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FASTECH

1-1

FORMULA

Section 1

Introduction

Welcome Aboard 

Dear Formula Owner:

Welcome aboard! We appreciate how much careful thought, research and planning you put into the
decision to purchase a new boat, and we are pleased to welcome you as a new member of the Formula
family.

Members of the Formula team – your local dealership’s personnel as well as all the Formula employees
who had a part in building, inspecting and providing support for your boat – are dedicated to delivering the
highest quality product possible, and we all share in your pride of ownership.

Your Formula boat will afford you many hours of relaxation and pleasure on the water. Along with the
enjoyment, however, comes responsibility for not only yourself but also your passengers and others on
the water. This Owner Information Manual is designed to help you familiarize yourself with your new
Formula before you take her out on the water and as a quick-reference tool whenever a little information
is needed. Your selling dealer will also be glad to help you learn more about your new boat should any
questions arise.

We also encourage you, and all those who will be boating with you, to take a safe boating course. The
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadron, and the American Red Cross all
offer free courses. Call 1-800-336-BOAT for information on the boating course nearest you (in Virginia,
call 1-800-245-BOAT). The more you know about boating, the more fun you will have!

Congratulations on your wise decision. We wish many satisfying hours of boating pleasure to you and
your crew!

Sincerely,

Scott D. Porter
President

Summary of Contents for 2008 5-20 Fastech

Page 1: ...ot only yourself but also your passengers and others on the water This Owner Information Manual is designed to help you familiarize yourself with your new Formula before you take her out on the water...

Page 2: ...MMA certified A NMMA certification not only satisfies the U S Coast Guard USCG regulations but also the more rigorous equipment and system standards based on those established by the American Boat and...

Page 3: ...Electrical 5 3 Shore Power 5 5 Generator Optional 5 7 Battery Charger 5 8 Fresh Water System 5 8 Gray Water System 5 9 Waste Water Head System 5 10 Raw Water System 5 10 Automatic Fire Extinguisher S...

Page 4: ...FORMULA FASTECH FASTECH Section 12 Warranty and Service Thunderbird Limited Warranty Policy 12 2 Section 13 Forms Service Log 13 1 Fuel Log 13 2 Float Plan 13 3 Useful Information 13 4 Transfer Form 1...

Page 5: ...iling minimum insurance needs Your insurance agent or your dealer may be able to supply you with more information Registration Documentation The USCG requires that all power boats operated on the navi...

Page 6: ...age or complete loss of boat RENDERING ASSISTANCE If you see a distress signal or suspect a boat is in trouble you must assume it is a real emergency and render assistance immediately By law the opera...

Page 7: ...e Sanitation NOTICE Direct disposal of sanitation waste into some waters is prohibited and could result in being fined Be sure to check local regulations WARNING To avoid damaging the waste disposal s...

Page 8: ...e cleaning purposes and are safe for you and the environment Fishery Resources There is a tremendous drain on our fishery resources Over fishing and pollution have strained the fish population Do your...

Page 9: ...ily visible and easily accessed Check local weather reports before casting off do not leave the dock area when strong winds and electrical storms are in the area or predicted to be in the area Tell so...

Page 10: ...ose the appropriate equipment NOTICE Many states equipment requirements go beyond USCG requirements Contact your state boating office for further information Equipment requirements for coastal and inl...

Page 11: ...buoy or buoyant cushion To meet requirements each lifesaving device must have a current legible USCG approval stamp permanently affixed Type IV Throwable Device Intended for heavy traffic inland water...

Page 12: ...wide Carry several types of signaling devices to handle a variety of conditions Your Formula dealer can help you select appropriate visual distress signals for your area If you are required to carry d...

Page 13: ...enough to hold all the boat s occupants and have its own equipment pack including a paddle EMERGENCY CONSIDERATIONS Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they happen Try to formulate a plan for...

Page 14: ...injured If necessary resuscitate the victim Immediately signal for help and keep the victim warm Operation Failure If you experience a propulsion steering or control failure immediately turn off the...

Page 15: ...civil penalty up to 1 000 00 or criminal penalty up to 5 000 00 one year imprisonment or both Operating a boat under the influence can also result in a loss of automobile driving privileges Carbon Mo...

