That's insanely hot, thanks.....

Read this:
"Yeah, I've got this thing for 1989, but honestly if any boat on that list came with better options, or was just made better before or after the 1989 model year, I'd be more than open to considering it."

Thanks friend, best response yet, seriously thanks.

The more I look at the Formula's the more I like them, they're just bad @ss boats, and from everything I've read on them it appears as though they were very well built.

Been down that same road with a 71 Camaro, 49 Buick Super 8, and so many other cars I would be here all night typing.
So mad props and respect for what you did, seriously, I get it.
I know first hand what that's all about.
Believe me, after going through what I went through with my IMP, not only did I learn a ton of things, but I know how to approach all of this better going forward.
I'm not even going to buy anything now because I want to save up even more than what I currently have, so I can spend wisely the first time, rather than rush into the hopefuls that only need blah, blah, blah on Facebook Marketplace.
Trust me dude, I've learned, and your 100% on point with evefrything your saying.

I did look at some of those and they look awesome, thanks.....

That`s a good looking unit and seems to be in very good shape and well taken care of .

This 1974 Formula 233 was completely restored by a fellow who's done this several times. Re-manufactured Merc. 454/330 Bravo, 55 mph WOT. I love the hardtop with its front and side windows that open. Others like the open, more common 233s. However, none of the boat models mentioned, with exception of the Nova 26, would be able to keep up with this on a very rough day. To find a Nova 26 with a single is very unlikely though. The time and money making this boat in the condition it's in now is not for the faint of heart, but then that goes for all restos done right. The U.S. dollar is super strong now, and this is outside of Toronto. In the U.S. this is a $30,000 boat or more. The owner just dropped the asking price at the end of the season from $25k to $20k U.S., with the trailer. The restoration is fully documented. This is food for thought. Personally, I think it's difficult to use this for say 5 years and fail to get $20k for it again.

P.S. NEVER buy a boat with structural rot, unless you're a masochist. D.S

EdenCraft in Australia still builds the Formula 233 model. Watch one in action.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a1fe41f0a1.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a6a4b3b942.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9348ac179b.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d9696b7636.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e9ef8cc135.jpg

Lars, I don't know how you do it, but I look at Kijiji almost every morning and I didn't see that 233!

pretty stiff list of demands, I missed that. 🤷🏻‍♂️💁🏻‍♂️

I'm in the same "boat" with 1989 28 saber project. Doesn't sound like you can be talked out of it so at least get something that can be resold. Out of your list I like the Formula's, the 242 and 233 are timeless boats someone might actually buy it when your done. The rest of the boats on your list likely to end up a parts boat. Lot of really cool boats end up a parts boat though not a dig, just lines not sexy enough to restore them IMO. The lines make them timeless. If it's 30+ year old boat and not fun to look at just sitting on the trailer then it will be a tough sell down the road.

Don't buy project boats if you don't have a second boat to enjoy or you will burn out.

All good advice, and the more I look at the Formula boats the more I like them, plus many of you in here also like them which is a big plus.....thanks.