357 with SSM #3 drives?
 

Did Formula build any 357s with SSM #3 drives from the factory? This particular boat has been for sale near us for at least a year. Just wondering if this was a factory set up or something done after the fact.

Also, I've heard rumors that the 357 is not exactly a stiff/solid hull, and that leads me to wonder just how it would handle at the 80+ this guy is claiming. Any thoughts?

I have an old technical brochure on the 357 that shows it equipped with 8.9L/540/500hp with #3s (top speed 66mph) or 8.9/540/575hp with #3s (top speed 72 mph).

The 357 received Powerboat Magazine offshore boat of the year in 1987 and the brochure states that the 311 and the 357 were layed up entirely with AME 4000 resin, which is what some builders still use today. Formula now uses AME 5000. I'm sure the 357 could handle the 80 mph, just don't known if anyone has ever powered one to go that fast. I have seen several Cig 35 Cafe Racers, which weigh the same (9000 lbs) as the 357, powered with 650-750 blower motors that run 75-80 mph. The bottom line is heavy boats and with no steps.

That 357 for sale in your area is advertised as having 572/600hp that would probably push it at a realistic 75 mph. If I had the money, and could afford 50-60 gallons an hour to cruise around; I would buy it in heartbeat. My 20 gallon an hour 272 will have to do for now.

Unchained, thanks for the info. We're currently boatless; our last boat was a 280 Powerquest. Nice boat, bought brand new and it would run 65 mph. Only problem is that it was too small - we'd get beat to hell on our local lake, which looks like a washing machine most weekends. And the boat really wasn't big enough to pull a weekend on, at least for us.

I'm really looking at something that is big, heavy, traditional deep-V that can run relatively fast despite the conditions. That's why older Cigs and Formulas are on my list. The windshield on the Formula is a big bonus, as our season up here can get mighty chilling in spring and fall. Love the looks of a Cig though; and it is a Cigarette. The appeal of owning a classic....

Still and all, I think a 311 or 357 (my preference) will probably be the way we'll end up going. I just wonder how much it will cost to redo the cabin interior. Love the lines of the SR Formulas, but those interiors are something else.... :eek: Even worse in red!

I had the first 357 with Kaama's. When you say the boat is "not exactly stiff," you're correct. Lots of flexing, but (while I had it) no major cracks.

I re-powered to 500 HP, and never saw an honest 70 MPH. I think it would take really BIG power to see 80 with #3's.

dockrocker,
as you know this particular 357 has been advertised on traderonline by 2 or three different brokers.
i called about this boat last month and they all said it was sold, however the ads are still running.

where are you located in michigan?

i'm flying into detroit tommorrow to look at another 357.

RNH,

I'm north of Detroit, in Macomb Township - where are you headed? We're 30 minutes from Lake St. Clair; if you're staying overnight, maybe we can hook up and I'll buy you a beer. Cell is 586.292.5301.

Mike

dockrocker,
i'll probably get a room tommorrow night near the airport.
i'll try to give you a ring when i get in town.
i think my flight arrives around 2pm.

see ya,
rnh

two that i know of at the loto both 89's with the 575hp 540's and III's right at 80mph

RHN, while your in town you should stop and look at mine. I live 45min. north of the airport.

586-615-5067 Jim

The big and heavy I can help with, fast is another story. Just put my F-402 in the ads forum. It definatly has a big luxary cabin (white, not red). I've never used the cabin (hense the desire to goto a cat) and I don't think the original owner ever did either as it's like new inside.

-Greg