Page 16: ...for extended periods Regularly inspect the engine and generator exhaust system for proper operation Do not use any fuel burning appliances with a transom exhaust port when swimming from the stern swim...

Page 17: ...ideband radio SSB for long range For all U S waters the National Weather Service operates the NOAA Weather Radio NWR This service provides continuous weather information on the following VHF FM freque...

Page 18: ...database boat and owner information calculates an accurate distress position and quickly alerts rescue personnel Warning Label Location Your boat has various safety labels at the time of manufacture...

Page 19: ...rning Label Location Warning Label Location Figure 2 14 FOR278 CAUTION WARNING WHEN USING BOARDING PLATFORM ENGINE MUST BE IN OFF POSITION MANEUVERABILITY ABOVE 50 MPH IS LIMITED SUDDEN TURNS MAY CAUS...

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Page 21: ...ALL LOA BOW AFT FORWARD PORT SIDE STARBOARD SIDE FREEBOARD DRAFT STERN WATERLINE HELM BEAM TRANSOM GUNWALE GUNWALE An easy way to remember PORT side from STARBOARD side is PORT and LEFT both have four...

Page 22: ...Draft Drive Unit Up Draft Drive Unit Down Dead Rise 271 Fastech 8 3 2 5 m 27 1 8 3 m 4 11 1 5 m 31 78 7 cm 34 86 cm 24 292 Fastech 8 3 2 5 m 29 2 8 9 m 4 11 1 5 m 30 76 2 cm 33 84 cm 24 353 Fastech 8...

Page 23: ...Circuit Breaker Panel Helm Circuit Breaker Panel AFT Circuit Breaker Shore Power 1 Circuit Breaker Shore Power 2 Circuit Breaker Windlass Circuit Breaker Auxiliary Power Drive Unit Trim Pump Port Driv...

Page 24: ...na Cable Switch TV Signal Amplifier Waste Deck Plate Gray Water Manifold s Gray Water Sump Tank Fresh Water Fill Horn Macerator Y Valve Location N A N A A B 6 N A D 3 N A A 3 D 1 N A N A C 2 N A B C 2...

Page 25: ...ker Panel Helm Circuit Breaker Panel AFT Circuit Breaker Shore Power 1 Circuit Breaker Shore Power 2 Circuit Breaker Windlass Circuit Breaker Auxiliary Power Drive Unit Trim Pump Port Drive Unit Trim...

Page 26: ...TV Antenna Cable Switch TV Signal Amplifier Waste Deck Plate Gray Water Manifold s Gray Water Sump Tank Fresh Water Fill Horn Macerator Y Valve Location N A N A A 6 N A D 3 N A A 3 D 1 N A N A C 2 N A...

Page 27: ...tor Central Vacuum Circuit Breaker Panel Helm Circuit Breaker Panel AFT Circuit Breaker Shore Power 1 Circuit Breaker Shore Power 2 Circuit Breaker Windlass Circuit Breaker Auxiliary Power Drive Unit...

Page 28: ...ntrol Trim Tab Pump TV Antenna Cable Switch TV Signal Amplifier Waste Deck Plate Gray Water Manifold s Gray Water Sump Tank Fresh Water Fill Horn Macerator Y Valve Location B 5 A 2 3 N A N A B 6 N A D...

Page 29: ...Circuit Breaker Panel Helm Circuit Breaker Panel AFT Circuit Breaker Shore Power 1 Circuit Breaker Shore Power 2 Circuit Breaker Windlass Circuit Breaker Auxiliary Power Drive Unit Trim Pump Port Dri...

Page 30: ...aste Deck Plate Gray Water Manifold s Gray Water Sump Tank Fresh Water Fill Horn Macerator Y Valve Location A B 4 5 A 2 3 N A N A A B 6 N A D 3 N A A 3 D 1 B C 5 B 2 C 2 N A B C 2 B C 5 N A N A A 1 A...

Page 31: ...ccumulates engine operating time and is activated when the ignition switch is ON Consult your propulsion unit operator s manual for the proper RPM operating range for your engines Tachometer Figure 4...

