The 223LS (1990) that I had was a 22 degree bottom. The 242 and 272 have a 24 degree bottom. The difference between a LS and SS were that on the passenger side, the SS had a seat that you could sit in "back to back" ie:to watch a skier. All Formulas are great boats but I prefer the pre '92 models as well for the smaller ones. Didn't they call them Falcons for a few years (93-96 or so) ?

I think the Falcon models were built by someone else and Formula leased the name to them, or something like that. I'm pretty sure they were not built in the same facility as the Formula models (could be wrong, though).

After doing a little looking, it seems like there might be a few 272s in our price range, mostly small block boats though. Seems like a 272 might be a bit heavy for two small blocks. OTOH, a pair of blown 350's would kick out about 500 hp each, be lighter than big blocks, have better service access in that tight engine compartment, and Bravos would live behind them. Not that I've considered something like that.

Falcon's were built in the same plant and on the same assembly line as the FORMULA's. The look was a little different and the options limited but the same build quality as a FORMULA. By FORMULA's own admission the line failed due to poor marketing and the need for additional manufacturing capacity to build FORMULA's.

I think you're right Rocky. As far as I know, Falcons were built by Formula. As a matter of fact, the Falcon line more closely resembled the pre-'92 line of smaller Formulas. I almost think they were using some of the old pre-'92 molds for the Falcons while they were building the new 232/252 models. Thats not to say that the Falcons were true 24 degree pre-'92 hulls,,,,,, but,,,,,, they were very similar so maybe. We need some Falcon specs to find out for sure. Wouldn't suprise me at all.

I actually thought the Falcons were a good looking boat. A fairly good value too but still not cheap by any means. Just couldn't bring myself to go for one. I was worried about resale and it's a good thing I was. However, if a guy could find a nice Falcon out there, it would probably be pretty cheap and you'd end up with a better boat than most. They didn't have the nice goodies though like K-shifters, K-planes, big power, bolsters, etc. Maybe I'll go surf Boattrader and see whats out there for Falcons, my interest is peaked now

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/4/58230344.htm

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/0/2/55841102.htm

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/0/61032760.htm

Dock, You cann`t go wrong with an older formula they are so solid compaired to most boats. I thinf your headed in the right direction. spring can`t come fast enough.

The bolster were an option on all '87 & '88 242-Sr1's, which had the twin small blocks. Also an option on 242 LS's. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 242 with twins, if you can find one, as they are hard to find. if you're thinking of a 272, but with small blocks, all of the ones I have ever seen with small blocks had alpha's. also the small block 272's normally had Bennets, where as the 330's in a 272 has the Bravo and normally K-planes.

I sold my 85 242 with twin 1999 FWC 350's with 90 hours on it for $11,500 earlier this year. Loved that boat!