Better ride...

[Boatally Insane]

I now have two project boats in the works and am trying to figure out....

1: Which one would ride best at cruise (35 mph or so) in rough "washtub" conditions....

2: Top speed difference between the two with the current power...

3: Which would be best to invest time and $$ in to....

They both have 454's and Bravo drives....

Canidate #1 is a 1967 Formula 233....

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Formula/P4280155.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Formula/P4280154.jpg

It's "cosmetically challenged" but has a new interior, floor, fuel tanks and 300 hrs on the engine though I'm not sure of the h.p. rating....


Canidate #2. A 1979 Excalibur 24 x 7...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/P2630447.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/P4280033.jpg

This one is already sanded and ready for Gel Coat, has a fresh 454 mag but still needs the interior redone....


Thanks,

Doug

[rchevelle71]

Formula for ride at 35 MPH cruise, excalibur for speed, and everything else(fun boat to drive), but not necessarily a comfy family boat.

[old377guy]

F-233 for room and second softest ride around just behind Nova (or Nova Marine) 250. And of course Excalibur for speed and style.

[Buoy]

Wow, a 233, and a 24x7. Two iconic hulls.
As far as us guys that really dig the old classics, I don't think you can go wrong either way.
I look forward in seeing what you choose to do, and seeing pictures of the progress.
I'm partial to the 24x7 because the hull looks identical to my Pantera. Either way, you'll probably be completed and in the water before me...:rolleyes:

[fund razor]

F-233 for room and second softest ride around just behind Nova (or Nova Marine) 250. And of course Excalibur for speed and style.

Agreed. All other things being equal.

The transom on that particular 24/7 looks sketchy in the one pic.

I'd buy the 233 and wet slip it at my yacht club for a runabout.

[Boatally Insane]

Well..... I already own BOTH of them....

The 233 was just too good of a deal to pass up as it IS "water ready" ...
We should have it out this weekend...
It has a new interior.. I'm just not too crazy about the layout.. We'll see, maybe it'll work out just fine for the family..



The Excalibur I bought basically as a bare hull and have been collecting parts for it over the past year. It originally had a TRS in it and the exhaust holes appear to have been cut by a blind monkey.. The transom is not rotted AT ALL but I'm trying to decide if I should just replace the whole thing anyway.. Might be less work...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/P4280043.jpg
Doug

[rchevelle71]

I would replace it, rather than piecing it, then fix the glss from the outside.

[fund razor]

I would replace it, rather than piecing it, then fix the glss from the outside.

Agreed. It is already completely stripped.

I don't know why I like that 233, as sort of ugly it is compared to the lines of newer boats. I had an older Nova once. Maybe I'm nostalgic. But I would buy it for the right price. Not surprised that you did. I like that stubby bastage. :)

I think that we've come to a conclusion: run the 233 and restore the Excalibur. :D :cheers2:

[Boatally Insane]

I would replace it, rather than piecing it, then fix the glss from the outside.

That's what I've been leaning toward as well...

.....And now since I have the Formula I can wait on finishing the Excalibur until I can afford to do it how I want to...

BTW.. any idea what the fastest 24 x 7 has been??? :sifone:


Thanks guys..

Doug

[Boatally Insane]

Had the Formula out for the first time today and all I can say is OMG!!!!

That is ONE GREAT RIDING HULL !!!!! We had a pos 23 pitch prop on it which was a little too big but it managed to run 48 mph at 4200 rpm...

I have a 21 mirage plus that I need to get fixed before I put it on which should be perfect....


I LOVE IT... best $1600 I've spent in a long time!!! :hurray:


BTW it has a fuel flow meter on it as well... It burns 8 gph at 35 mph and 9 gph at WOT.... HELL YEAH!!!!!




Doug

[fund razor]

I had a good feeling about that boat. :)

[Buoy]

Good for you!
Glad you're out there enjoying it!
That's a helluva a lot more than many of us can say.
And...
While a little ugly and strange looking, the 233 was part of a beginning of an era. Congrats on owning her - a piece of history (if you believe in that chit like I do).

As for the 24x7 speed question...
I was told mine was running mid 80's when it started to get a bit squirelly with about ~500hp under it. I don't think in a true old-scholl 24x7 That I would want to go more than 80.
Just crush and splice waves at 50 while sipping a drink, and leave everyone behind.:cheers2:

[Boatally Insane]

Good for you!
Glad you're out there enjoying it!
That's a helluva a lot more than many of us can say.
And...
While a little ugly and strange looking, the 233 was part of a beginning of an era. Congrats on owning her - a piece of history (if you believe in that chit like I do).