Page 32: ...ings If the pressure is lower than the manufacturer s specification immediately shut off the engine Contact your Formula dealer to correct the problem before operating the engine OIL PRESS 0 20 40 60...

Page 33: ...ring light WARNING Typical Rocker Style Switches Figure 4 11 BLOWER BILGE PUMP NAV LIGHTS NOTICE Operate the boat between sunset and sunrise using your navigational lights Navigational lights are lega...

Page 34: ...G SPEED 1 The ignition safety switch and lanyard will stop an engine in case of an emergency Attach the lanyards to the boat operator whenever the engines are running but be aware there will be a loss...

Page 35: ...Trim Switches Typical Trim Switches Figure 4 15 SET DEPTH D R I V E S D R I V E S OUT DOWN FM AM IN OUT T R A I L E R TAPE TUN CD CD CH OFF UP 1 WARNING On some remote controls a combination port and...

Page 36: ...rim tabs will improve the ride of your boat and correct listing from side to side due to varying weight distribution and or sea and wind conditions Refer to Trimming Drive Units and Trim Tabs in Secti...

Page 37: ...ARNING 1 Release Lever Tilt Steering Wheel Figure 4 20 1 FOR059 PORT IGN STBD IGN PORT WIPER STBD WIPER BILGE PUMP ENGINE HATCH 12 VOLT OUTLET VHF RADIO ACC ACC ACC ACC ACC SPOT LIGHT TRIM TAB HIGH WA...

Page 38: ...starboard engine NOTICE The small rocker switch in the throttle lever permits trim of the drive s while maintaining control of the throttle lever Dual Lever Controls Dual lever controls have separate...

Page 39: ...ume controls may be installed Figure 4 23 Automatic Fire Extinguisher Indicator Monitors the fixed automatic fire extinguisher mounted in the engine compartment The automatic fire extinguisher indicat...

Page 40: ...ing operation Fume Detector Gauge Figure 4 26 GASOLINE FUME DETECTOR MUTE TEST M 1 WARNING Bilge High Water Alarm Sounding of the alarm may be an indication of a problems with the automatic bilge pump...

Page 41: ...particular piece of equipment stops working A tripped circuit breaker indicates the circuit is overloaded You should determine and correct the cause of a problem before resetting a circuit breaker Re...

Page 42: ...xide gas Carbon monoxide detectors are located in primary berthing areas such as the aft cabin and v berth Carbon monoxide gas CO is colorless odorless and extremely dangerous All engines and fuel bur...

Page 43: ...Displays the level of waste water in the waste tank The indicator is located in the head compartment Refer to Waste Water System in Section 5 for additional information 1 Green Light Empty 2 Yellow L...

Page 44: ...ON TREATED WASTE IN FRESH WATER BODIES OR IN SALT WATER BODIES WITHIN THREE MILES OF SHORE CAUTION BATTERY SELECTOR SWITCHES Your Formula boat is equipped with a battery switch for each engine The swi...

Page 45: ...Y P O W E R O N O N Q F F O N BATTERY PARALLEL STBD START PORT START AUX CAUTION THE BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH IS TO BE USED FOR EMERGENCY STARTING PROCEEDURES ONLY DURING NORMAL BOAT OPERATION IT SHOUL...

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Page 47: ...e Use extreme caution at all times WARNING WARNING The line between the fuel tank and the fuel inlet of the engine is made of a synthetic material Alcohol can deteriorate it especially during periods...

Page 48: ...wire is the ground and completes the circuit back to the battery Models Without Shore Power Single engine application Until the engine is running all DC electrical power is supplied by the auxiliary s...

Page 49: ...2 Volt Accessory Power Receptacle Your Formula is equipped with a 12 volt accessory power receptacle s The receptacle provides electricity to operate 12 VDC accessory items AC ELECTRICAL Any modificat...

Page 50: ...rse polarity light is activated immediately disconnect the shore power cable WARNING ON ON ON OFF BATT CHARG REFRIG CABIN OUTLETS WATER HEATER AIR COND REVERSED POLARITY OFF OFF OFF 120V 60HZ AC SYSTE...

