where are the Formulas with Kaama drives
 

I met Josh from this board a couple weeks ago in Traverse City Mi . he had a 357 with Kaamas. the boat was in the marina we put our boat in and I spotted the kaamas right away in the clear torch lake/river water of the marina. I didn't see him run on plane but talked to him about the boat at the sandbar later in the day.
Wife actually said as we sloshed away on the sandbar with kids in tote..." wow, that was a nice boat.....how much would that one be??"

I've read every string on Kaamas and am obsessed now with having my next formula fly a 80' roost.

there was someone selling a (357 ?) I thought with kaamas, it was yellow and I saw some pics. anyone know about the boat I am referring to?

who has a formula for sale with Kaamas. larger than 272.
happy with Kaamas? would anyone buy a Formula with Kaamas?


jsut looking...... planning.......thinking.....

I haven't been here for a while, just saw the post. I have a 357 w/ Kaamas. It's not for sale, I just thought I'd let you know that there is one on the board!

There are a couple around for sale. I would check around and you will find them. I believe that Dick Simon in Cali has one for sale. There was also a MINT one with like only 50 hours on it that was for sale for in the mid to uper 30,000 range. I have a friend with a Kaama Drive 302 and it is a blast to watch with the big rooster and it goes REAL well :D:D

Jon

Speaking of Formula's with Kaama's, does anyone recognize this boat and know who might own it? This is scanned from the 1986 brochure. TIA for any info.

Check my post under "Formula quality" I posted pics of a 302 Kamma that was for sale, I don't know if he sold it or not. I've seen it in person.

I believe that boat was sold. All of the ads, here and on TraderOnline are gone. It was a nice boat!

It might have been sold. If I had the extra do re mi, I'd have bought it.

"do re mi"

Translated means???

Translation=Yen , sheckles , moola , pesos , lira , pounds , francs , scratch , jingle , coin , ruples , money , cash , check , or credit:D :D Got it now:confused:

Ah, there you go! I've never seen that one before. I guess it shows how out of touch I am. I gotta get out more...

Thx.

Magloo,
You just have to speak Southernese:rolleyes:

Southernese?

I ain't touchin' that one!

Alright boys, quiet down. Scott, hows it goin? Back to Rambunctious, the question is one of supply mostly. The last year Formula officially offered Kaama packages was 1986. Only on the 357 and 311. I saw one (a 357) in ontario two years ago. This boat was beautiful and contrary to the popular belief out there that Kaamas and horsepower don't coexist, this one was running 850 hp big blocks. The reason not many are out there is probably due to the $20000.00 penalty over the merc420 package. They are out there though. I have a f402 with kaamas that looks exactly like the 1985 brocure boat. I hang with a friend who has an f302 Kamma. The side by side roosters don't look too bad! Parts aren't really that hard to find; and as my friend found out , you can basically take the drive into berry bearing, throw it on the counter and have it rebuilt in an hour. Most of it is stock, off the shelf Spicer components and CR seals. (Marinas don't like em though: too scary for them usually) I was able to look at three formulas for sale two years ago when I bought mine. Look on boats.com. Part of the Kaama "thing" is that you will end up having to become an expert of sorts on the drives and transmissions. Thats so you can sort through the bullcrap that every other "expert" starts spouting off to you. Obviously you're on the right track here. Just take everything you hear with a grain of salt. If you have searched a lot of threads as I have, you should have found that Kaama owners LOVE their boats. It seems there is a lot of others with opinions, right or wrong, that slam Kaama boats. Usually they don't own one. Bottom line; they are very simple in design, they use simple off the shelf parts, there are suppliers of most every part except cases (cases can be repaired), and the transmission manufacturer is still in business and would be more than happy to help replace a part or rebuild your unit at very reasonable costs. Nothing to fear. Go out and find your Formula. Get on the formula web site and sign up for their newsletter "Formula Action". Watch for the worlds largest Formula rendevous next august in lake of the ozarks. I want to see a Kaama Formula down there next summer with RAMBUNCTIOUS across it's stern. And I don't want to hear all you weinies talkin about how you can't tow that far, Whaa Whaa. Try towing 16500lbs of F402 and trailer. Scott' you should look for a Formula too. Skip that Cigarette thing. Just give you cancer.