As for the 24x7 speed question...
I was told mine was running mid 80's when it started to get a bit squirelly with about ~500hp under it. I don't think in a true old-scholl 24x7 That I would want to go more than 80.
Just crush and splice waves at 50 while sipping a drink, and leave everyone behind.:cheers2:


I LOVE the fact that I now own a piece of boating history.... I think it's way cool to own "the cigarette" even someone in the cove today noticed I was runnin' a '67 Formula.... Like I said... it's an awesome riding boat....


As far as my 24x7 .... I'm hoping to run OVER 100 in it... I had a '93 Checkmate 230 enforcer running 86 mph with 600 hp in it and though it was a chine walkin' hadfull it was FUN to drive... The Excalibur has to be a better hull than that was I'd hope.. We'll see someday if I ever have the $$ to get 'er done how I want it...




Thanks,


Doug

[Griswald]

..

[Boatally Insane]

..

Wow... small world isn't it....


How's your's running???


Doug

[Griswald]

How's your's running???


Doug

Thought you might like that.

Buddha motors never die................ Where's your boy Frank and his hotrod been hiding?

[htrdlncn]

I was on the boat with Doug and his two sons yesterday.
Blew my motor up night before last Poker run.
We should be running this next one in the Formula,
we will be putting it in my slip while we figure out what
went in the Carrrera

[Griswald]

That was quick. Man, you two are hard on parts. Can I recommend a good machine shop AND someone to tune it? :driving:

[htrdlncn]

Not hard on parts really,just cant afford good parts,
all my stuff is put together with used parts we have laying around,
To put it in perspective I have less than $15k TOTAL in my 27 Carrera+509 engine with supercharger+dual axle aluminum trailer+and E350 diesel box/tow truck..I make do with what I have,its all paid for and if I dont have the cash
I dont get it .Most guys have that much in engine alone.
Right now the plan is to run the Formula,slap the 454Mag
from Dougs former boat into the Carrera to get me out on the water then
tear into the 509 and see what happened.

[Griswald]

Understood.....However, the time and money you spend doing it over and over = one good motor and assembly. Hate to see you or anyone for that matter down all the time.

Let me know if there's anything I can help with.

[htrdlncn]

This last time we used Austin machine for the basic machine work,
the rotating assembly had already been balanced before hand by the Cylinder Head Shop here in austin and the heads done by Jim Isreal , Doug assembled it and triple checked all the clearences, seeing as thats what he does for a living as head mechanic at Caterpillar Im pretty sure none of that contributed to the failure.
We will know for sure once we take it apart and I do appreciate the offer,
you can bet I will ask for help when the time comes,
Im not shy about that at all!
:D

[Griswald]

The verdict is?

[htrdlncn]

Been working or out of town , havent even had a chance to deal with it..
If I have a day off I just use the Formula,,
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254164_2165983752630_1337757563_32699251_2799514_n.jpg

[fund razor]

I still like the Hooptie. :)

[Griswald]

Been spending a lot of time at Paradise Cove Marina this summer and have seen the Hooptie running by a couple of times.

[endeavor1]

I like the Hooptie!!! :26:

[Boatally Insane]

So far the Formula has been running GREAT!!

I just have to get used to the fuel economy (or lack thereof).
It seems to be getting about 1.5 mpg. I'm just used to doing a bit better with my other boats in the past, but they were all a lot lighter and way over powered compared to this one, but all rode like crap in comparison.

The fuel flow meter is obviously in need of calibration, have to mess with it if I ever have the time..

We ended up running a 21 Mirage plus on it, Frank has the top speed mark with it so far at 49.5 mph.. Cruise is 30 mph at 2900 rpm..

The ride in the rough is AWESOME!! My wife even let go of her "oh ****" bar for about an hour the last time out, which is GOOD for her....

We'll probably start working more on the stereo and a big power inverter to get her set up for overnighting as that season is fast approaching.. :cheers2:



Doug

[old377guy]

Good to hear

[KMP]

I've had the F233 before; like everyone says; a fantastic and solid boat with a great ride. Super buy on the Formula.

I also currently have a 24x7 P&D (Same as the excalibur). Mine runs just short of 90 with a 540. Lighted up, Imco extension box, etc.

Make sure you get the hull straight. The P&D had a sizable hook in the bottom.