Page 51: ...wer cable at the boat first then to the dockside connection If the reverse polarity light is activated immediately disconnect shore power cable Disconnect shore power cable at shore outlet first Do no...

Page 52: ...Connection Figure 5 6 1 3 2 3 If the outlet on the dock has a disconnect switch turn the switch OFF 4 Connect the shore power cable at the boat first 5 Make sure the cable has more slack than the moor...

Page 53: ...Make sure the generator seacock is open 1 Start Stop Switch 2 Blower Switch Generator Control Panel Configuration varies with models Figure 5 7 ON ON ON OFF 12 VOLT DC SYSTEM START STOP GENERATOR ROOM...

Page 54: ...TTERY CHARGER switch at the AC control panel is ON the battery charger will operate and act to keep the batteries fully charged Please refer to the battery charger operator s manual for additional inf...

Page 55: ...not replenish the fresh water supply in the on board tank Consequently the tank can only be filled at the fresh water fill plate CAUTION Transom Shower Figure 5 10 To connect to city water 1 Turn the...

Page 56: ...onal operating information refer to the macerator operator s manual supplied with your Formula boat CAUTION Overboard discharge of waste water is prohibited in many areas It is your responsibility to...

Page 57: ...st applications a fiberglass lid covers the stowed ladder Lift this lid to access the ladder Automatic Fire Extinguisher Figure 5 12 Bolster Your captain s chair and passenger s chair have an electron...

Page 58: ...me to read this manual to take full advantage of this system Take time to read the manual supplied with your GPS to take full advantage of the system Hot Water Heater A hot water heater is an availabl...

Page 59: ...be OFF When operating the refrigerator using the 110 VAC system the REFRIGERATOR circuit breaker on the AC control panel must be ON and the REFRIGERATOR circuit breaker on the DC control panel must be...

Page 60: ...ions between boats and between a boat at sea to public and private shore stations For operating information refer to the radio owner s manual in your Owner Information Binder VHF FM Marine Radio Figur...

Page 61: ...ide detectors Be sure the boat is not overloaded Check that all maintenance has been performed WARNING BASIC SAFE BOATING RULES The General Prudential Rule regarding right of way is that if a collisio...

Page 62: ...right of way and can hold course and speed Sailboats and boats paddled or rowed have the right of way over motor boats Sailboats under power are considered motorboats Small pleasure crafts must yield...

Page 63: ...ase speed turn to the right and pass port to port However if both boats are on the left side of the channel each vessel should sound two short blasts and pass starboard to starboard KC 0475 PASSING PO...

Page 64: ...oline If gasoline is accidentally spilled wipe up all traces of it with dry rags and immediately dispose of the rags properly ashore Spilled fuel may yellow the gelcoat finish and damage gunwale trim...

Page 65: ...engines continue to run the blower until fumes have dissipated PRE OPERATIONAL CHECKS Do not operate the boat if any problem is found during this inspection A problem could lead to an accident during...

Page 66: ...stow all extra gear in stowage areas to prevent load shifting Do not stow gear on top of safety equipment safety equipment must be quickly accessible In adverse weather reduce the load in the boat Peo...

Page 67: ...idle speed and shift into NEUTRAL IMMEDIATELY check the gauges and stop the engines Continued operation after the warning alarm has sounded may cause severe engine damage CAUTION Test the carbon mono...

Page 68: ...ulsion unit operator s manual for additional starting procedure information WARNING CAUTION Attach the ignition safety switches lanyards to the operator before starting the engines This will prevent t...

Page 69: ...r system which switches the output of the engines exhaust either to thru hull exhaust pipes above water or down through the propeller hub below water The exhaust diverter switch determines the routing...

Page 70: ...the throttle lever s back to the IDLE position 5 Turn the ignition keys to OFF position NOTICE If any problems are encountered during the outing have your boat inspected by your Formula dealer and req...

Page 71: ...afe boating WARNING We recommend you should have ten hours of experience with the boat before any full throttle operation Do not operate your boat until you are completely experienced with its handlin...

Page 72: ...eller Effect Figure 7 3 1 Stern Circle 2 Bow Circle Wandering is a characteristic of all deep vee hulls at slow speed There is no cure for wandering however a very basic operational technique can be a...

