Formula newbie
 

Hello from up North. Just recently bought a Formula 311. It has been an eye opener as my last boat was a 1979 18' BAJA. This game is a whole new experience. Russ, you've been a great help, and this forum is sweet. Looking forward to conversing with all of you Formula lovers.

Does any one know if Formula made a 311 with a Radar Arch???

Re: Formula newbie
 

I've got a 302 with almost the same graphics and believe it or not, it came with an arch too.

Re: Formula newbie
 

The arch now resides behind the garage.

What year and power is your 311? There are a lot of happy 311 owners on this board.

Re: Formula newbie
 

cuda, Your boat is beautiful. I like the look with the Arch. I believe mine was an add-on. Great swim platform. Is that Extreme Marine? I'm thinking of making a change to the exhaust platform also. But, first I'm getting rid of those heavy exhaust manifolds. Way too much weight.

Re: Formula newbie
 

"QD", you will be amazed at how much help you will find on this board, particularly in this forum. If you have a question, help and encouragement is only a keyboard away.

Some quick hints:

Cuda HATES biminis.

Cuda HATES biminis.

Oh yeah, before I forget, Cuda HATES biminis.


When you have the time, go back through the Formula Forum, I mean way back, and you will find countless threads about a 311. You will find that you will probably learn more from OSO than any other five sources combined.

And, Cuda HATES biminis.


You might consider losing the radar arch. It'll cost you probably 3/4 mph on top end and fuel. It's a big "air dam" that creates a lot of drag. Just a thought. Plus, it makes the boat look much "cleaner".

Re: Formula newbie
 

Hey there Outlaw....So....Cuda hates biminis...alrighty then I'll remember that. It's been a little wet up here...not the warmest summer on record. Thanks for the info on older threads. That sounds like a great resource.

Re: Formula newbie
 

CUDA>>>>It has twin 454 mags, and is a 1988...

Re: Formula newbie
 

Always glad to help.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Btw, I hate biminis.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Same power as Outlaw. I think Outlaw is an 89 right Russ?

Re: Formula newbie
 

Alright !!! Somebody newer than me .....

Re: Formula newbie
 

Hey offthefront, just rained here ...again....hoping for some warmer weather into October...in the process of changing Osco exhaust manifolds to aluminum...$$$

Re: Formula newbie
 

Quickdecision, Good Luck With Your New Toy ! The Color Combination And Graphics Are Real Sharp . I'm Sure You Will Find This Site Extremely Useful With Many Knowledgeable People . Again Good Luck With Her !

Re: Formula newbie
 

Formula 357 SR-1~Thanks very much ...already found this site remarkably useful and fun...Thanks for the compliments on the graphics...are there pics of your boat in here?
I will need lotsa luck!!!

Re: Formula newbie
 

Cuda, that's a big ten-four, Outlaw is an 89.

"QD" what exhaust are you swapping out for. I am just starting to swap out my old stock Merc. units for a set of EMI Thunder units with the aluminum risers. Got them from Too Old (Fred Cecil @ Trick Marine here on OSO). If you need anything, Fred's the man to call first. Going to try to do it myself, but it is going to be a bit(h.

This is an older picture of Outlaw. Click on to make larger and the picture cleans right up. Idiot poles on trailer are now gone, rubrail is now white along with foredeck hatches. Am losing the silent thunder as part of the exhaust swap.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Here Is A Picture , The Restoration Is Still Underway Though . It Has Been A Long And Sometimes Grueling Process But To Me Its Worth The Effort !

Re: Formula newbie
 

357 .. I like those colors ..is that black and grey ? what are the seat colors ?

Re: Formula newbie
 

Any one know how fast a 311 will go with stock 454 mags?? I have not had mine at WOT yet......