[htrdlncn]

The verdict is?
We threw Dougs spare 370/454 in the Carrera ,
I should be running it in next weeks poker run
be lucky if it hits 60mph but at least it will be running
Ill get to the blower engine sometime over winter,
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294771_2363513650754_1337757563_32929884_4281227_n.jpg

[fund razor]

Anybody else want to reach into the photo and put a towel under the tools? :D :D

[Griswald]

C'mon, spill it.......you have to at least pulled the heads off that motor. Did you wind up with the good ole "too lean too long too bad" and melt some piston juice to the cylinder walls or ?

And don't worry what she'll run with that motor. At least you'll be out there doing what you do.

[htrdlncn]

Anybody else want to reach into the photo and put a towel under the tools? :D :D

I usually put moving blamkets over everything but I just
said fugg it this time..
:willy_nilly:

[htrdlncn]

C'mon, spill it.......you have to at least pulled the heads off that motor. Did you wind up with the good ole "too lean too long too bad" and melt some piston juice to the cylinder walls or ?

And don't worry what she'll run with that motor. At least you'll be out there doing what you do.

Nope havent looked yet, didnt go lean I have a wideband A/F meter and fuel pressure gauge going all the time. I was running it on the safe side as far as fuel ratio and I was running no more than 5lbs boost and it did not drop a valve either as we did pull valve covers to check that.
To lock up that suddenly and to not budge an inch afterwards it is either a broken rod or broken crank neither of which I can repair right now.

[htrdlncn]

And don't worry what she'll run with that motor. At least you'll be out there doing what you do.

yes sir!
:cheers2:

[fund razor]

I usually put moving blamkets over everything but I just
said fugg it this time..
:willy_nilly:

That's what I figured. :D

Too dam clean to be a habit.

[Boatally Insane]

I've had the F233 before; like everyone says; a fantastic and solid boat with a great ride. Super buy on the Formula.

I also currently have a 24x7 P&D (Same as the excalibur). Mine runs just short of 90 with a 540. Lighted up, Imco extension box, etc.

Make sure you get the hull straight. The P&D had a sizable hook in the bottom.

I checked the hull with a pretty long straight edge. It has quite a bit of rocker and only a little bit of hook towards the rear of the left side but I was able to get it out.. :)

Glad to finally hear some numbers from somebody with a similar hull, I was starting to think I was the only one out there crazy enough to try and run it over 70. :seeya:

Unfortunately with my current budget I'll be lucky to be able to put 700 hp in it the first go - round, but that should be a fun starting point to get everything dialed in.. :sifone:

Doug

[HateTank]

"the exhaust holes appear to have been cut by a blind monkey.." Hey.....I think I know that Monkey!!!!!LOL!

[htrdlncn]

?

Out and about tonight at C&C
ran a blistering 59mph with 3 people and 200 gallons of fuel.. :)
be at the poker run tommorow
Hope to see ya out there!
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297377_2382563566990_1337757563_32956086_3612722_n.jpg

[htrdlncn]

update, ran it today by myself on 3/4 tank and there was a good amount of chop,
ran 62.3 with wind and 61.8 against wind,,feel much better now, 62 just sounds much faster than 59mph!!!!!!!!! LOL...

[Ratickle]

update, ran it today by myself on 3/4 tank and there was a good amount of chop,
ran 62.3 with wind and 61.8 against wind,,feel much better now, 62 just sounds much faster than 59mph!!!!!!!!! LOL...

Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!:sifone::sifone:


If you can get 62.5, you can round up and tell everyone mid-60's.......:sifone:




I love the lines on that boat....

[htrdlncn]

Not too far from the truth, once it gets down to 1/4 tank it will be 400lbs lighter,
should be close to 64 by then,, stretch that a little bit and mid 60s it is!
:D

Back in the old days if you ran 60.1mph you would always say your boat ran 60plus..
;)

[Boatally Insane]

That Carrera hull truly amazes me...

The engine in it right now came out of my 22' Celebrity that ran a best ever of 59 mph..

Now it's in a hull that is 5 feet longer and about 2000 lbs heavier and it picks up speed!!!


My Celebrity "winter beater"
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Celebrity/0807110833.jpg?t=1314638269

[htrdlncn]

I picked up more than that going from the 21 Chaparral to the Carrera with same engine..
Hull design makes a big difference.
:D

[Griswald]

Please tell me this isn't the Hooptie?

72771

[Ratickle]

Wow. tide went out, huh?????



Jim was saying, even with the heavy rain, not enough to raise the lake at all,,,,

[fund razor]

Aw man... I kinda like the Hooptie. Hopefully it's just a Hoop-a-like.