Page 73: ...hift to REVERSE This practice will help prevent damage to your drive units 2 Reverse the direction of the propeller on the side you want to turn For example if you want to turn starboard shift the sta...

Page 74: ...f the radar tower The anchor light must be visible 360 degrees and remain on anytime the boat is moored Docking lights are to be used for docking only It is illegal to use your docking lights while cr...

Page 75: ...ce With less boat in the water both speed and fuel economy increase Continuous trim adjustment is required when operating your boat to maintain maximum performance and efficiency Effects of Wind Curre...

Page 76: ...e raised and lowered This change in the water flow creates upward pressure under the tabs and raises the stern When the stern raises the bow is lowered Likewise lowering the port tab will cause the po...

Page 77: ...ight distribution listing water conditions and other factors that cause inefficient operation Remember that trim tabs are trimming the hull while the power trim is trimming the drive unit 1 2 3 Trim T...

Page 78: ...o fine tune attitude Operate only one tab at a time and in small increments As the tab takes effect you will notice it causes the boat to veer off course slightly Correct for this as it happens 5 To p...

Page 79: ...ttom slowly back up the boat keeping tension on the line Let out an anchor line that is 4 to 6 times the depth of the water For example if you are in 10 feet of water let out 40 to 60 feet of line Dan...

Page 80: ...e opposite end of the bridle only to the stern eyes of the tow boat Wrap the bridle with chafing gear where it rubs against the boat Leave at least two boat lengths between the boats for adequate move...

Page 81: ...damaged by excessive pulling strain You should offer help to a boat in trouble However towing a capsized grounded or hull damaged boat is dangerous Give assistance to the occupants then call the prope...

Page 82: ...t a Storm Signals Figure 7 16 DAYTIME WARNING NIGHTIME WARNING DESCRIPTION Actual Signal in red Small Craft Advisory Winds greater than 18 knots sustained for two hours or more or hazardous wave condi...

Page 83: ...rn the engines OFF before you get close to someone in the water WARNING NOTICE It is unlawful to participate in water sports while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs When participating in w...

Page 84: ...current are moving your boat Approach the dock with the boat pointed into the wind if possible If the wind or current is pushing you away from the dock use a sharper angle of approach If you must appr...

Page 85: ...e they are heading into the wind or current approach your buoy at the same heading When you think you can move enough forward without using your engines shift to NEUTRAL Have a crew member positioned...

Page 86: ...are two primary marking systems in use in the U S the Uniform State Waterway Marking System USWMS used on inland waters and maintained by each state and the Federal Waterway Marking System FWMS used...

Page 87: ...ory markers Uniform State Waterway Marking System USWMS Figure 7 23 CONTROLLED AREA DANGER BOATS KEEP OUT INFORMATION DO NOT PASS BETWEEN SHORE AND BUOY SPECIAL PURPOSE NAVIGATE TO STARBOARD FACING UP...

Page 88: ...nel is to the right of the buoy Day markers are colored and numbered the same as buoys RED triangular day markers with even numbers mark the starboard side of the channel GREEN square day markers with...

Page 89: ...oyage marking system in use They are similar to lighted buoys except they are usually higher and on more stable platforms to increase visibility Most minor lights are part of a series to mark a channe...

Page 90: ...ICATE DIVER S POSITION INDICATES FELLOW BOATER IS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE RED BLUE ORANGE DIVERS FLAG ALPHA FLAG DISTRESS FLAG BLACK Lighthouses Lighthouses can be found at harbor entrances prominent he...

Page 91: ...nd keep well clear of the area Watch for swimmers Swimming areas may not be marked Steer clear from the area and remain alert Skin Diver Warning Flag Figure 7 28 KC 0250 Navigation markers serve as a...

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Page 93: ...stains or moisture from the boat Inspect sea strainers Turn battery switches OFF Secure lockers hatches and canvas as equipped SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECKS This chart is based on average operating co...

Page 94: ...ol for proper operation and maintenance following the manufacturer s recommendations Improperly maintained remote controls are hazardous and may cause sudden loss of control Make sure all shift thrott...