Re: Formula newbie
 

QD- I don't want to sound like a politician (gag, hurl, hurl, gag) but a lot of factors are involved here. A boat will generally run slightly faster on salt water than fresh water. You running "heavy or light". That can make up to a 3mph difference. Our boats are extremely "ass heavy", we need to get the stern up out of the water higher to decrease drag and improve overall ride attitude. That's why the Quad IV props seem to work so well. At least it did in my case. I think dropping the "Silent Thunder" box is goig to help, it's going to allow the engine to breath just a little better, especially since I'm swapping to EMI Thunder exhaust system which breath much better than those stock Merc. units. With those aluminum risers, I'm losing 65 lbs. per motor. Dropping the silent thunder box will also lose probably 175/200 more lbs. Then if I go out with only a quarter tank of fuel, (I ususually go out full, seems not be necessary unless I'm planning a particular long run as I usually burn about a third to half a tank every time I go out) and that does seem a long time ago at this point, there's another 700 lbs. or so of weight saved. So combine the gas, risers, silent thunder box, and I've dropped over a 1000 lbs. of weight. That's going to make a difference.

Anyway after all that rambling, depending on props, etc. you should see 65-68 mph out of her. I personally, the way the boat is rigged now, on a perfect day, light load, have kissed 70-71, but it consistently runs high 60's. With the exhaust swap out and dropping "the box" I expect to see at least 3 mph gain. Running light on fuel, probably another 2 maybe 3. So with me, all things considered, I might be able to coax her up to around 73 maybe 74.

You also will have to find the "sweet spot" when airing her out, with drives and trim. Trim all the way up. Keep kissing the drives out until revs climb but no more speed and you will probably slow down a bit. You will need a good GPS to verify this. Forget the boat's speedometer, it's worthless. Good luck and let us know what you get. They all pretty much run the same. Russ

Re: Formula newbie
 

Q.D., I think I saw your boat in Mallets bay the end of july on a fri I think? Yes sharp looking boat.

Good luck, This place is addicting.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Thanks Russ,

I do have a GPS but don't know how to work it yet......I'll learn......I just went out and looked at my silent thunder box, opened up one of the flaps on the port engine exhaust, and I started feeling around, I pulled out a bunch of rocks out about the size of a dime. I can't figure out how they got there..........Has this ever happened to you or anyone else????

"QD"

Re: Formula newbie
 

Outlaw,

Found aluminum exhaust, riser spacer kit, ECM/Ing. module and oil filter mount, power steering bracket kit, shift cable assembly....black powder coated from Revolution Marine. Lots of $$$ but the polished were more..I did not check with Fred..maybe I should have. I have a 60 day money back guarantee. I'll try them and see what happens...



That pic of Outlaw is super cool..looks good.. very clean machine, love the colors....


Thanks

"QD"

Re: Formula newbie
 

masi242,

That was my boat you saw...what color is your boat???? I think i may have seen you too...were you at Thayer beach????

All these old Birds look awsome.....I almost bought a 242 myself..always loved the looks of the 242, can't go wrong with those..

thanks

"QD"

Re: Formula newbie
 

Formula Outlaw, I sent a PM

Re: Formula newbie
 

QD, We were there for Gl`s fun run that week end. Than drinks at the Turtle.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Musta been one of Cuda's friends previous boats ..He prob put them there to slow em down .......:)

Re: Formula newbie
 

QD - Nice looking 311 - OSO is awesome. There is a ton knowledge here and lots of nice people willing to help.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Hey Fellas , Here Is A Picture Of The Seats And Engines , The Seats Were Just Recovered When The Picture Was Taken . The Stripes On The Boat Were Also Redone ( By Me ) . The Colors On The Sides Are The Classic Black In The Back Of The Boat , And The Side Colors Were Changed From Flat Grey To Silver Metallic , And From Navy Solid Blue To A Bright Blue Pearl Metallic Sort Of Like Iroc Blue ,that Real Loud Chevy Color ) . It Looks One Hell Of A Lot More Summerish Now . My Opinion Is That The Boat Looks About 5-7 Years Newer Also . The Stock Solid Colors That Came From The Factory Were As Blah As Hell On This Boat , Nothing Eye Catching . I Am Thinking Of Changing The Rub Rail Over To White Also , But Am Not Shre How A Big White Moulding Would Look Wrapped Around A Black Swim Platform ? That Is Still In The Air At The Moment . But As I Said I Have A Long Way To Go To Get This Baby The Way I Want It , It Probably Wont Be Completly Done Till After The Winter .

