Need advise on Formula 272 SR1 Thanks
 

I am going today to test run this boat. From what I am seeing on NADA the boat is not worth the asking price. Anything I should look for?
Thanks,

http://smd.craigslist.org/boa/4399581715.html

The boat looks to be in nice shape. If it really is, along with the trailer I think 17-19K is realistic so he isn't too high if he's willing to negotiate. Check the gimbals, they tend to be worn if original and are pricey and a pain to fix.

NADA on that old a Formula isn't much to go on. If totally mint it could be worth that. Since there is almost always some minor issue with a boat that old I agree with the above. For what appears to be a good/clean boat I wouldn't expect to get it for $15K but you should get a little something off $21K

Ok so NADA isnt a rule on these... I have seen the boat previously its clean but the bottom of the drives both have Skeg guards on them which I was not thrilled about... steering helm is loose... Platform has had fiberglass work as well as rub rail, cables for bolsters have been removed. Mechanically it appears sound.

After looking at it yourself for aesthetics and general condition, be sure and get the Survey completed. Survey is money will spent or invested or saved, depending on the results. Formulas are very nice boats and built well, but all boats have problem areas after so many years. Good Luck!!

Yeah I have my mechanic (father) going with me today on the test run... He is a certified Mercruiser mechanic and been in boats for 50+ years... Just wondering if there was something in particular we should look at... I hear the (silent thunder) platforms rot

They do here and there, but the platform itself can be removed to get to the transom. Used ST boxes are available by the dozens on this site though if one needs replacing.

There is also one for sale in Massachusetts for $21K . . . but has not sold at that price, since last Fall.. NADA will be a bit low on this boat. Try BUCValue.com for another reference point. I think one recently sold on this site for around $16-17K

I would check for moisture/rot in the transom, the center engine stringer and the main bulkhead. If you find moisture in the main bulkhead, then you may want to determine if there is moisture in the fuel tank bay as well.

The 272's sit very low in the water with the big engines, so something to consider.

+1
Have a complete survey done...money we'll spent. It's good piece of mind. A transom and center stringer job alone on this boat could be $5k+ and other things always show up once into the job. Nice lookn boat, though.

I think I am gonna pass on the boat was told it ran 65-70 was barely able to run 54. Big blocks would only turn up 4k swinging 25 pitch props. I love the way the boat looks but I want something faster.

If engines are running as they should, with 25p props they should get to around 4500-4600 rpm and 64 65 mph as mine did which sold a bit under $20k with tri axle trailer just FYI

Ad states they are rebuilt but I have a feeling they have never been rebuilt and need a fresh rebuild on them. If the price was right I would still like to have the boat as it is clean, but needs some attention to get it to where I would want it.

Frankly, in a 27 I think you would be better off with small blocks. The boat feels well balanced and it is a piece of cake to get more power out of the small blocks than the 330 horse 7.4's provide. I couldn't imagine trying to work on a pair of big blocks in a 27 bilge as even my 31 bilge is a giant pain in the ass to work in. The only upside to the big blocks are bravo drives, but an alpha can swallow 400 hp if you are mindful of them.

The beauty of the big blocks is that because of the torque I had ,I could stay on plane at 2200 rpm and cruise along the beach effortlessly.

Couple of well thought out 377-383's (old school stroker) small blocks makes a nice combo in a smaller, skinnier boat like a 272

look at my posting about the 303 on ebay, might be something to consider, its awfully cheap, so check it out good if it checks the 303 is pretty sweet, little faster then the 272 as well, but I still would not shy away from a nice 272