Hi Al,

First, I sent you an email earlier. Pls check and reply asap

Anyway, thanks for chiming in. Yes, I already admitted going around in circles trying to decide what to get. I loved my Cig and Formula. Although I have been seriously considering an Apache, I'm not sure that makes sense. I'm just going to hang loose, keep my eyes open, and see what sifts to the top.

Regarding your kaama comments, you're right on the money. As I understand it, there's even a guy on the west coast that specializes in repairing and/or providing new housings. Everything else is stock.

The one thing I have heard from someone herein with a 302/Kaama during direct conversations is, the real weak link is more the trans with overheating during prolonged high rpms. I'm not sure if you've had an opportunity to experience this and/or troubleshoot a resolution, but for his sake and others, if you have, perhaps you'd kindly add your .02 about this, one way or the other.

Thx!

thanks for the updates.
chris M just posted his mint 302 with kaamas for sale here.
DON'T ANYONE GO JUMPIN ON MY DEAL NOW !!!

anyway. the boat is beautiful, unbelievably clean.
so I need opinions. do I trade up my 1988 272 (in stellar condition as well) for a 1986 302, or hold out for 1988+ 311 or 357?

what differences in size do you see(notice) in 311 vs it's predecessor the 302

is the 311 all new hull? the decks are very similar (except obvious windshield differences.)


opinions please.

F302 vs F311 or F357
 

Hey there rambunctious,
Obviously there is the money issue. You have to decide. The 311 hull is different than a 302 (not just size) The pad is updated as are some mold changes on the transom. Bosses for exhaust etc. are eliminated on 311 and 357. This is to accomodate silent thunder platforms. Strakes and other bottom details are similar. Both hulls are great performers. 357 is a similar design as 311. The key factor is weight. The 302 trips the scales at 6950 lbs. The 311 at 7400. But, as they say in the movies, it's not always about what you can see. The 302 has a max carrying capacity of 3000 lbs. The 311 drops to 2300. Go figure? I have close friends with both these boats exactly. The 311 and 357 absolutely shine as far as cockpits, cabins, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials etc. I own a 1987 F206 (curved glass) and I own an F402 older style boat. I have a strong preference for the curved glass style boat. All around it is a nicer boat in the above mentioned areas. The F402 Is very dated in comparison. However, my F206 is dated when you compare it to a 2003 F353 with platinum imron design. All is relative. I too didn't know what direction to go.
A friend of mine sent me down the road i ended on. He started with a Baja 24 on inland lakes. When he went out to lake michigan with it he got in big trouble. We all have heard a version of this story. The great lakes don't sink 900 foot ore ships because they're tame compared to the oceans. Chicago to Milwaukee- good weather. Milwaukee back to chicago? Not so good weather. Lake Michigan people can cringe now. The wind shifted to out of the northeast. Increased wind speed to 35 mph. Ten miles south of Milwaukee, they stuffed thier 24 Baja. Everyone in the hospital. Next boat! Moves up to 30 Cig Bullet. Stuffs it in 4 to 5 rollers. Next!!!! Buys 35 Cig Cafe Racer. Still stuffs it in lake michigans finest! Only owns the Cafe for 9 months. Moves to the Cig 38 Top Gun. Finally not getting wet all the time. His advise? If you run inland lakes all the time, you will be happiest with a 30 foot boat. If you go to the big lakes, It better be 38 or longer or you'll never be happy. I can hear the 35 foot guys howling now! I thought long and hard about what he said. I really wanted a 357, BAD! Found an incredible one, a 1986 with KAMMAs and red imron, in canada. Had an impecable black one at my local dealer. I bought the 402. It's not the fastest out there. Formula's rarely are. If you want fast, buy a checkmate and drop a 900sc in it. If you want a great boat, well you know, buy a formula.
Fast in 30 foot range? F302 with KAMMAs. my buddy is in the upper 70's with mild 502 carb engines. The only drawback is the older styling. Newer 311 or 357 will be slower (but....they're heavier) Styling kicks ass. The biggest questions are 1. What water are you going to use it on? 2. How much discomfort are you or your loved ones going to tolerate if you buy a boat and put it into conditions beyond it's size? One bad day on the big lake and your significant other will never set foot on that boat again. Go look carefully at all three. Great deals can be had on them all. Good luck!!!! al

