New here, looking for some advice

[Dieselmadness]

Hey everyone,
New here..looking at a boat (my second) and wondering if anyone can tell me more about Formula boats. This particular one is apparently a 78’ Formula Thunderbird 24’ with a Chevy 350/ Alpha 1 or 2 drive. Being an auto mechanic I know my way around the small block but not too familiar with the rest of the boat. I’ve always seen and heard about Formulas and know it’s a pretty big name in the boat world but how is their build quality, this vintage in particular (1978). From what I understand they have wood stringers and have been told this is not necessarily a bad thing provided the boat has been cared for. Assuming no soft spots and the transom looks good are these good quality boats? I don’t have the serial number yet but from the pics, can anyone identify it? Are they heavy? Fast? Handle well? I don’t know much about these old formulas but any info will help. Thanks again, figured I’d ask the guys that are way more versed on this.

 

[RUM RUNNER]

You got yourself a nice cruising boat I have a 1985 formula F3-LS 21ft. it has a 5.7 vortex motor w/ a alpha one out drive. You mentioned you have a 350, is it a 4 barrel or a 2. Your outdrive is a alpha one w/ 1:50 gears in it. As far as speed need more info, as far as built they don't make them like this any more. The weight and the shape of your hull will get you through any rough waters, been there! Your gel coat looks really good from the pictures .Getting up on plane is a breeze and you can turn on a dime. Have fun and keep up the maintenance and you'll be fine

 

[Dieselmadness]

Thanks for the responses, I ended up passing on it. I agree she looks good in the pics, but up close the gel coat was cracking and the transom had a couple spots that sounded like a bass drum more than a sharp pop, I’m guessing it’s rotted. Then , me being a mechanic went right for the engine and found the oil looked like a milk shake..found out someone took the baffles out to make it louder, my guess is they chopped the throttle a little too quick and washed a wake back up the exhaust. Anyway, the search continues!