Re: Formula newbie
 

Thank you bford1,


Do you have any pictures of your 357?????? I would love to see it. OSO is awesome. The people here are absolutely fantastic.


Thank you

"QD"

Re: Formula newbie
 

1 more pic of my 311.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Easy - leave the swim platform black, go white on the hull.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Formula 357,
Your boat is awesome!!! What do you have for engines and exhaust? Your engine compartment is so nice. How much time do you have in this baby?
I 've been working on quick decision since April, and I'm about burned out with just gettin it to be reliable. Very nice work on the stripes. Did you do the interior your self or did you have it done?
It is all worth it in the end... It is just the rough road in between that gets discouraging...

Re: Formula newbie
 

Get a boat completely done? Ha, that's funny. THEY ARE NEVER DONE.............
THERE ALWAYS SOMETHING ELSE THAT NEEDS DOING.........IT'S A BOAT...........

Re: Formula newbie
 

QD - Sure - here are pics of the side, engine and transom. This is the first year of the 357 (1985). The wood swim platform really dates it and I'd like to replace it with aluminum. I do, however, like the fact that it does not have the silent thunder exhaust. I'm looking for a less expensive alternative to an Extreme Marine tubular swim platform. I may make my own and use the exising brackets. Notice the exhaust and that the swim platform had to be moved up about 3 inches to clear the pipes. Unfortunately, mine is the loudest Formula I have ever come across. I'm just waiting to get pulled over and cited for the noise but it hasn't happened yet. I'd like to quiet it down a bit.

Brent

Re: Formula newbie
 

HEY QUICKDECISION AND FELLAS , FOR MOTORS I HAVE HP 500'S WORKED TO BE 600 TRUE DYNOED HP . THE CAMS AND VALVE TRAIN WERE UPGRADED AND THE MOTORS WERE PUNCHED 40 OVER . MERLIN BRASS PORTED MANIFOLDS AND 1000 CFM DEMON CARBS .THE MOTORS WERE SANDED AND PAINTED AFTER THE MACHINE WORK WAS DONE , AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS WERE SANDBLASTED AND POWDER COATED . THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL MERCRUISER - (GILL ) EXHAUST , AS THIS BOAT WAS A TRS 420 HP BOAT AND THEY CAME STOCK WITH THIS SET UP . I MODIFIED THE SWIM PLATFORM AS DISCUSSED IN THE FORUMS ON HERE ( WHAT A F#$%^&*G DIFFERENCED ! THE SOUND IS MORE FLOWMASTER LIKE NOTHING TOO LOUD ,BUT SWEET TO HEAR WHEN JUMPED ON . I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS BOAT FOR 2 YEARS USUALLY ON WEEKEND ONLY , SO I CAN UNDERSTAND WHERE YOUR COMING FROM WHEN YOU SAY ITS SOMETIMES DISCOURINGING , AND A ROYAL PAIN IN THE ASS AT TIMES ! BUT AS I SAID IN MY SICKO MIND IT'S WORTH IT . TO ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE SATISFYING THEN A JOB FINISHED , AND FINISHED RIGHT ! RIGHT NOW I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SANDBLASTING AND POWDER COATING AND REBUILDING THE GIMBEL'S AND DRIVES THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A PROJECT FROM HELL . IT WAS NOT EASY TO FIND GIMBEL ASSEMBYLS THAT HAD NO SALT WATER CORROSION , AND IF I DID , NOT TO HAVE TO PAY OUT THE BUTT TO GET THEM . I COULD HAVE EASILY BOUGHT THESE PIECES BRAND NEW FROM MERCRUISER, BUT TRIED TO SAVE MONEY TO USE IN OTHER AREAS OF THE BOAT. AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, YOU EITHER PAY WITH YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY, AND AS I PURCHASED MOST OF THESE PIECES OVER THE WINTER WHEN MY BUSINESS IS SLOWER THAN NORMAL, IT WAS MUCH EASIER TO PAY WITH MY TIME THEN MY MONEY. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A GOOD QUALITY PART ON EBAY, AND I HAVE BEEN STOCKING UP ON THESE THINGS WHILE THEY ARE STILL READILY AVAILABLE. RIGHT NOW THE ONLY PIECE I AM STILL MISSING, WHICH IS OF MAJOR VALUE, IS TWO COMPLETE K-PLANE ASSEMBLIES, AS MINE WERE WORKING, BUT DID HAVE HEAVY SALT WATER CORROSION. AS I STATED BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO FIND CLEAN DRIVES, AND GIMBEL ASSEMBLIES, AND WANTED THE BACK OF THE BOAT TO LOOK BRAND NEW WHEN COMPLETED, AND I DIDN'T WANT TO REUSE THE OLD K-PLANE ASSEMBLIES, WHICH LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD BEEN PUT THROUGH A CHEESE GRATER.
DONT EVER THINK THAT YOUR THE ONLY ONE INVOLVED IN MAJOR HEADACHS AS IM SURE THAT EVERY MEMBER ON HERE COULD TELL YOU THEIR OWN HORROR STORY OF PROBLEM REPAIRS. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND YOUR WALLET OPEN, AND THE SUN WILL SHINE. WITH THE ADVICE AND HELP OF THE MEMBERS ON HERE, YOUR JOB IN COMPLETEING YOUR REPAIRS, AND MODIFING YOUR BOAT WILL BE MUCH EASIER ! IF THERE IS ANY WAY I COULD EVER GIVE YOU A HAND, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL.
[email protected]