Thanks Al for the info. you seem to know your formula history
one thing is finite. I only want a formula. thats the easy part

it seems the kaama obsession of mine is the overriding factor.
If these three boats had same trs drives, I would discount the 302.

but the thing is so clean. it has the same (exact color) McCloud bolster interior as mine. just a short flat windshield. from the pics, being in such good shape, it looks classic as opposed to old if you know what i mean. I see $10k difference between low hr, trailered 302,311, and 357's.

my buddies super clean 311 with 420's will be for sale this fall. I have first right of refusal. that is the most probable boat for me, but if the right kaama boat comes along......hmmm

my 272 is big enough for our riding along the west coast of lake Mich. infact, mine is the second largest in our work's boating club, second to my buddies aforementioned 311.

how about I come and see your's and your friends, and go for a ride. it's gonna be 42 tomorrow!!!!!!:D hot....
at a minimum, you have to come and see us in Holland or Grand Haven this summer. maybe watch Smoke on the water. Over Here you have about 1 hour from when you site the lighting to get off the water;) you can check out a local's (Rick D) 382 kevlar custom formula with Lingenfelter's... it is something. 90+

Hey there Rambunctious,
They all sound like good opportunities. The KAMMA's have a "way cool" factor built in. Whether on the water or on the trailer, everyone wants to see. Love to go out today but I can't come up with enough trolling motors to push this tank. Motors are in the garage having the final touches put on for spring. A trip to Grand Haven is definetly in the works this summer. Hey, are you and your buds going to the Formula rendevous in lake o ozarks this summer? I'm starting to line up accomodations with some friends. I've never been there. Did see a home movie of party cove though. I'm goin this summer!!!!!!! What happens on the far side over there if you are more than an hour from home when you see the lightning? What is Lake St Clair. I see a reference to that all the time. What the hell is a mcloud bolster interior?........Do you mean Mcleod? Or a guy on a horse?:D I need upholstery too. You got any ideas?
Talk to ya later........Al

ok Mcleod. smart A$$....:rolleyes: I took my spelling lessons from Puder.


Lake St Clair is the large lake in the detroit area that separates Lk Huron from the detroit river and eventually lake Erie. look on the map at detroit, can't miss it
it is quite shallow (12' average) and therefore quite a choppy mess. (waves carry on in the shallow water) (kinda like LOTO on the weekend I think). St. Clair has the nautical mile. the most registered boats within one mile of shoreline ( tons of man made canals from the 60's) kinda busy, but lots of cool boats and detroit money.

west coast of lake michigan is a much more beautiful area. huge sand dunes. beautiful public beaches, many ports, (South haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, White Hall, Ludington, Pentwater, Traverse, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Petosky, and on and on) great fishing too.

Grand Haven has a great municipal marina,( about $28 a night to slip!!) a resort town with nice restaurants and bars, shopping, etc. state park with HUGE beach, dunes. and then the accessable lake "spring lake" with their hanky panky bay. plan for Smoke or the great lakes silver cup series event on labor day. i can get you race patrol boat status if you like.

anyway we digress......... anyone else have a kaama boat for sale.

oh,
I would love to go to LOTO, but will probably only get to go if the wife and two little ones come. my buddy waterfoul has shown me the fun times to be had.

it would be awesome to be apart of the formula rondevous as that would be a great place to find fresh water formulas for sale. and get my wife even more excited about group boating. but realistically wont happen this year, with all these mentioned ports we have for our summer vacation, tough to drive 14 hrs to loto.
no advice on the vinyl, however my previous owner did get the vinyl from formula for the side panels on my 272.

