BEYOND THE GEAR
Lewis wanted a teak-paneled cockpit (he foresaw the maintenance mayhem
but wanted his boat to be pretty, as well as utilitarian) and sole-to-ceiling
carpeting in the belowdecks stateroom, which had bunks to port and
starboard, plus a forepeak head. Naturally, Lewis needed a few more elec-
tronics here as well: a stereo tape player and portable TV. The boat’s
lack of a galley wasn’t a concern; Lewis and his wife (Buena Vista’s namesake)
had a grill and one-burner stove on board for when hunger hit.Buena Vista
JOE LEWIS26 YACHTING MARCH 2018oe lewis wrote his own formu-
la for his Formula 233, Buena Vista.
Among other customizations, he as-
sembled best-of-breed electronics for
his cruising and fi shing needs, back
when designer dashes were uncommon.
He even had radar, something “seldom,
if ever, included on a boat this size,” says
Yachting’s March 1968 issue.
Lewis’ radar was a Decca 101 with four
ranges, unlike today’s digital units with
greater capabilities. An Apelco automatic
direction fi nder was attached to Buena
Vista’s compass, and onboard communi-
cations were a 150-watt radiotelephone
and six-channel radio.
Lewis’ angling pursuits were support-
ed through a water-temperature gauge
and an Apelco depth sounder reaching
360 feet. Buena Vista had a three-scoop
live-bait tank on the transom, teak rod
holders and outriggers too.
Even today, Lewis is a case study in
knowing what you want to achieve and
outfi tting your vessel accordingly.
ANY WAY
YOU WANT IT
This 23-footer had uncommon electronics.
By Kelley SanfordCURRENTS HERITAGE