Planned upgrade to 292 SR1
 

Formula Family,

Distant Thunder is planned to go to a new home in Northern Virginia on Saturday A.M. and I will be headed straight down to Chesapeake, VA to pick up "Distant Thunder II" that afternoon. Thanks to TomZ for completing an initial inspection on the vessel for me, he was very thorough and detailed with checking it out before I drove the 4 hours to pick it up this weekend. I spent all weekend cleaning Distant Thunder and getting her ready for the journey and new family that will own her. I hope my plan goes swimmingly on Saturday without any hiccups but in the boat world, I do not expect that to be the case. It's a bittersweet farewell to the 223LS now that I have her how I want her, but it is time for a larger boat for my family. If you all see the new owner on the Potomac River, give him a thumbs up, this will be his first Formula. http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/5988402849.html

Distant Thunder II is a 1989 Formula 292 SR1, 454/Bravo boat in Newport #1, which I am extremely fond of. Although I will miss my Palm Beach, I rarely see the Newport. She needs some love here and there but I am excited to bring this boat back to pristine condition. Here is the link for the CL ad. http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/5986213251.html

I have my fingers and toes crossed that the new one doesn't get sold out from under me this week and the new owner of Distant Thunder arrives on time and with the correct amount of cash. Here are some pictures from cleaning her up this weekend.

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Good looking boat. Congrats.

Thanks, I am excited for the new one but I am going to miss the ol' 223.

A little advice for the future, you just opened up the advertisement of the boat your looking to buy. I don't mention anything until I own it, just so no one that hasn't seen it is opened up to it.
I had a 272 in Newport #1 colors. Hope it all works out. Good luck!

I would sure hope that no one on here would mess him over like that.

Hopefully it will work out for you!

Josh,

Congrats on the Sale of Distant Thunder and getting DT2. If there is anything I can do to make things easier for you please do not hesitate to ask. Can't wait to see DT2.

Chris

Happens all the time....

Looks nice, do you know what the motors are? Says 475hp but the look like 330s

I think it said Merlin heads and 26 p four blades so its probably at least 400 hp a side

Josh,

Many congrats! I'll think you'll really enjoy the new boat! The current owner is a good guy, and you could tell that he really loves the boat; it just doesn't fit his needs anymore. I know you're going to miss Distant Thunder, but Distant Thunder II will be a really nice upgrade. She'll handle big water easily, and provide the room you need for the family. I was really impressed having gone over her.

We have to make sure that we get together on Saturday!! I'll have my 311 home Friday night.

Now to get the 242 sold...

Thanks Chris, we will catch up soon!

Thanks guys, I hope that doesn't happen either! Only a couple more days!

When TomZ went and checked it out for me he wrote down some engine specs. I don't have them right in front of me at the moment (sitting in Grafton, CT visiting customers) but if I remember correctly, they were rebuilt to 9.7:1 Merlin Heads, Cams, intakes, full exhaust. I think 475 HP is quite a generous estimate but I will find out once I open her up this spring. Pretty sure we can guesstimate by the speeds.

Correct, I am thinking low 400's

Congrats on the 292. I owned a 1990 292 SR1 for about 7 years, was my first venture into offshore boating. I loved that boat and it never let me down. I will say you must invest in full hydraulic external steering (2 rams) for her. I can't remember how much I paid (doesn't matter now anyway), but the steering put that boat on rails. I mean I could pound 3-4 footers with just a finger on the wheel (although I never drove it that way). I was amazed at how much better the boat tracked getting rid of the stock steering. It would be an investment you would never regret. I also added white rub rail, white hatches, etc. that improved the exterior looks IMHO. I think you are better off with the 1989 cabin also. I had the cloth covered wood panel ceilings and formula had problems with them falling down. I ended up getting a kit from formula to screw it back up and put covers on the screws. I liked the foam fabric ceiling in my 1986 357 much better, never sagged! Also, the newer Formulas have a real problem with ultra leather sagging on the ceilings. Great boat!

Thanks again Tom, I am excited to see your new 311! We should be able to meet up on Saturday somewhere with a large parking lot. I will keep you posted on my schedule. I should be getting down there around noon. I've been spreading the word about your 242, should see an uptick in interest in the coming weeks. See you soon buddy.

Thanks! Great input! I look forward to having this 292 for many many years. Initial plan is to run it as is this year and most likely next year and start part collecting to get the boat the way I want it. First is going to be to remove the Silent Thunder and add the aluminum platform while getting the cosmetics correct around the rest of the boat and get the mechanicals serviced for the season. TomZ and I were discussing the plan for the steering as well on Sunday which will be one of the first modifications (mechanically).

wow nice upgrade! that 223 you had looks showroom! someone is getting a great boat! great to see these birds still getting the love and elbow grease they all deserve.

Thanks blckkat, I try to keep her looking new! These old birds will treat you right if you treat them right. The new owner is definitely excited. I am glad he wants a sea trial so I can take her out one more time!

Man, that is a nice 292! AND, a really nice buy! I wonder why it never pulled up on my "zoomthelist" searches.... But, anyway, I upgraded from a 1989 242SS to a 1990 292SR1 several years ago and owned it for like 12 years! It was one of the best boats I have ever owned. It had 454 mags with Stainless Marine exhaust and it performed great with the 24 pitch 4 blade Bravo 1 props! Cruised at 42-44 mph at 3200 rpm! Good luck!

Thanks to TomZ's help with a few things, I was able to offload Distant Thunder in Stafford, VA on Saturday morning and travel down to VA Beach to pick up the new Distant Thunder that afternoon. I will post some pictures this weekend when I get her cleaned up. Super excited to drive the new 292 SR1.

Congratulations on the new bird

Here is some quick pictures..

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A couple more after spending all day cleaning. Also finished doing a 3 step on the hull. Going to finish the other side when I regain feeling in my arm next weekend.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psa80lrmig.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psoiafzuxj.jpg

She's a looker Josh!!

Damn nice looking boat. Enjoy.

I put it in the water yesterday afternoon just to see how she runs...

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psl0pmzycg.jpg

I have a few things to do mechanically before I can open her all the way up but she ran 48 MPH @ 3400 RPM then I brought her up to 69 MPH (Tapped 70) @ 4600 RPM. This was GPS speed on my phone. This was on the 26P Bravo 1. I "think" my drives were sitting around 5 but right now, the starboard indicator cable is broke and the port one may need adjustment. Felt like she had a bit more in it but being the first time driving it, I didn't want to ring her out. The previous owner said she is good for 5K with those props but I will know in the coming weeks. Felt good on the water though, a whole different experience from the 223!

Thanks! You going to do the Chesapeake Bay Friends and Family Run this April?

Elbow grease TomZ, we both know that! HAHA! Thanks again for going through this "step up" process with me haha, let me know when we are going to step up to the next size in 10 years. :)

Thanks!

Congrats Josh. Gorgeous boat. Buy yourself a buffer...your arms will appreciate it....lol. :lolhit:

Chris

Congrats on the new to you 292. Looks great.

Great looking boat man

Congrats on the new purchase can't believe you got it out already, must have felt great.

Thanks! It was mid 60s and the boat wasn't winterized so I had to take advantage! It was outstanding. Looks like it will be an early spring in Maryland!

Thanks Chris, I'm beyond excited!

Thanks, can't wait to have her the way I want it.

Perfect size for what I need for sure! Thanks!