Thanks to Porter's reputation, Signa quickly became successful as it marketed boats in the Midwest and East.
Signa Corporation began producing sterndrive and outboard powered tri-hull runabouts.
In 1970, Porter stepped away from his role as President of Duo Incorporated to begin Signa Corporation in Decatur, Indiana. In 1966, his sales revenue was over one million dollars.Īfter much success, Vic Porter sold Duo Incorporated to Bangor Punta in 1967. Porter's boats became popular, and in 1963 Duo Incorporated was crafting 20 boats per week. In 1958, Vic Porter founded Duo Incorporated and started his career as a boat builder with his first 14-foot twin outboard-powered catamaran. After a few years as a salesman, Porter believed he could build better models of boats than he was currently selling. Vic Porter was an entrepreneur who experienced great success in mobile home sales, real estate and boat sales. The original 233 deep-V hull design was the first successful model, and its influence is present in today's models.Īronow would sell Formula and all but one of his molds to Alliance Machine Company in 1964 in what would become a pattern, where upon he would sign a non-compete clause, walk out the door and start Donzi Marine right next door. Racing his first Miami-Nassau race in 1962, Aronow was instantly hooked on powerboat racing, and saw a winning formula with partners Dave Stirrat, Jim Wynne, Walt Walters, Buddy Smith, and Jake Trotter, naming his company Formula after this partnership. Formula Marine Ī competitive and athletic World War 2 merchant marine veteran, powerboat racer Don Aronow would found the first of several boat companies on NE 188th Street in North Miami Beach, Formula Marine, in 1963. Thunderbird is best remembered today as providing the boat used in the 60s television show Flipper, a 23' Thunderbird Iroquois. The racing scene soon proved expensive, and Fuqua Industries bought Thunderbird/Formula in 1969. In 1964, Alliance Machine purchased Thunderbird and changed the name to Thunderbird/Formula, hoping this addition to their offshore racing team would also be successful. Dick began racing and earned a name for himself and Thunderbird boats. Dick and Merrick believed the best way to promote Thunderbird was to participate in the new sport of offshore racing. Merrick Lewis did not know much about boats, so he hired Richard "Dick" Genth as a salesman. In 1961, Merrick Lewis bought Thunderbird. Cole pioneered the use of the Cathedral hull, making the first successful sterndrive crossing from Miami to Nassau in a Thunderbird in 1959. In 1956, John "Woody" Woodson began experimenting with fiberglass technology to create 14- and 16-foot runabout boats called the Thunderbird with Richard C. Three separate events came together to create the present-day Formula Boats. Thunderbird Products owns and operates the Formula brand. For additional information, we recommend the iboats forums and a boating safety course.Formula Boats is a brand of pleasure boats produced in the United States and sold globally. Information here to make sure it matches up with your boat. Thus, for safety and other reasons, it is a good idea to verify Because this information has come from many sources we can not guarantee its accuracy.Įven if this information is the same as the original factory specs, boats are sometimes modified.
#1979 thunderbird boat free
Information on this page is provided to you as a free service of.
As outboard engine life also effects the value of a boat, we have included engine information as well. Proper maintenance and care (and winterization if needed) will also help maintain the usability and value of the craft. This will help to prolong its use and resale value. Your Thunderbird / Formula fiberglass hulled boat can be kept in better condition by covering it properly when not in use.
#1979 thunderbird boat manual
Be sure to have the manual for your engine handy, not only for your safety, but to save you money on repair costs. This is because of safety reasons - as it would effect the insurability of your outboard boat. If you choose to buy a replacement engine for your Thunderbird / Formula Formula 18 boat, it is recommended by many, that you verify the max horsepower for your boat. The max horsepower for this boat on our records is 170 hp. This weight does not account for passengers, fuel, or gear. This outboard runabout is 18.17 feet long and weighs 1650 (pounds dry).
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