 with a 300 HP Modified 302 Ford on a Mercruiser No1 Drive. With a 23" SS Cleaver it would run 65 at almost 6000 RPM !! I can tell you I had my hands full over 55 with that one but it would run 40-45 all day in snotty water with out a problem!!

Really looking forward to getting it on some smooth water and finding out what it will really do! We were at the 360 bridge in austin and it felt a lot like an old chevy swb on ice, tons of power and no way to put it down. Has me rethinking a 242. I imagine the heavier boat will have been built just as good but a little more stable on the water.

My thread on the restoration of my Formula 255 Liberator might interest you. http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...or-update.html

I went from twin 260 SBC's on Mercruiser No 1 drives to twin 425 horse 355 Vortec Roller Cam motors running thru Bravo I Drives. Trust me...the boat handles 800+ Horsepower in the water well !!

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The 255 Liberators are getting harder to find. If you can find a clean 242 LS with twins...buy it. What is easier to find is a 272 LS with twin SBC's up thru '86. After '86 you might find a 272 SR1 with twin Big Blocks but they are rare. The nice thing about any of these boats is that you can haul them easily with a 1/2 ton pick up or SUV and still park them in an average size driveway.

Welcome to the Formula world. Once you've gotten into a Formula you will understand why there is so much brand loyalty and why Formulas set the bar for High Performance Cruising.

I'll be looking for a single engine boat when I get ready. I've been eyeing an 87 242, but it has an alpha behind the 454. Hoping to find a bravo, but haven't had much luck around here. The lakes are pretty small in my area, and not sure our lakes would support something much more than a 24' boat. Plus, with Baylor building the new stadium and Waco redoing the riverwalk area I want a smaller boat to be able to go up the river.

Then you need to find a clean F-3 (22-6) or a 233...be perfect for you. A 242 LS with a single 260 won't break 45 with 2 aboard.

I have a 79 F18 with a 400hp 355. It runs awesome. Fun little boats.

WOW !! I would love to take that one and stretch it out !! I'm guessing you're right at 70 with that one if not more. Got any pics of that one ?

This was mine

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My first Formula

I have pics but i am better at building engines than computers. It spins a 21p mirage plus to 6k and I have more throttle left still. I am going to try a 25 or 26p.

Here is a video https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=3&theater