I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Am I crazy or what? This just came in and is really clean. TRS drives,but for the price. What are your thoughts?http://www.southshoredrydock.com/cor...hshoredrydock&

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

If 70 mph is your goal, I'd think twice. I seriously doubt it will do 70. It weighs about 9,400 lbs and I've yet to see 500 hp's push one that fast. It would be nice to see a/c and bravos on a 89 too.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

No 70 isnt in my future just comfort at 45-50. Should I be that afraid of the TRS's? The problem is that it's so clean and maintained. Around here thats worth the extra.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

[QUOTE=chriscraft240]No 70 isnt in my future just comfort at 45-50. When someone lies about 1 thing, I expect more Should I be that afraid of the TRS's? No, but being discontiued and will hurt re-sale in future, not an easy swap tp Bravo. [I]I have 89 311 and does have Bravos[/I].The problem is that it's so clean and maintained. Around here thats worth the extra. Up here in the northeast, we should have cleaner boats, we don't have the season to put too many hours on them![/QUOTE]

Where did it come from, salt, fresh water, down south, midwest? I do like the colors though. I'd consider waiting til late fall and find something from Lake Winnipesaukee or Lake George, Sebago.... My boat spent part of its life in salt water (does with me but I trailer and Salt Away) and it does wear on them. Just my .04, good luck

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

BTW, if you are going to buy a boat from the 80's, Formula is the place to start. There is a reason there are so many still around, quality boats.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Good luck with your purchase. Formula is a great company and fabulous customer support , even for '89s. I have an 89 273 SR-1 last spring I had to replace my cables on my K planes. Called Formula and the gave me the length I needed before I even removed them. Had other questions over the years and they were always there with the answer :)

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

I'm going for a closer look at the drives tonight. CMG- ok ya caught me on the 70 thing,but it would be nice!! Dont know where the boat was from everything in the engine bay is new. We'll see not writing a check just yet, just looking. Thanks for the info!!!

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Last piece of advice - SURVEY. and a good one at that.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

I'd think 70 mph would be possible with two 500hp engines. My '85 357 with two blown 540hp 454s has seen 75 to 77 mph depending on whether you believe GPS or radar. I do, however, wish i would waited and got one newer and without the TRS drives. I blew one drive this year and getting the parts for it and service was a real pain in the *ss. I ended up shipping the whole outdrive to Doller Marine in Florida which took good care of me. Quick turn around and about $2000 to go through the drive. The worst news was that when the drive went it took out the transmission also. The new Konrads look nice but they're also rather expensive. If I were to do it again I'd wait and find something newer with Bravos. I got a great deal on mine but have put a lot of work into it. Just my $.02.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

When you price it out consider the cost of replacing the TRS drives with the Konrads. If you do that you will have a BULLIT proof drive combo, MUCH better then the TRS and light years better then the Bravo's. I do know that a friend that sold his boat same year same look, brand new (like 10 hours) on 502mpi motors, external steering and on and on, only got like 40,000 for his.

Jon

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

CMG - Gordo's old 357 had 502's pushing about 500 hp (not HP 500's, but probably close enough power-wise) and that boat went about 70, so it's definitely possible.

Also on that weight boat, trannies probably aren't a bad thing. As mentioned, if that boat was converted over to Konrads at some point, that setup probably would be very strong, much stronger than a bravo setup. With HP 500 motor's already in it, it could be worth it to get the new drives if you were planning to use it for at least a few years before selling it.

The asking price seems a bit high, but there is a lot of $$ tied up in those HP 500's. Again, if you really like it and were planning to keep it for a while, could be worth somewhere around that price.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

That boat is in Mass, and there is not much freshwater there, None actually, I have seen this boat around for sale for some time, I would be leary of the trs drives at this point they will be obsolete soon, survey, compression check and a leakdown test would be in order before i would consider this boat, If everthing goes well i would pull the trigger on it i owned a 87 272 and i can tell you anything in the late 80's with formula was a outstanding boat and still is today, thats what got formula back on the map, Jeff

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

c.c240

I have an 86 357w/kaamas and I love the boat. Lots of room and a good ride. Sure they are a little older but they still don't look dated and and are a little bigger than todays 35 footers. I agree that a survey and other mech. checks are in order but if it checks ok you will love the boat.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Jaybird how much are those Konrads?

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Do what I'm in the process of doing, swap out the rub rail to white and buff off some of the black paint on the middle of the deck. strongly considering white hatches too.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

CMG

You gonna paint your hatches or go with new? I heard white hatches really dress things up.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Don't know yet, dealer told me to paint but I don't want it to look cheesy. new hatches aren't cheap though. Still researching.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Are the engines HP500's or 500 hp engines? The HP's with low hours make is worth more. If you're easy on the throttles, I think the TRS will serve you well.

