Hello everyone and thank you for viewing my thread.
I'm somewhat new to the boating scene, but have been around boats most of my life. I'm looking to purchase my first boat and I'm looking for something older but built fairly well. The boat I am currently looking to buy is a 1975 formula thunderbird f-20. I would like to know thoughts on this boat boat and any expirences if you all have had any. I will post pictures later. Again, all I'm wanting to know is any thoughts or expirences (problems and such). Motor, transom, and interior can all be changed over time to my preference.

Thanks for your help,

RB

I have a 79 F18. Built well, rides better that most boats its size. Look it over well like any other used boat.

Well built boats. They feel very stable at anchor unlike bayliners and other smaller craft I have been on. I actually have a F18 for sale that was redone top to bottom in 2006. PM me if you want more info.

I had a 77 F-18 for 9 years. The 20 is almost the exact boat just 24" longer. Very solid great riding and performing boat. your boat needs 300 horsepower to run 60....easily achieved with a small block chevy with an average build up.

Cautions: The cockpit is built with plywood so unless the boat has been indoors for the past 35 years there will be rot...be prepared to replace it. Check for rotten stringers and transom...especially if someone installed thru hull exhaust. You can follow some of the threads on this forum and see what we get into with older boats.

In summary...what's it worth? Not much unless someone has taken the time to replace and re-furbish the items I just mentioned. Unless this one is exceptional...keep looking for a "fresher" example of a boat this old.

Good luck.

I presently have a 1975 F18 Thunderbird Formula. Original hull, new motor, all renewed interior, etc.

Do you have any pics? Is this the 20' cat? The reason I ask is that I rigged one a few years ago for my boss, if we are talking about the boat anyway

post up some pics of it...rm

My dad had a 75 F20 Signa (which was the flagship one) it had a 888 mercruiser/302 ford, the deck was fairly thin, I remember how it flexed, good ride and great looking boat.

Have a 1974 Signa Formula which was my first boat. Planned on converting it to a sport model vs.the walk around engine hatch current set up. Stripped it out for a complete restore and it is in great shape. Have two new bucket seats from Formula, cost $500.It also has a 1996 Caulkins trailer in great shape however it will need tires for traveling. The hull is solid, no dry rot and the glass is thick...boat rides like a dream.

My plans were to use a wood vinyl to cover the deck and portions of the side and back bow rails and a use solid blue on the hull sides and leave the hull its original cream color. The only mechanical item I would add would be a set of electrical tabs for better trim and balance. I am unable to post any pictures due to a glitch in my system however go to www.magnumboatrestoration.com and you can see the Signa. $3,500 OBO Bud