chuck21401

Thanks for all of the replies. Now I'm thinking at a 1989-1990 Formula 311 with 454s or 502s would do the trick...along with a hatch A/C or the briefcase A/C and a small generator on the swim platform. Guess I like the styling of the older Formulas.

HiPerf2000

iTrader: (2)

dont forget the 336. nice roomy boat.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/6/42235726.htm

bford1

If you're not afraid of the 1980s then there are nice 357 Formulas around. They are very roomy and have a great ride. Many came with a/c (mine didn't) and can be had well under $50,000 (or $40k). Mine is an '85. Not for sale but a good example of what is available. I paid well under $40 for this thing with two blown 454s. Shop around. Now (or a month ago) is a great time as people want to unload before they have to winterize.

CMG

Good choice Chuck!
I'd sell mine for 35K, 89 454mags- Bravo 1's - less than 600 hours - new sun pad, cockpit cover - 3 year old aluminum tri-axel.
Why?, I want to use up the remainder of home equity line of credit on bigger boat - before the wife spends it on new kitchen, bathr....

chuck21401

Well hold on, earlier in this thread you said your boat isn't for sale...
Will a 311 do 65mph with 454s? I guess that isn't so important as being able to cruise at 50-55mph all day long. Of course my problem (like many other sellers) is that I need to sell my boat before I get another boat. Now (winter) is a good time to be a buyer but not a seller. The good news for me though is that there seems to be a number of under $50K boats out there...including a number of older formulas. While only the bigger boats have A/C I think a portable unit is a work around.

CMG

no rush - sell your boat and give me a call in the spring - I'd hate to sell a boat to someone in the winter that couldn't take for a sea trial any way. Its winterized and wrapped up in back yard its not really for sale but since I lost my garage over the summer I'm thinking change. Like you, I want some $ in hand before shopping.
I bought it right 3 years ago, rebiult a drive this year and a bunch of nickel & dime stuff (boating talk for $500 / $1,000) Thought about dumping the silent thunder box but the wife likes it.
65 all day, it has 454 mags & with good water we get it to 68.

I'm thinking Fast Tech 35 next.

rookie2

I am in same boat littrially ,looking also for same size and used price range give or take 10,000 the 35 lightning in nh is very nice but has 600hrs i believe what does everyone think

chuck21401

I'm not sure, is 600 hours high? The Formula 242LS I have has 680 hours on the boat, new outdrive in 2002. Broker claimed that "engine was rebuilt in 2001 and 250 hours since rebuild..." but I don't have a receipt that says so. But the boat is in great shape and runs fine. So I wouldn't hesitate to buy an older boat that has hours on it so long as it is in excellent condition. Perhaps a compression test/leakdown test would tell you about the condition of the motors. 454s are only $8K a pop right? I received a number of messages offline...there seem to be many nice boats (but older) available in this price range. With a good engine/boat survey and it looks nice...

chuck21401

Nice looking formula...

I showed my wife and she said (I kid you not!)

"I thought you wanted a Formula...not a FORM."

Good grief.

CMG

Fixed!! lost the "ULA" pulling out of water with tide pushing against dock, atleast I think thats how>