[Griswald]

Not sure when that picture was taken as the level is much lower now. I would guess we're at 645'ish there and today 627'. Check out these pictures.....if we don't get any substantial rainfall this spring the LCRA is predicting around 615' by June. Can't imagine what it will look like if/when that happens. Very surreal around here. The picture with the stuck truck should be about 40' under water, the other is self-explanatory.

72780
72779

[Bobcat]

Wow, that's amazing and scary at the same time.(2nd pic)

[fund razor]

Dam Clark. :(

I wanted to learn a little more so I searched some. Found this for other people who are not Texans.
They say "full pool" is 681. About 54 feet low. You can click on the years under the chart and see other years. Looks like only 5 years ago, it was up.

There is a drought chart too.

http://travis.uslakes.info/Level.asp

[Ratickle]

I think that chart shows in May of 2010 it was full. Seems like they had a leftover hurricane or something....

[Griswald]

Found this on YouTube. Great vid from a man named Eddie Carter flying around Lake Travis in his parasail.



http://youtube/4m0uQnS9Ik4

[htrdlncn]

the parking job above was courtesy of Doug , luckily the Formula is built like a tank so it suffered zero
damage, even prop was okay.. Unluckily for me since he almost never uses the boat everyone thought it was me..
Oh well :D
Anyways I have been busy with work but I have been out a few times along with Simon, Cliff and the gang, even took my Malamute out one night, plenty of water left for cruising around so long as you know where the hazards are. Still over 100ft deep in the main channel.

Hooptie on Lake Travis
Dec 30
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401171_3037114490354_1337757563_33379421_1508964294_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/409572_3039767556679_1337757563_33380316_99373618_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/396625_3039768196695_1337757563_33380319_1616548948_n.jpg
Jan 6
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401236_3084970046713_1337757563_33410076_2037076540_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382873_3084973846808_1337757563_33410081_127342447_n.jpg
Feb 2 at night
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/409382_3307834938196_1337757563_33491691_1496820714_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431495_3307841938371_293378490_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/428012_3307842898395_1337757563_33491702_841379635_n.jpg

[Boatally Insane]

Please tell me this isn't the Hooptie?

72771

.........yep, it was me in the Hooptie.....
I made the mistake of following an old GPS "trail" on a moonless night....:blush5:

[Bobcat]

dammit....we should be able to sue someone.......did the weatherman predict darkness that night:leaving:

[Ratickle]

I'm thinking you should sue everyone who has watered their lawn since the drought started. I mean. do we have to tell these people to stop? Isn't the pictures of the lake going down enough?????


That would be what, maybe a million households at 2.2 people average each? Class action against everyone of them, sue for $1000 each, settle for $50 each out of court, you can have us all over for margaritas when you win....

[Griswald]

our water problem isn't the residents, it's the LCRA providing endless supplies of water to rice farmers in Matagorda county. They are finally making plans to turn the faucet off in drought years. IMO, and this is obvious to me.....QUIT GROWING RICE IN SOUTH TX!!!!

Sorry to see the grounding, Doug. Sh*t happens.... Glad nobody got hurt

[fund razor]

The Hooptie is for sale:

23' Cuddy cabin. GREAT CONDITION WATER READY !! (http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/2973698258.html)

[htrdlncn]

Its for sale but were still using it, was out at Carlos and Charlies last two days, the Gar day before that, Dougs using it today to do the family thing. Honestly probably end up having to part it out, worth twice as much in parts as we can get for it whole.

[Bobcat]

That's a shame, it's a nice boat.

[Ratickle]

I agree.

Why do you think you'd get more by parting it out?

[Boatally Insane]

I agree.

Why do you think you'd get more by parting it out?

I've had it priced at $6500 for several weeks with no serious inquiries...
.. Now I lowered it to $6000. Had one call today asking if I'd take $4000 without seeing it...Yeah right....

I've added it up several times......
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong $$ wise on anything...

$1500 Complete 1998 Bravo setup.
$1500 350 hp 454
$1500 1988 Tandem trailer.
$1000 Stainless marine manifolds
$500 Hynautic manual hydraulic steering
$500 Volvo - Mercuriser adapter plate.
$??? Rigged Hull, 3 fuel tanks, interior.

Not to mention the new batteries and starter Frank put in for me last week ..:)

Had it out Sunday.. Not the prettiest girl at the ball but still turned a LOT of heads and ran flawlessly....

Doug

[fund razor]

Hate to see it get parted out.

