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Formula 357-Dear Lord What Have I Done
I’ll start by saying I thought I knew quite a bit about boating. Then I bought this 1988 Formula 357 and realized I don’t. I love it, but I know nothing. I am looking in every direction and seeing things I don’t even know what to call. If an artist rendered a drawing of me with this boat is would be me standing there looking at it confused with my hands on my hips. I’ve searched the forum and done some reading but still. Do any of you guys know anything about this boat? The electrical system, the TRS drives, heck I’m not so sure the previous owner didn’t change the throttle control cables (shouldn’t forward/reverse be on the left side?), but I have no context with these boats. Any Formula experts care to weigh in and give me some general operating and maintenance advice? I grew up with Mastercraft’s, Supra’s, Sea Rays, and a Chaparral cruiser, but this offshore stuff is a different animal.
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If you want help, you are going to have to ask some specific questions. In reality, there are a lot of boaters that don't know much about boats.
As far as the shifters, it depends on what you have. If you have normal offshore style controls like pictured here https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...57-o75654.html they can be taken apart and configured with the levers in a number of ways. Its personal preference. A lot of people like the shifters on the outsides and throttles in the middle. |
Originally Posted by Griff
(Post 4706706)
If you want help, you are going to have to ask some specific questions. In reality, there are a lot of boaters that don't know much about boats.
As far as the shifters, it depends on what you have. If you have normal offshore style controls like pictured here they can be taken apart and configured with the levers in a number of ways. Its personal preference. A lot of people like the shifters on the outsides and throttles in the middle. |
A - you're in the right place - OSO B - take a deep breath. They aren't that complicated once you get to know them, I promise. C - congrats on your purchase! |
Keep posting comments, then get us some pics! We'll help.
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Nice boat good luck old style throttles my guess?
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Congrats on the Formula, member since 2013 and only 8 posts. What part of TN. are you in? Kuttawa (HU-B'S) has a few 357's that frequent the area. May be a place to investigate for knowledge. Good Luck
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Originally Posted by Griff
(Post 4706706)
If you want help, you are going to have to ask some specific questions. In reality, there are a lot of boaters that don't know much about boats.
As far as the shifters, it depends on what you have. If you have normal offshore style controls like pictured here https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...57-o75654.html they can be taken apart and configured with the levers in a number of ways. Its personal preference. A lot of people like the shifters on the outsides and throttles in the middle. |
Originally Posted by GLENAMY 242SS
(Post 4706726)
Congrats on the Formula, member since 2013 and only 8 posts. What part of TN. are you in? Kuttawa (HU-B'S) has a few 357's that frequent the area. May be a place to investigate for knowledge. Good Luck
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Just push all four levers all the way forward. You’re welcome. |
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