Info on 357 SR1
 

Hey guys. Been looking around for a bigger boat and really like the Formulas. There is a 1987 357 SR1 listed in the classified section..... for what I think is a very reasonable to dirt cheap price. Just curious why no one else has jumped on it yet? (Other than the "WTF were they thinking" purple paint)
Am I missing something that's wrong with it? Does it have bad history?
Went to look at it today and have a deal worked up. So any info/ thoughts would be appreciated.

I don't see it listed anymore?

HMMMM.... He might have already took it off.....

I'll see if I can get a few pics of it. Basically a 87 357 SR1 w/ new 502's (475hp), fresh built BW trans, and fresh built TRS drives.

Well, Apparently I don't have permission to post pics yet......

Any Moderators out there that could help fix that????

did you buy it? I saw it yesterday in there....

you need to upload the pics to a site like photobucket then use the img tags to post them

"In the buying process" right now. Haven't picked it up yet.
I'll try the photobucket route.

once they upload to photobucket. you can copy the direct link and paste that in the popup screen that appears when you click the little painting of a tree above your reply youre typing.


but yes I briefly saw the boat. did I read it right that he was down to 13k? on a big old boat like that I would have a survey done first a lot of places for things to be hiding. and with that price you can afford to add it in. if everything checks out. add a 3-4k dollar custom wrap and your in a nice ride

Yea it was down to 13K...... Actually worked a deal for even less. Hull seems fine as far as I could tell. (looked at everything I could without dismantling it)
So far I'm thinking sell price plus 8K to get it like I want it..... But from experience, I know that initial "budget" usually doubles. lol.

I saw the pictures, but none of them were very good... It's very difficult to give an opinion on a boat with pictures that are of such poor quality. It doesn't appear that anyone on OSO knows the boat/owner, or they probably would have chimed in by now with some info... Being that you looked at it in person, if you liked the boat, I don't see how you could go wrong with a price like that, unless something undisclosed is wrong with it. Just make sure you do your due diligence and check it out mechanically and do a moisture check on the hull and transom... Those kinds of repairs (if needed) can turn a "Great Deal" into a nightmare real fast!

The 1991 311 that just sold on ebay had excellent pictures and a very good written description and history on the boat. Even with that, I wouldn't have bought it without looking at it in person and thoroughly checking it out.

I hope it checks out for you, the 357 is a great boat! My best bud had a 357 when I had my 311 and it's a nice ride. Good luck!

Bbsteve, i did not see it, but any sr1 that is altered in appearance often tanks in price, there timeless and meant to beleft alone, keep thisin mind in caseu want to sell in the future

Thanks for the advise guys. And I will certainly keep in mind about altering the appearance. Not sure if I will go back to the original graphics, but will definitely be something "Formula" style. Would also like to update the gauges, but I'll be sure to hang on to the originals.

What is your experience with your new boat, what kind of speed numbers are you getting with the rebuilt 502's , my friend Pablo bought a 357 last year that is in top notch condition, new upholstery , 10 hour 509's w over 550 hp per side, new $5000 stereo , great trailer with EOH brakes, he paid way more than you but the boat is a dream...

BBSTEVE: I had a 1987 357 with Kamma drives for about three years. It is a great boat, but takes a lot of power to go fast. I didn't mind that because I usually cruised at 40-50 anyway down hear in Florida. The 357 just pounds large waves, I loved the boat for that, never ever felt uncomfortable in the boat even in 6' seas (down in Key West). Removed the kammas and went with bravo 1's on imco extension boxes and external full hydraulic steering. That boat in 87 has an extremely conservative "X" dimension. I raised Formula's recommended X dimension 3 inches using the extension boxes and the boat ran great. Got right up on plane with little or no bow rise, cruised well and got about 70 mph before I blew a motor. I was trying to run chevy crate 502's with prochargers and never got the set up correct. I think I was running too litle advanced timing and ended up tuliping an exhaust valve. Sold the boat and moved up to a 419 fastec. My old 357 is still running in St. Pete Florida. Guy loves the boat, re-built the 502's to nat. asp. 500 hp each and added xr drives with the speedmaster type lowers. I think the boat runs low 70's. He has had to replace the fuel tank due to a pinhole leak, but other than that the boat is still strong. good luck, I don't see how you can go wrong at the price you are paying, that SR1 look is timeless.

Thanks for the info 38fountain. Actually not looking to run 100 mph in it..... (although I would love to) if it runs 60-65 as proclaimed I will be happy. If a little less I can deal with it. Main thing is I wanted something that will handle waves easily. I have a 23' Baja that runs great, but it beats the crap out us when we go out front. So if these boats are "wave crushers" as I've heard and still run low 60's with big block sound, I'm sure I'll love it.
And I haven't picked it up yet. still dealing with getting all the paperwork from his bank, but as soon as I do, I will post pics, stats, numbers, etc.

Stay tuned. I see a "357 Upgrade" thread coming soon. :)

Just wanted to give an update...... Finally got the boat to the house. Had a small issue on one engine, but got it fixed. Took it out yesterday for first time and all I can say is WOW!! These boats are absolutely awesome! Fixing take it out again this evening and see what kind of GPS numbers it's getting.

have fun and let us know how's the ride!

Just got back. Took it "easy" going to Huck's Cove for a burger. Got 56 on GPS at 4200+-. 1/2 tank gas..... Had 5 people in boat and still getting a "feel" for it myself, so I never did open it up all the way. Think it should get low 60's pretty easy when I get ready.