Comparing sisters: F3LS vs 233LS

[Jordan Rautiola]

I just picked up a nice '84 F3LS, which is a modern-looking 21.5ft Formula cuddy cabin.  http://s1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff492/sideskraft/

 

It's got a stock 260hp 350 Alpha setup.  The hull has a sharp v-bottom and then a step that goes all the way to the back, about half way between the bottom of the v and the gunwale.  By comparison, the 233 has a rounder v-bottom, but I don't think it has this step.  The F3's front end protrudes more than most boats, which puts more hull in the water, but the 233's front end is even more rounded, making the actual hull contacting the water more like a typical 25 or 26 footer.  The F3 dry weight is listed as 3500,  the 233 as 4200. 

 

I'm wondering how these boats might compare in Lake Michigan waters, with the typical 2-4 foot chop, in areas such as handling, spray into the cockpit, softness of ride, turning, minimum speed to maintain plane, speed with comparble power, etc. 

 

I'd be interested to understand why Formula went to the sharp v-bottom with a midway step on the newer 80s models (F3 through 302 at least), when the 233 was apparently such a phenomenal design.  It seems unlikely that the 233, with it's relatively rounded v-bottom, would ride and handle big waves so well, since pretty much every serious offshore boat from the old Magnums to modern Cigarettes and Fountains have sharp v-bottoms. 

 

Any and all input would be appreciated, and I'm happy to be part of this great 233 Registry community!

[Captain Ed Cardinal]

  Jordan,   I am not sure your weight numbers are correct for the older 233 Formula.   I believe the single engine 233 is about 3,200 lbs (which I have) and the twin (six cylinder) is about 3,850.   I am guessing that they probably changed the hull design more for styling rather then poor performance of the older hull.    I know the older hull is legendary for its ability to cut thru chop and handling.  Of course the newer style hull could be an improvement too.  I know the newer hulls like yours are quite nice looking.   My guess is it handles the rough water great too.    Maybe someone who had had or rode in both can shed more light on the subject.   My favorite is the LIBERATOR since it is styled more like a newer generation boat but still uses the older hull !.......ED.

[Jordan Rautiola]

Thanks for the info Ed.  According to Formula's literature, the 233 w/single 260 Alpha weighs in at 4250 and the 255 Liberator is 5622.  The 233 twin (260 V8) is 5100, which sounds about right.  I actually ended up buying a nice '81 255 Liberator http://photobucket.com/Formula-255-Liberator a couple weeks ago that was north of Chicago.  If we decide to keep it I'm going to do some major updates to the cabin.  It sits really high in the back, which is perfect for putting the wife at ease in the Lake Michigan chop.

[Captain Ed Cardinal]

  WOW, that is a nice boat there !  

 Do you know what year the literature covers ?   I wonder if the newer boats are heavier.     I know the (1973) 233 brochure I got from the Formula "VINTAGE" site says 3850 but that is for the twins.   Does not show the weight for the single.   But my guess would be one less outdrive and engine and adding the other head and two cylinders would probably be about 600 lbs.     I always thought that sounded a little light since a 22 Donzi classic is about 3200 lbs and that is a smaller boat with a much lower profile and NO cabin up front.    Then again the 18 footer I had was as solid as a rock.  The hull seemed like it was an inch think it was so soild.   Unlike the Formula....Ed.

[Jordan Rautiola]

Ed, go to this link http://formulaboats.com/vintage_formula/vintage_brochures.aspx .  I was looking at the 1978 to 1983 brochures to get the info.  I'm glad you like the pics of the Liberator -- she does look good for 30 years old.  If the wife agrees, I plan to put a couple thousand into the cuddy cabin to brighten and modernize it, and make it more livable and "fresh".  I think the 3850 lb was for the boat less engines.  Some posters claim that the older Formulas (before Interceptor) had heavier layups than the newer ones.  I think a small block and outdrive weigh around 900lbs each, so if you add that to the 3200, you get 5000 for the twins, which makes sense and jives with the numbers I posted above.