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1980 Formula Thunderbird 20ft For Sale - $3,000 (Chester, VA)
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1980 Formula Thunderbird 20' — $3,000 OBO
Great project boat with a lot of the expensive work already done!
1980 Formula Thunderbird 20-foot deep-V with a cubby cabin and 350 MerCruiser. I’ve owned this boat for the past 5 years and have had a lot of great times with it. About 2 years ago, I started restoring it and have completed roughly 90% of the work.
The big-ticket items are done — I’ve simply lost interest in finishing the project and am ready to move on to something else. This would make a great boat for someone who enjoys working on boats and wants a solid project they can finish up and enjoy.
Recent Work & Features
Rebuilt 350 MerCruiser — less than 20 hours
Brand-new Edelbrock carburetor
Brand-new Holley Blue electric fuel pump
Lowrance Elite chartplotter
Lowrance depth finder
Todd captain’s chairs
Vengeance stainless-steel prop
New spark plugs
Used distributor recently installed
New wheels and tires on trailer
New trailer wheel bearings
Regularly maintained and winterized every year
Two different-style anchors
Life preservers included
3-person tube — only used once
Titles for both boat and trailer
A Few Things It Still Needs
I want to be completely upfront about what still needs attention:
The key will turn the ignition on, but currently the engine has to be started by jumping the solenoid with a screwdriver.
Engine idles perfectly but bogs down above 2,000 RPM.
Trailer lights are not working.
There are a few other small things needed to finish the restoration.
I believe the remaining issues are fixable, but I simply don't have the time or motivation to finish it.
About the Boat
This is an older boat, but it has a solid deep-V hull that handles rough water well. When running properly, it has been a fun and fairly quick boat. The fastest I've personally had it was around 42 MPH, with typical speeds around 35–37 MPH.
I'm asking $3,000 OBO. I've already put that much into the motor alone, so there is a lot of value here for someone willing to finish the project.
I hate to see it go, but I've had my fun with it and it's time for someone else to take it from here. If you're mechanically inclined and looking for a solid boat project with most of the expensive work already completed, this could be a great opportunity.
I have the titles for the boat and trailer but have temporarily misplaced them. If I haven't located them by the time it sells, I will obtain replacement titles.
$3,000 OBO
Feel free to call or text show contact info with any questions. If I don't answer, leave a message or send a text and I'll get back to you.