Mark Thomas's Page

Hey, nice to have you.

I was begining to think that mine was the only one too. This is what I wrote to David yesterday, it gives a ok description of the boat. Curoius if you have some of these same features?
yesterday, below....
David,
Yes it is the only left hand drive that I and Formula have seen. I have grown up fishing the Gulf of Mexico all my life, back in the day we owned a 76, 233.
I have been in contact with Formula to try to determine its history. WIth no real hull ID numbers, it has a four digit number inside the transom, however Scott at Formula tells me that it is so old that back in that time frame everything was kept on a spiral note book. I have had him searching for additional info but at this time we dont have any.

One of our theories is that it is actually the very first Formula to hit the water, it was Jim
Wynne’s Volvo outdrive prototype boat, prior to full production? There are many things all over the boat that are not from the main production line. If you look at the lines (glass work on the cap) very close, comparing to Dons boat, they are identical, with the exception of the left hand drive. The left hand drive is origional. Also in the front of the veessel, located under the anchor locker is a fresh water tank, this is formed into the hull and is filled from the bow, you can see the fill cap next to the bow cleat, again origional. This 64, 233 also only has a 55 gallon stock fuel tank. There are many little items that I could point out, all very interesting. I have been facinated with these boats since I was a child.

The guy I bought it from a year ago was going to take out the I/O's, cut the cap off and make her a CC. I could not let him do that so I purchased the boat, I had never seen one exactly like this hull and could not let history be destroyed. She came from Florida prior to my ownership.

The project has come to a very slow pace as I now have full custody of my three boys and we just had another boy. Yeah, I will have my own 233 fishing team, but as for time, well four kids, full time job, there just is not enough time in the day. With that being said I have fixed the drives, got both motors running, replaced all thru hull fittings, rewired most of it. One day she will shine and look new again. She has been on 3 sea trials (in the river), so far so good! The wife and I love this exact boat and will never sell her, even when we upgrade. I will keep her in the family regardless of its exact history. But very interesting stuff, those were exciting times back in Don's racing days. That kind of history should never be forgotten....

Norman

stella1_desmond51@yahoo.com
GREETINGS FROM stella ..............................
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Hello
My name is miss stella viewing and going through your profile address today has made me to became intrested in you,i will also like to know you more,and i want you to send an email to my email address so that i can send you my picture, for you to know and see whom i am.
Here is my email address(stella1_desmond51@yahoo.com) believe we can move from here!
I am waiting for your mail to my email address above.
stella .
(Remeber the distance or colour does not matter but love matters alot in life)
PLEASE I WOULD LIKE YOU TO GO DIRECT TO MY EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW TO CONTACT ME NOW..............................................................
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HAPPY TO READ FROM YOU
BYE....
stella1_desmond51@yahoo.com

very nice boat mate

I sold my 64, portside drive 233 to Daniel Kelly who is now a member of this site. He is finishing the project as my wife lost her job and of course the kids have to eat. etc...

Hated to do it. He is starting the exterior process.