78-82 formula 233 versus 1985 four winns sundowner 225.what would u pick?

[potatoe]

hello. i am currently in the battle over what boat i will be putting a mercruiser 5.7 in and restoring.- im leaning towards the formula. i hear a lot of good things about them. they seem like they hold value better, and ride really nice in the water. the only positive i can say about the four winns, is that it has more room in the cuddy cabin. i dont care much. as long as it sleeps atleast 2 and will fit a porta-potty, im happy. i would get the fishing hard-top for formula if i choose that.
i would be using it for mostly fishing, but also weekends with the girlfriend.
what boat would you choose to restore?
1978-82 formula 233
1985 four winns sundowner 225
i will try to post pictures of the two if i can figure it out.
thanks, nick

 

[greg82255]

Re: 78-82 formula 233 versus 1985 four winns sundowner 225.what would u pick?

If they are in the same condition, I'd take the formula any day of the week. One of the most well put together boats out there.

 

[potatoe]

choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 78-82

choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 78-82

what ever boat choosen would come with 5.7 mercruiser. im looking more for fishing, but weekends with the girlfreind too. i hear many good things about this formula hull design. top speed should be higher for the formula also. i was told this design is built to run with single or side by side engines. and also seems to hold a better value then the four winns 225. the only good thing i like about the four winns is the size of cuddy cabin is bigger then formula. but as long as 2 can sleep comfortably, and it will fit a porta- potti, im good. i would definitly get the fishing hard-top for the formula. that makes the boat. anyone else have any info to share? thanks

 

[seabob4]

Re: choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 7

Re: choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 7

The Formula, hands down. That hull is one of the best ever designed...

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 7

Re: choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 7

Formula

 

[204 Escape]

Re: choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 7

Re: choosing what boat to restore. 1985 four winns sundowner 225 or the formula 233 7

formula !!!

 

[sprink56]

Re: 78-82 formula 233 versus 1985 four winns sundowner 225.what would u pick?

I agree with greg82255. I am on my 4th Formula...a '79 255 Liberator. The 233 Formula is the pattern for most modern deep v fiberglass power boats built in the past 50 years. The 233 is the boat that Don Arronow built to show the world that fiberglass was a viable material to build offshore powerboats from.

Check this site...it will help you with your decision. http://formula233registry.ning.com/

Come back and tell us what your decision is after you read all that is on the 233 site.

 

[DragonBlod]

Re: 78-82 formula 233 versus 1985 four winns sundowner 225.what would u pick?

I know I am new, but been following the forum for a while as I had a 1995 Marada MX-1 ss, and traded it for a 1998 fifth wheel, but still wanted a boat. I just traded my like new 99 Yamaha warrior for a 1977 20' Formula F-20CL. I would do it again in a heart beat. The boat has a 235 OMC in it and I need to do some work to the outdrive, gel-coat, etc, but the boat is in awesome shape with original upholstery. I plan on bringing this one back to full life. The engine purrs like a kitten, and starts right up. The stringers and bottom of the boat are encapsulated, so I shouldn't see the problems like many other boats. I really like Formula, so was totally excited when this guy wrote back about the trade. I have read up about these boats and they appear to be a standard, that many try to imitate but most fall short of. Look at Scarab and you will see what I mean, that is one great boat very similar to the formula, and baja. Good luck, go with the formula. Four winns is in the higher average boat category, but still have problems of their own. I have been seeing a lot of problems with stringers and transoms on Four Winns in my local area, living only 5-Blocks from Lake Erie, and there seems to be a lot of problems with our weather and the boat hulls getting soggy.