I also have an 80's Formula, and I love it. Check out the original 18 year old bolsters. Formula uses quality stuff.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

I started the updating last year, sun pad was worn, replaced it and rear seat with white, bolsters in good shape also.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

The Konrads are supposedly going for around $8k through dealer networks. I believe that includes new gimbal housing, trim pistons, and pump. That's close to what a XR is going for, and supposedly these would be a tougher drive than a XR.

A used TRS seems to be selling for $2-4k, so selling the old drives would help to put a dent in the upgrade $$. Not going to happen today for sure for me, but something to ponder on. There are a couple of guys on here with the Konrads, and they seem to be holding up so far under some pretty high HP #'s, and race-type usage.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

CMG -

Do you have any pictures of your sun pad and seat? I was thinking of going with all white over the winter. The dark colors are killer when the sun heats them up and white has to be alot cooler. BTW - My bolsters are like new also.

wantsa311 - (Now hasa311)

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Cuda- the motors are hp500, thats probably why the high asking. The TRS's scare me though the rest of the boat is perfect. I might have to do some creative dealing with this one. I dont know. Oh ya brand new myco alum. trailer too. ???? I love this hobby!!!

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Looks like it's sitting on a Nextrail in the picture. Is that not the trailer for the boat ?

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

When I get home tonite I'll take a couple pics, if not will do when I take it out tomorrow. In 2 weeks I'll hopefully have pics of the white rub rail too.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Sorry, yes it is a nextrail, still its new. Here's my wife's question to me. If the boat could be had for lets say 60K, then put 12K into it for new drives. Is it a 72K boat? No of course not I tell her, but............(this is where you guys help me out). I'm thinking I could find something a little newer and already updated for the same $$.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Are the drives bad now? If not, it's not like you have to upgrade them right away. TRS is a tough drive, used on many high performance boats like Formula, Cigarette, Fountain, etc for a long time even for race applications. So if they are ok today, it's not like they are junky or going to fall off the boat. Actually if you like to run hard, and that boat as big and heavy as it is had Bravo's, you'd probably be spending alot in drive repairs with Bravo's than TRS.

The Konrad option is relatively new, and has generated a fair amount of buzz around here. It appears to be a far superior drive to both the Bravo and TRS. Is it a necessity? Absoultely not. There are plenty of people here who have run TRS for years w/o any problems. Would Konrads be fun to have? Of course! Is it a good investment? That's a tough one to answer. The feeling I get is that you should be able to get parts and service for TRS for a while to come (probably years but no one knows exactly). However, if you spend the money for Konrad drives, and you never break down (jury is still out on reliability, but they look good so far) due to drive failure and loose precious New England boating time...well that is money not lost on slip fees, insurance, Advil, whatever.

I'd say if you could get the seller down a bit more on his price, it would be a decent buy.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

This is one of those deals, dammed if I do, dammed if I don't. I really like the boat,but....reliability is a big factor for me. If I were real gentle with the TRS's, providing they are in good shape now, would they last?? No slip fees, I live 1/2 mile to the ocean. Advil is on sale at walmart!!

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

c.c.240

Your in good hands with Formula. I think the fact that thousands of boats w/TRS pushing over 500hp with good reliability is a testimonial for the TRS. You will be happy with the boat. The TRS set-up is very smooth and tough. You don't need to baby them just use common sence and you will be fine. Looks like a nice set-up, price is a little high but if it is as nice as you say, its probably worth it.

Just out of curiosity, is there a reason you are so scared of the TRS? Do they appear to be in rough shape? If the rest of the boat was well cared for there is no reason the drives should be any different.

Good Luck

Josh

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Just scared because of the posts here about future parts problems. This would be a boat I would keep for awhile. 3-4 years, maybe more. The drives look fine on the outside, but if their known to explode, I'm scared. Is airing them out the problem or holeshots??

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Holeshots are not good any any drive when your pushing 10,000+ pounds from a dead stop. And airing out is not the problem as long as your not over reving and slamming back into the water. That will most definately shorted the life of any drive. Just keep the oil clean and full in both the trannies and the drives you should have good luck.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

went to Iboats.com and checked for like $ deals out there. Not a big Fountain guy but seems like a deal.