You know, there are starving children in Africa with no boat at all... and you would remove one from the planet altogether? :)

If it lived closer, I'd offer 5 grand against that 6 and point to my genuine appreciation for it and also the pic of it on rocks. which surely means a scratch. :D

[Boatally Insane]

Hate to see it get parted out.

You know, there are starving children in Africa with no boat at all... and you would remove one from the planet altogether? :)

If it lived closer, I'd offer 5 grand against that 6 and point to my genuine appreciation for it and also the pic of it on rocks. which surely means a scratch. :D

It just seems nobody in the lower end of the market has that kind of cash (not that I do either..lol.)
I'll probably just end up putting the drive train in my Excalibur hull for now and sell what's left..

.....Be an easy way to pick up 20mph and 3mpg :driving:

.........And I don't think I even put a scratch in the concrete bottom paint on the Formula...:sifone:

Doug

[fund razor]

I'm surprised that nobody would buy it just as a general purpose utility boat. I used to keep a 1979 Wellcraft Nova at a cheap dock on a tributary of Lake Erie in the water. You could fish, ride around, going swimming, whatever. Small block chevy and an alpha. But similar in many ways to the Hooptie.

Too handy in these parts.

But it is what it is. You gotta do what you gotta do.

[old377guy]

[QUOTE=fund razor;585950]I'm surprised that nobody would buy it just as a general purpose utility boat. I used to keep a 1979 Wellcraft Nova at a cheap dock on a tributary of Lake Erie in the water. You could fish, ride around, going swimming, whatever. Small block chevy and an alpha. But similar in many ways to the Hooptie.

Too handy in these parts.

kept a 77 Nova (pair of 302 Fords) for the exact same reasons back in the day - only I left it on a trailer in the warehouse.

[Ratickle]

.........And I don't think I even put a scratch in the concrete bottom paint on the Formula...:sifone:
Doug

Tough stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!:sifone:

[Boatally Insane]

..Sold the HOOPTIE last weekend.. :party:


Been working on the Excalibur.... :)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/DSC00512.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/DSC00519.jpg


I used Nason Ful-thane 2K Urethane in GM Olympic white...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/DSC00526.jpg


http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p270/Boatally_Insane/Excalibur/DSC00527.jpg

Came out surprisingly good for painting outside.. Very little dust or bugs....

Doug

[Bobcat]

Tell me they kept the Hooptie in one piece...

[Boatally Insane]

Tell me they kept the Hooptie in one piece...

......As far as I know he will...

He's even keeping the name after I explained to him what it meant. (not too many Texans in to 90's rap..lol )

[endeavor1]

......As far as I know he will...

He's even keeping the name after I explained to him what it meant. (not too many Texans in to 90's rap..lol )



+100000 lol

[Ratickle]

......As far as I know he will...

He's even keeping the name after I explained to him what it meant. (not too many Texans in to 90's rap..lol )


+100000 lol

I thought all Texans were really into RAP!!!!!!! Must have been after the 90's????

[htrdlncn]

Paint looks nice and shiny, think it will be a sharp looking ride once he is done..

[fund razor]

(not too many Texans in to 90's rap..lol )

One more of many reasons to like Texans.

Another one: Texas is actually a separate country but they let us think that they are a state.

It's like a reverse Canada. :D :D

[Bobcat]

Adanac ? og sregdod tfard erehw ecalp a :D

[old377guy]

Adanac ? og sregdod tfard erehw ecalp a :D

!eurt yrev

[Griswald]

What are your plans for it, Doug?

[Boatally Insane]

What are your plans for it, Doug?
Well, let's see.. So far..
I have a windshield from a Checkmate.
Bolsters from a Carrera.
Rear seat, sun pad, engine hatch and cabin cushions from a Superboat.
A complete Bravo drive.
and a 454 mag that dropped a valve seat....

I'm thinking of naming this one "white trash" since it's gonna be put together with a BUNCH of leftover junk...;)


Doug

[htrdlncn]

We can make it better
faster...
stronger...
:)

[old377guy]

Well, let's see.. So far..
I have a windshield from a Checkmate.
Bolsters from a Carrera.
Rear seat, sun pad, engine hatch and cabin cushions from a Superboat.
A complete Bravo drive.
and a 454 mag that dropped a valve seat....

I'm thinking of naming this one "white trash" since it's gonna be put together with a BUNCH of leftover junk...;)


Doug

maybe graft on a beak from a Fountain?

[Griswald]

maybe graft on a beak from a Fountain?

Blasphemy!