Summary and link to 1986 Formula 272 LS rebuild thread in Formula section
 

Hello, when I started my first boat project about 20 months ago, I never thought it would be as involved as it was! I do not believe this section existed yet either, so I started my thread in the Formula section. Well, 20 months, 30 pages, 293 post and over 20,000 views, it has gone beyond what I thought I was capable of!

I figure I should post a link here on the actual restoration section so I can post summaries every now and then to let others know what I am working on and have learned.

Things I have done: Replaced both motors (twice), transom assemblies, and outdrives. Recoated vinyl, replaced vinyl, cleaned vinyl. Rebuilt trim pieces, tightened windshield, installed stereo, rebuilt helm console, painted bilge, replaced stringers with new wood and glass, replaced bulk heads, used pourable stringer resin, trialed electronic fuel pumps and system designs, made rear seat removeable, upgraded electrical wiring, added LED's, gutted the whole cabin and started rebuilding, moved porti potti, and a LOT of other items!

There are things that I read about here on OSO first and that really helped me, some of them I had to ask advice first and got wonderful information back. Other things I had to take an educated guess at and see what worked. Either way, my hope is that others will see this thread and through reading or searching will maybe get some help on how to rebuild their boat.

So for now I will post a few pictures of the before and after (or current) and post a summary of my rebuild thread here to keep any who are interested updated who do not browse the Formula section.

Link to rebuild thread in formula section: http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...86-272-ls.html
Here are a few pictures of when I brought it home and started stripping it down. It was complete and running when I got it, but digging into it found it to be a mess!

Thank you,

Brian
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thinking back, I got this boat about the same time that Sam started his "Cigarette Sam stinger" thread. That is definitely an epic thread, but not to hash that out here.

It has been an interesting project and the boat is growing on me more and more. The water pics attached are from fall 2012 when we first tested it. Got it out on the water three times, just enough to damage one and scrap the other motor due to water leaks. Another lesson well learned! The one of it on the trailer being weighed is from this summer. I have enjoyed making improvements to the trailer and boat as structural projects are finished up. Makes you feel good doing things to make the boat look better in the end.
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Looks great. Nice Job :)

WOW! Just went through the 30 pages on your thread! Great work!!!!!