Exploring The 1981 Formosa Boat: How Good Is It?

The Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd. is a company located in Taiwan that builds yachts under the Formosa name. The company offers a range of models, including the Formosa 46 Center Cockpit, the Formosa 51 Ketch, and the Formosa Full Keel Sloop. A 1981 Formosa 46 Cutter Sailboat was listed for sale on Moreboats.com for $56,000 in Chula Vista, California. This particular model features a 1981 Ford Lehman engine and a 3 Blade Propeller. The J.D. Power Boat Price Guide also provides valuable information on boat prices, including the value of a 1981 Formosa 51/KE.

The 1981 Formosa 46 Cutter Sailboat

At the heart of the boat is the 1981 Ford Lehman engine, renowned for its reliability and power. The 3-blade propeller further enhances its performance, providing smooth and efficient navigation. The boat's hull design, with a displacement of 33,000.00 lb and a sail area of 511.45 ft², ensures a stable and responsive sailing experience.

The Formosa 46 is an ideal choice for live-aboards, offering an exceptional comfort factor that surpasses that of lighter, modern fin keel sailboats, especially when anchored. The boat's heavy construction and deep draft provide stability and safety in choppy anchorages. Additionally, the ample storage space and full access to the engine while standing make it a practical choice for extended cruising.

One of the standout features of the Formosa 46 is its ability to navigate shallow waters. With a draft of only 6'3", it can access many Bahamas anchorages that other 50-foot boats cannot, making it a versatile choice for exploration. The full keel design further enhances its manoeuvrability, allowing it to track well under power and sail.

While the boat's construction is simple and straightforward, potential buyers should be aware of common issues associated with older sailboats. It is crucial to have a surveyor check for water intrusion in the deck and pilothouse area, as well as the condition of the hull, through-hull fittings, bulkheads, rigging, engine, and electrical systems.

Overall, the 1981 Formosa 46 Cutter Sailboat is a well-crafted and sturdy vessel, offering a unique combination of comfort, performance, and versatility. Its spacious interior, manoeuvrability, and ability to access shallow waters make it a sought-after choice for sailing enthusiasts and live-aboards alike.

Pros of the 1981 Formosa

The 1981 Formosa is a highly capable boat with a range of features that make it a popular choice for boaters, especially those seeking a comfortable and spacious option for recreational boating. Here are some of the key pros of the 1981 Formosa:

Comfort and Stability

The Formosa's large size and heavy construction provide exceptional comfort, especially when docked or anchored. Its deep draft and wide beam contribute to a stable and smooth boating experience, making it well-suited for recreational boating activities.

Spacious Interior and Storage

The boat offers an ample interior space, providing a generous amount of storage room. This is ideal for longer trips or for live-aboard boaters who require extra space for personal belongings and provisions.

Maneuverability

Despite its size, the Formosa is relatively easy to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces like marinas. Its full keel design allows it to track well under power and sail, and its prop walk can be managed with practice, giving you confidence when navigating in close quarters.

Engine Accessibility

The Formosa's design includes a unique feature where the floorboards in the pilothouse version can be lifted, providing full access to the engine. This makes maintenance and repairs a more straightforward task, as you can work on the engine while standing up, which is a rare convenience in a boat of this size.

Affordable Pricing

The Formosa offers an excellent starting price for a boat in the 51-foot range. Its affordability has made it a popular choice for those seeking a traditional ketch-rigged sailboat without breaking the bank.

Simple Construction

The boat's construction is straightforward, without the need for high-tech materials or special fittings. This simplicity allows owners to take on many maintenance and repair tasks themselves, potentially saving on costs.

The 1981 Formosa, with its comfortable interior, ample storage, and good manoeuvrability, is an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional and affordable boating experience, especially for recreational activities and extended stays on the water.

Cons of the 1981 Formosa

The 1981 Formosa is a 46 Cutter Sailboat with a length of 46' and a beam of 12'. It is equipped with a 1981 Ford Lehman engine and a 3-blade propeller. While the boat has its advantages, there are several cons to consider before purchasing:

Age and Condition: The 1981 Formosa is an old boat, and like any older vessel, its condition can vary. Some may have been well-maintained, while others may have been neglected, leading to potential issues with water intrusion, deck coring, and rigging. It is crucial to have a thorough survey conducted to identify any problems.