1999 Formula 312 FASTech 79K

http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine--.../51537-ad.html

Real Clean 357 w/TRS

http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine--.../23879-ad.html


Late model Fountain 32 Fever 65K

http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine--.../43116-ad.html

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Thanks CMG- I'm going to keep my eyes open. I think I'll pass on this one.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

As much as I hate to say this out loud - seasons more over than beginning. Does that make sense? The boats on the market now will be faced with another winters storage, prices will come down.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

I can't believe you just said that OUT LOUD!!!

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Hello Fellas. I Just Wanted To Add My Two Cents Into This Discussion. I Am An Advid Reader Of The Post, But Rarely Respond Until I See Something That I Feel I Have A Little Bit Of Knowledge On. I Have An 89 Formula 357 With Twin True 600 Horse Power Dynoed Motors. They Were Built By Pat Musi Racing In Carteret Nj. I Was There While The Motors Were Being Dynoed, So I Know It Is Accurate. My Boat Is An 80 Plus One Or Two Mile Per Hour Boat On A Good Day . The Trs Drives , And Bw Trans' Are More Then Capable Of Handling The Power Which I Have, As Any Smart Boat Owner Would Tell You, Do Not Wholeshot The Boat On A Regular Basis. As This Would Cause Problems With Any Drive, Bravo, Knorad, Trs. I Had The Option Of Purchasing Two Different 89 Formulas, One With Bravos, And One With Trs', And I Chose The Trs Boat Over The Bravo Hands Down. The Trs Is A Much More Durable Drive Then The Bravo, And Much Smoother Shifting. If You Have Ever Been In A Boat With Bravos' And Shifted From Forward To Reverse, Then Did The Same Thing In A Boat With Trs' You Would Wonder Why Mercuiser Ever Stopped Making The Trs, There Is No Comparison. As Far As Spending $25,000.00 For Drives And Installation, I Think, Honestly, You Would Have To Be Crazy !!! With $25,000.00 I Could Put My Boat Into The High 80's Low 90's, Rather Then Just A Few Mph Increase With Konrads'. There Are More Parts Available For Trs Drives On Ebay Then You Could Ever Imagine. Within The Past Year I Have Purchased A Spare Right And Left Hand Drive, And Gimble Assembly For Less Then $4,000.00, And Have Enough Spare Parts To Rebuild My Uppers And Lowers Three Times Over. As Far As The 89 With Twin 500 Hp's, I Think The Boat Is A Steal For $60,000.00, And A Beautiful Machine With Sharp Graphics. I Dont Know About Boat Values In The Rest Of The Country, But I Do Know What They Are Worth In Nj, And If This Boat Is As Clean As It Is Supposed To Be, It Is Definitly A Good Price, And I Would Not Steer Away From It Because Of The Trs Drives. It Will Be Many Many Years To Come Before Trs Parts Are Extinct, And By Then I Will Hope To Have Upgraded From An 89 To Something Much Newer. Even Then When I Sell The Boat I Am Sure I Will Be Able To Give The New Owner Many Spare Drive Parts !!!

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

I wouldn't be scared to buy it because of the TRS drives. On some boats that they made both with, I look for Bravo because of resale. TRS drives have been around a long time, and were the main option on most performance boats. I think the fact that it has the HP500's makes it worth the price. Factor in the new trailer, and then compare to boats with old 420's and no trailer. I don't think 60k is bad at all if the boat has been well cared for. I'd have the TRS's gone through by a good outdrive person before running it. It's the old pound of prevention thing. Another thing about the parts becoming obsolete. There are so many TRS drives out there, that you can bet someone will tool up to make parts for them. If nobody does, maybe I will. :)

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

You guys are too much!! Just when I'm ready to walk away from this deal,Now its a good thing. I'm making an offer based on your opinions, and my knowledge of what a boat is worth around here. Yes the boat is clean,pretty ya,da,ya,da. The motors are 50 hr 500's TRS drives. Would it be better with bravos? Some say yes, some no, Who cares as long as they run, is the vibe I'm getting. Right? How about 48$ and some change? Anyone?

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Just remember, you can always offer more, but you can't go less.

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

chriscraft,

I have a 1994 303 SR-1 for sale in the classified section.
502's with bravo 1's, under 250 hours on original motors. Very clean boat stored indoors year around.
with alum trailer for 65K. Much newer looking than that 89 357.
no disappointments with this boat.
Call my cell if interested 609-462-0264.
Dave

Re: I'm Thinking about buying a Formula
 

Toolman- thanks for the offer,nice looking rig, but over the budget, unless I can put it on my Mac-advantage card!!!!! The original 357 I was looking at got sold before I could barter, thanks-everyone.