Hi everyone, I'm your newest member!
Been dreaming since I was 13yrs old of one day owning my own classic Formula hull (since first laying eyes on a 233).
Now 20yrs on aged 33, I'm looking to purchase my dream boat; Either a 233 or 302, my particular favorites.
I've never to this day actually ridden in an old Formula...
I'm in the Fort Lauderdale area and would drive through the night if it meant a ride in one of these two models, or both!
Anyone able to fulfill a boy's dream?

Not putting down the 302,but they can't run with a twin 233 is the big stuff. I'm talking about a 260 I/O twin 233 and a 302/trs 280 or 454.

The hull is just that good in the big stuff.

IMHO.

An iconic boat builders 30' foot boat can't hang with its 23' boat in rough water? Did I read that right?

No, I said a 302 Formula of the same build time can't run with a 233 Formula in the big stuff !

Ask me how I know ?

Thanks for the feedback Rick G

Yes it's rough water keeping that I'm after, some cabin space, and those classic good looks that I think they jagged with the 302.

I'd love to find someone here in FL who owns one, and would be willing to take me for a ride

If you're able to steer me in the right direction, or where better to put the word out, please let me know Sir.

Cheers,
Lachy

Hi B85

Epic photo!

No doubt the 233 is a rough water thoroughbred. Though wasn't the 302 raced offshore 15yrs later and earned some considerable success? Would they not have just kept racing the 233 instead if it were that much better?

Can you offer some more detail on the 302's performance for me, D85?

One thing that makes me suspicious about the 302 is that I can't find any photos anywhere online of it running in rough water. Hence why I need to ride in one first to be absolutely certain it's the boat I want.

I regularly run 50+ nautical miles across 4-6ft seas to my favorite islands.

Cheers,
Lachy

First the 233 and the 302 are not from the same family.

Can't think of the last man's last name but the first was John ? . (https://www.formulaboats.com/history/) he came to Thunderbird /Formula in the mid to late 70's.

After the 233 ( " Secret Formula ") was lost in a road accident ,Scott Porter used the name on a SR-1 302 and did very well. The SR -1's came later than my time around the Formula's. Maybe they got the weight down ?
But the 233 (my 233 Secret Formula) would leave a stock 302 in its wake. But it was a Race boat. I was having problems with running out of bottom above 80 mph. She was just to short.

I would call Scott Porter (if he is still their ) at Formula and get his input. I think he will push you toward a Fast-Teck boat if I had to guest ? I would beat that Scott's 302 was anything but "stock" .

The 233 is a small boat but the best in the big stuff. But I'm old so its my HOP.

Is it just a weight or power issue then with the 302? Perhaps much heavier than a 233 and grossly underpowered? Is this why they can't run with a twin 233? If so then that's not a problem because outright speed isn't what I'm looking for.

I'd be happy with a calm water top speed of 60mph, but I'd like to be able to cruise at 40mph in the 'big stuff'. I'm not racing it, it's a pleasure boat. My means to escape on weekends to my island paradises in comfort. So it doesn't have to be a race winner, but it does have to ride nicely in the big stuff at cruise.