Hi all,

Been a while since I've been on here, currently in the process of trying to buy an early 80's 272LS, lovely boat with 454's and Bravo drives. Pic attached.
It needs a bunch of work, and I'm in the process of trying to convince my wife that it'll be a lovely boat when done and fine for the odd night away with our 9yo daughter

I've got an image in my mind of how I'd like to update the boat a bit with re-upholstering the cockpit and cabin etc, but could do with some photos to show her of others who have already done it, might find some inspiration for me too! So there we are, please post any pics of your 80's (or 90's as they're not much different in looks) Formulas, which you've re-trimmed/updated etc!

Thanks!

Larby

My 89 242. All original except stereo and engine. It will stay that way. I refuse to \"modernize" the classic lines and upholstery of it. If i wanted a new one i would have bought one. The 80's era for formula was the best in my eyes. Goodluck on your project. Im sure it will be very nice when your done.

I'm not looking to go mad or ruin the look of the boat. Outside graphics will stay the same, general colours remain etc, it was more just about making it look a little more fresh.

James

I wouldn't go crazy either. Keep it as close to original or that era as possible. You and others will greatly appreciate it in the end. Sit down with your wife one night and go back through all the vintage brochures on Formula's website. She'll get to see what they looked like brand new. Formula always did an awesome job of capturing the essence of the "boaters" lifestyle in their brochure photos. She'll get a better idea then of what could be once your finished. If the vinyl looks like its seen 30+ years of sun and abuse, getting new foam and vinyl is really going to make the boat pop and breath new life into her. I wouldn't do some crazy custom interior that I've seen others out there do. Formula is known for their bright white vinyl with a soft yet subtle touch of the accent colors that just gives the boat its clean lines. Maybe update the cockpit carpet, but stick to the original. Nothing too bold or obnoxious. She's a gentlemen's speed boat.

That is one thing about a formula. I have tried to explain it to my friends that are buying a cheap built boat like a baja or something similar. They built these with quality. Mine is far from perfect but its 28 years old and is completely original. The 2012 tahoe bow rider I'm re working for my cousin needs all upholstery redone and the floor is soft. Keep her as close to factory as you can. Some of the formula vinyl is available on ebay. I would like to have my bolsters re covered but havent figured out who to send them to.

Hunter, regarding your bolster re-cover, check with MASI242 here on OSO. I believe he had his done (same color as yours) and they look great.
To the OP, you will love the Formula 272, if your wife doesn't get a new one (not boat). Just kidding, if she does not like the Formula she either does not like boats or needs a completely different style. Good luck

The worst part of your boat's interior are the bolsters. Formula did not start using great bolsters until 86, and those were made by McLoud, now out of business I think.
Try to find quality bolsters, and then have them and your cockpit upholstered in high quality fabric. My new bolsters had built in head rests, so I rebuilt the sun deck to have similar for the back seat. I also used one big sheet of fabric for the sun deck, as the risk of it bellowing up at speed. But quality materials well installed reduces that likelihood. I also replaced all the vinyl-covered trim in the cockpit with the same white fabric, keeping the gray carpeting on the sides where the gunnel storage doors are. So, my cockpit is now white with gray and very little black trim. Can't tell you how much the upholstery made the boat pop, I'm thrilled with it.
NOTE: Make sure this boat doesn't need too much work and parts to bring it back; those costs jump fast on you.

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I probably should've mentioned I'm in the UK, so there's no question of lairy colourful upgrades! I'll leave that to some of the guys over your side of the pond!

I was more thinking of subtle little changes, fresh carpet etc, nothing too outlandish!

I just kept it original