Re: Formula newbie
 

How fast she run with that set up?????

Re: Formula newbie
 

Formula Outlaw , Its An 80 + Or - 1 Or 2 Mile An Hour Boat On A Good Day . That Was With The Stock Mirages . I Did Not Have The Opportunity To Experiment With All The Other Props Out There Yet, As I Would Like To See What Hydros And Cleavers Might Be Able To Do For This Boat . By The Way Your Unit Is Very Sharp Looking So Is Bford1's , Cudas , Cmgs And Quickdecisions And I'm Sure A Few Others ! Can You Tell I Like The Look Of The Upper 80's Style Formulas ? The New Ones In My Opinion And I Repeat In My Opinion Have Too Much Nonsense In The Way Of Graphics For My Taste .

Re: Formula newbie
 

"357" I agree with you totally on the graphics on the new Formulas. They are way too "busy" for me. I like the KISS approach.

Cleaver props are pretty much old technology, I'd try the Quad IV's although I doubt if your boat is quite as "a$$ heavy" as our 311's are. Props generally are either, bow lifting, or stern lifting, or neutral. I'd still try some Quad IV's or maybe the new 5 PX's but those babies are expensive. That's still some pretty impressive numbers for that boat. It ain't light and you're not running tremendous power, just good solid power. Congratulations on a job very well done. Russ

Re: Formula newbie
 

F357 - as far as the K-planes go, you could remove them and send them out for sandblasting and new powder coat finish if there's enough material left. Mine were pretty beat, so to fix them up I just decided to sand and paint them as I already have too many projects going on with the boat right now to remove them. Maybe next year...we'll see how the paint holds up.

Re: Formula newbie
 

Here's a newer picture of "Outlaw" docked in the Hyatt Basin with Deb.

I had to downsize the picture from 1275 to 1074 width. Didn't the pictures used to be automatically resized or am I screwing up again. I lost some of the picture. :rolleyes:

Click the picture to enlarge and it clears up nicely.