Water Intrusion and Deck Issues: Water intrusion in the deck and pilothouse area is a common problem, especially if the boat has original teak decks that are approaching 50 years old. This can lead to leaks and require costly repairs. It is recommended to avoid boats with original wooden decks and spars to minimize the risk of water damage and rot.

Maintenance and Repairs: The 1981 Formosa, being an older and larger boat, may require significant maintenance and repairs. Fixes on boats of this size can be expensive and time-consuming, often costing three to five times more than equivalent 30-foot boats. It is important to factor in the potential cost of repairs when considering purchasing this boat.

Fuel Tanks and Spars: It is recommended to look for boats without black iron fuel tanks, as these can be problematic. Additionally, if the boat has original wooden spars, thorough checking of the mast and booms for rot is essential. These components may need to be replaced to ensure safety and functionality.

Limited Maneuverability: While the full keel design of the 1981 Formosa provides good tracking under power and sail, it also results in prop walk, which can make maneuvering in tight marinas more challenging. The boat's movements may feel slower and less responsive compared to more modern designs.

When considering the purchase of a 1981 Formosa, it is crucial to be aware of these potential drawbacks and factor them into your decision-making process. A thorough inspection, survey, and consideration of the boat's history will help identify any issues and ensure a more informed choice.

The 1981 Formosa's affordability

The 1981 Formosa is a highly affordable boat, with prices ranging from $45,000 to $295,000 for yachts of similar models and ages. This price range makes owning a traditional ketch-rigged sailboat accessible to many aspiring boat owners.

The affordability of the 1981 Formosa is further enhanced by its simple and straightforward construction, which allows owners to take on most maintenance and repair work themselves, thereby saving on labour costs. The boat's design also provides excellent value for money in terms of comfort and functionality. Its large size and heavy construction make it ideal for live-aboards, offering a stable and spacious living environment.

Additionally, the Formosa's full keel design makes it highly manoeuvrable, even in tight marinas. Its 6'3" draft allows access to many Bahamas anchorages that other 50-foot boats cannot reach. This versatility expands the range of sailing destinations and experiences accessible to owners.

However, it is important to note that the age of these boats may lead to higher maintenance and repair costs. Common issues include water intrusion in the deck and pilothouse areas, particularly if the boat has original teak decks. It is crucial to have a surveyor thoroughly inspect the boat, including the hull, through-hull fittings, bulkheads, rigging, engine, electrical systems, and fuel tanks.

Despite the potential for higher maintenance costs, the 1981 Formosa remains a highly affordable option for those seeking a traditional and comfortable sailing experience. Its simple design and spacious interior continue to make it a popular choice for sailors seeking a cost-effective way to enjoy the pleasures of boat ownership.

The 1981 Formosa's engine

The 1981 Formosa is a 46-foot Cutter Sailboat with a 1981 Ford Lehman engine. The boat has a 3 Blade Propeller. The engine is located in the engine room, which can be accessed by lifting the floorboards in the pilothouse.

The Ford Lehman engine is a well-known and respected brand in the marine industry. It is a reliable and durable engine that has been used in various boats and yachts over the years. This engine is known for its fuel efficiency and low maintenance requirements.

One of the benefits of the 1981 Formosa's engine setup is the ease of access for maintenance and repairs. As mentioned earlier, the floorboards in the pilothouse can be lifted to provide full access to the engine while standing. This makes it much easier for owners to perform regular maintenance and repairs on the engine without having to crawl into tight spaces.

In addition to the engine itself, the 1981 Formosa also features a propeller and drivetrain. The 3 Blade Propeller is a common choice for boats of this size and type, providing good performance and manoeuvrability. The drivetrain components, including the gearbox, are located near the engine and can also be accessed by removing the floorboards in the pilothouse.

While the engine and mechanical systems of the 1981 Formosa are generally reliable, it is important to note that these boats are now over 40 years old. As with any older boat, it is crucial to have a qualified surveyor inspect the engine, drivetrain, and other mechanical systems thoroughly before purchase. This will help identify any potential issues or problems that may need to be addressed.

Overall, the 1981 Formosa's engine and mechanical systems are well-designed and provide good performance for a boat of its size and type. With proper maintenance and care, these systems can provide many years of reliable service.

Frequently asked questions