Boys, in two weeks I'll be going to look at a 1986 Formula 357. The guy tells me its a "8.5 or 9 out of 10" - aren't they all! Since I didn't just fall off the turnip truck, I'd like to know what to look for in general, and any specific problem areas on this boat.

For the price, I could almost gut that ugly-ass interior and re-cover it with white vinyl, so I'm a little stoked about the boat. An updated interior might convince Mama that we could live with an older boat like this one.

Also, the boat has K-planes (visions of new Trick Marine tabs dance in my head...), Merc 400 Cyclone motors (supposed to have been rebuilt, one last year, the other two years ago - I'll be asking for receipts), TRS drives (not sure about the trannies - hopefully BW's. How to tell?) and the usual bunch of Formula goodies down below. Guy even tells me that all the gauges work (all the original VDO crapola? I'll believe it when I see it...)

Anyway, any and all advice is welcome!!

As far as trannies go - there will be a plate on the BW's that you should be able to see.

The gauges should be Medallions.

Mike, you planning on pulling that thing? That is a ****load of a boat to pull around so be prepared

Good luck in your ventures

They are EXCELLENT rought water boats, real wave crushers. They are NOT the fastest 35 footer running out there.

Some people say they can feel them "flex" in rough water, others say no. Just check for stress cracks in the usual places, not a real big deal.

If it's in good shape I wouldn't hesitate in buying one. They are one of the best "classic" looking offshore boats ever made. Put around 650 hp per side and they come alive.

With 400's I'd expect a top end around 61/62 or so. Will also depend on what it has for props. A prop change might get you a couple mph. Good luck and keep us posted.

I'm really not concerned with being the fastest - it ain't gonna happen on my budget! Plus I've got 2 young'uns, so I figure go for a good ride, there's always room to add horsepower later.

This is what I'd like to do - find a structurally sound 357 with decent mechanicals. Gut the interior and replace/recover with something more modern. While the interior is out, pull the old rub rail, possibly add thru-bolts to the deck/hull joint. Put in a polished SS rubrail. Add recessed cleats. Pull the windshield frame, re-gel the IP and dash, get the frame polished.

Paint would be white on the deck, solid (dark blue?) on the hull sides with maybe a stripe at the water line.

Couple years down the road, look at bigger power and Konrad drives.

I figure if I found the right boat for $30-40K and put another $10-15K into the cosmetic aspect, it'd be a nice ride. Another $15-20K down the road for power and drives and for less than $100K it's a classic that's as big as a modern 38'.

It all makes perfect sense in my head. Of course, I haven't shared this grand scheme with the Admiral just yet...

Sounds like a plan to me. I've always like the 357's and like I said, it is one awesome rough water boat.

You are correct though, the "Formula Wood" has got to go. My first boat, an 85' F 242 LS had the same wood. When I had the boat back in 91 it was okay. Now it's not.

If it's in good shape, I'd go for it. Russ

Are you talking about the burlwood in the cabins?

Is that what you call it? I call it "Formula Wood". Every boat of that era has the same wood in the cabin that I've seen. I just personally don't care for it much.

I'm more talking about the "mouse fur" velour they used back then... as a comparison, here's shot of our 1999 280 Powerquest. That's more like what Mama would like...