Thinking about buying a 1978 formula 21'

UPchuck

Cadet
Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Messages
28
So a kid that works for my brother in law was given this 78 formula boat. it needs a lil work, like a soft spot in the floor, a head gasket and a fuel pump. also the tilt trim motor works, but something is siezed and wont actually tilt up or down. but he only wants 500 for it. i figured the interior and trailor alone were worth that. engine spins and has compression. but maybe you guys could identify what type of motor it is from the pictures. i figure i could probably take it home for 350 or 400. and it would make a great winter project that would be worth a small chunck of change when it is done. So give me some input if yall would!

IMG00123-20110829-1237 (800x600).jpgIMG00121-20110829-1236 (800x600).jpgIMG00124-20110829-1237 (800x600).jpgIMG00126-20110829-1238 (800x600).jpg
 

djpeters

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 9, 2010
Messages
1,824
Re: Thinking about buying a 1978 formula 21'

Looks like a Ford 351.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,053
Re: Thinking about buying a 1978 formula 21'

OMC Stringer drive system, forget it. Hard to find parts, harder to find mechanics to work on them. If you want a fixer-upper get a Merc powered boat for sure....
 

UPchuck

Cadet
Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Messages
28
Re: Thinking about buying a 1978 formula 21'

Thanks guys. yea i went and saw it in person today. the pics were alot better looking than the boat. floor is rotten, manifolds both had huge cracks in em, water in the oil, and whoever had it previously did some horrible repairs with bathtub caulking. thing belongs buried about 20' below charlottes finest trash dump. thanks guys
 
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