Hey Rambunctious:

What's happening Rob, Small world Is'nt it! Thanks for the complements on my 357. By the way I changed my user name to perfectmix because it's not as boring as josh. Anyway I had no
idea that you were seriously looking for a KAAMA Formula. I love mine and like Alj said, they're very easy to both remove and repair. As you know I'm trying to decide on a prop for my boat and so far I've been given some options, I have to determine
the ratio of the drive and what size, and pitch my wheels are.
By the way I know a guy on Torch that loved your 272. I mentioned to him that you were looking for a KAAMA and he instantly told me to sell you my 357 so he could pick up your 272.
What year is your 272 does it have bb's w/brovos?
Anyway, it was good to hear from you hope to see you back at the Sandbar this summer.

thought you were ignoring me:D

this guy you know.............hmmm

mine is a 1988. 330 hp 454's with bravos!!
370 original hours.
i bought it 4.5 yrs ago with 275 original hrs.
engines have never been touched, just maintained, and burns 0 oil the whole summer.

bravos with 25 pitch
64.99 mph gps, at 4600 (perfect for the 330 merc)
i just cant quit hit 65!!!! 69-70 on speedo
i may have darin at houston help me too
1998 Manning triple axle trailer
full cover, full camper top with bimini
shore power, fridge, gps, even original loran, and brand new marine radio.

so we got a deal???:)

Hey 'bunctious, it's ONLY 11 hours to LOTO. And I think we (did I say we??) could get your wife to go, without the kiddies even. One trip and she too will be hooked. The people there are awsome. The OSO members there are incredible people. Everyone gets along (although Shane Sherman, aka Jesse James tries to stir the pot!!). You should go/come with me.

Hey Rambunctious

Sounds good, Let me know if you get serious about givin her up.
You've Been to Torch before. I've been thinking about seeing the sights of southwest, Mi. Whats the best time to travek to your neck of the woods. I hear the coastgaurd fest. is a pretty good time. Let me know

Coast guard is a great time, gets pretty busy with fireworks and such, but lots of boats, people, etc

How about coming for the Smoke on the water poker run in June.
we just watch, but it is an awesome day of Power Power Power!!!
watch them take off, then arrive about 45 minutes later after hitting TWO PORTS!!!, walk up and touch the boats at the marina while they are eating lunch, then watch them leave again and return again. All in GrandHaven.

or, come for the Great Lakes Silver Cup series race on Labor Day weekend. I can get you race patrol boat status like me. right in the front lines, with everyone else BEHIND YOU!!!

I think we got wet when Catcando did a wide lap flybye!!!! 100 feet from us at 100+ :D

wadda ya exactly mean "...sounds good..."??????, if i could buy your boat, then my boat is for sale.

I say we do our own Formula rondevous for one of those events.

Hey rambunctious,
Did you buy that yellow F302 Kamma???? That SOB is excellent looking. You better nab it now that you posted the picture or someone else is going to grab it. Later....Al

not yet......
looking at two 336's Friday, owned by brothers, in the same building. one wants to trade for a 272.
hmmmmm I know where he can find one of them.....

just looking around at all options. I really want to see your boat and buddies.
when I was looking for my next boat. I looked at a 272 and decided...I don't want this boat here.. but I want THIS boat (272)
so i want to sit in a 311 (done already) 336, 302, and 357 to get the size difference and features.

IS SPRING HERE YET!

the pics of that 302 are right here on my desk. i pick them up every day.

I think spring is going to spring on Saturday. I've got the bug BAD!!! Trying to get about a million things ready for the boat and it's not even out of the barn and here yet. New engines are almost ready, getting engine hatch redone, trying to get Kelron plastic from idiot distributor out of Ohio for bases of hatch cushions, found vinyl distributor with 17 year old colors instock!!! here in chicago!!!; spending my life away at a really cool marine store south of Milwaukee who has more old crap in his store than I have ever seen (I was in there yesterday and found an original teak swim platform that is exactly like the one on my F402-BRAND NEW!; Metal (not plastic) Formula emblems that go in the model designator on the sides of the boat between the numbers ! 1/2 inches by 1 3/4 inches!) This guy buys up old stock from manufacturers, distributors, and dealers by the cotainer load. He has at least 15 containers sitting in his parking lot that haven't been unloaded into his warehouse or store. Yesterday's haul: a Carling rocker switch for the dash that is engraved for Hatch up and down-new in brown wrapper-$4.95, Six of those Formula emblems-$1.95 each, 25 feet of 1/4 inch edge strip in white- .99/ foot; and two used circuit breaker panels with 10 Carling on/off toggle breakers, all prewired (like the panels in the cabins)-$89.
Anyway, that 302 is one good looking boat. Don't let it slip away. My freind Ron loves his 1985. Good luck Ram.............Al

Hey rambunctious,
What are you looking to get for yuor 27. Sorry for not calling
but their is no way I can move on mine the wife would have my
@*#@*.

Jim

i am asking $35k with the manning triple axle trailer, full cover, camper top, gps, new marine radio, la dee da.......

There should be one in my yard next week.;)

dude!!!!
I saw your post on general
that's awesome.!! I'm now instantly jealous!!!!!!
please please email me some pics of that rooster tail. and some of the boat and interior.
i am too cheap for a membership and can't see any pics here.

Ram, I can't attach pics to the oso email, or I just don't know how.:rolleyes:

I OWN A 1986 357 WITH KAMMAS.I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND RUN IT OUT OF DANA POINT AND NEWPORT BEACH.IT IS ALSO DUNKED IN LAKE HAVASU.I PAYED 20000 FOR IT SO THE DEALS ARE OUT THERE IF YOU LOOK HARD AND BE AND DONT RUSH.THE GUY I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD JUST PUT NEW 502S IN IT [OUT OF THE BOX MOTORS] AND THEN LET IT SIT FOR A YEAR AND LOST INTEREST.WITH GREAT DEALS THERE IS ALLWAYS PROBLEMS THOUGH.THE PORT MOTOR KEEPS PLOWING UP.THREE TIMES IN THREE WEEKS.ID PULL THE MOTOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON AFTER BEING IN THE WATER REBUILD IT DURING THE WEEK AND INSTALL IT ON SATURDAY,BLOW IT UP ON SUNDAY AND START ALL OVER AGAIN.THE LASTTIME I JUST HAD TO BUY A NEW STEEL CRANK AT A GRAND BECAUSE YOU CAN ONLY HAVE THEM MACHINED SO MUCH.CANT FIGURE OUT WHY THE THAT SIDE ONLY.I WAS THINKING MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE ROTATION OF THAT DRIVE.ANY BODY HERD OF THIS?ILL FIGURE IT OUT EVENTUALLY,BUT IT IS STILL A GREAT DEAL.GARY @ ARCHER MARINE WORKED FOR KAMMA FOR 6 YEARS AND HAS ALL THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE DRIVES,HES IN COSTA MESA,SOCAL.

I have a 1986 357SR1 for sale. I am not a "boater". I came to own this boat via a bad business deal. It surveyed three years ago for $79.9K

I will take the first $50K offered. It is in Barnett Reservoir at Jackson, Ms. I took it out yesterday.

Please see my ad in the Boats For Sale Area of OSO.

Dudley Evans
Hattiesburg, Ms
601-261-5964

Forgot to mention: It's Kaama.

Work #: 662-834-5135....Ask for Dr. Evans

I've got a 357SR1 for sale. See my ad in Boats For Sale section of OSO

Hi Doc Evans.

it's me Rob....... I can't wait to see the video of your 357!!!!

a 302 black red white with Kaamas is in Helsinki under restoration.,, has sunk once etc..major project / maybe the boot seals gave up or ? when it sunk?