Page 95: ...ediately contact your Formula dealer Do not operate your boat when a fuel leak is detected All fuels are combustible A fuel leak must be repaired before starting the engines or the generator 8 Check c...

Page 96: ...the following scheduled maintenance The steering system is the most important system on the entire boat from a safety standpoint Have the system inspected and maintained on a quarterly basis by a qua...

Page 97: ...n all hatches windows and doors before cleaning Carpet All Formula cockpit carpet is heavy duty all weather indoor outdoor type carpet resistant to fading Cabin carpet is high quality indoor carpet re...

Page 98: ...ventilated place Special Cleaning Instructions For dirt and stains that cannot be removed with a damp cloth Step 1 Use mild soap and water and if necessary a soft bristle brush Step 2 Any stains still...

Page 99: ...tant to prevent the growth of mildew Do not use cleaners on clear vinyl curtains and windows Wash with clean water and a soft clean cloth CAUTION NOTICE Do not use any abrasive cleaner on the front si...

Page 100: ...s will scratch the surface Marine Growth If accelerated marine growth is a problem in your area an anti fouling bottom paint may be necessary to slow growth and prevent gelcoat damage Consult your For...

Page 101: ...uit Breakers All electrical circuits are protected from overload by the use of circuit breakers In the event of an overload or short circuit the circuit breaker will trip You should determine and corr...

Page 102: ...pletely WARNING Typical In Line Fuse Holder Figure 9 2 TWIST AND PULL TO OPEN Flush the system with at least one full tank of water Fill the tank with clean fresh drinking water If you smell or taste...

Page 103: ...e anode will require frequent inspections If the anode shows deterioration of 50 or more it must be replaced for continued protection Self Sacrificing Anode Figure 9 3 Do not paint an anode its fasten...

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Page 105: ...fill the fuel tanks and add the proper amount of fuel stabilizer and conditioner Follow the instructions of the label Operate the engines and generator for at least 15 minutes to be sure the treated f...

Page 106: ...2 2 Refer to the manufacturer s storage recommendations for the following items that require special attention for winterization Propulsion units engine drive unit and exhaust Generator and muffler Ho...

Page 107: ...TH Signs of exposure to CO include nausea dizziness and drowsiness 2 Make sure the batteries are fully charged before installing 3 Fill the fresh water tank then check the system for proper operation...

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Page 109: ...when handling gasoline Whenever checking for electrical problems use extreme caution Battery acid can cause blindness if splashed in eyes may burn skin Disconnect battery cables at the battery before...

Page 110: ...Formula dealer Engine vibrates Propeller condition shut off engine Check for bent broken or damaged propeller Check for weeds on propeller Engine problem see Formula dealer Engine runs but boat Fouled...

Page 111: ...flush Head circuit breaker tripped or in OFF position correct the problem and reset turn circuit breaker ON Line to waste tank blocked see Formula dealer Holding tank full pump out tank Symptom Possi...

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Page 113: ...5 years parts and accessories only and Formula Guard Administrator years 2 5 Propulsion system components engines outdrives Original Manufacturers Total of five 5 years transmissions major electronics...

Page 114: ...change of ownership and pays THUNDERBIRD the established transfer fee A transferred warranty shall be limited in duration to the periods set forth herein and the second or subsequent owner shall be re...

Page 115: ...d for operation in any contest of speed acceleration or endurance whatsoever 8 Any guarantee whatsoever that a particular boat will achieve a certain level of performance relating to speed range fuel...

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Page 117: ...13 1 FORMULA SERVICE LOG Date Hour Reading Service Repairs Performed Section 13 Forms...

Page 118: ...13 2 FORMULA FASTECH FASTECH FUEL LOG Date Gallons Date Gallons Date Gallons Date Gallons...

Page 119: ..._____________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Engine Type __________________________________________ HP __________________________________ No...

Page 120: ...__________________ Engine Make and Model Number ________________________________________________________ Port Engine Serial Number ____________________________________________________________ Starboar...

Page 121: ...___________ Date of Sale __________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________ State____________ Zip________...

Page 122: ...13 6 FORMULA FASTECH FASTECH NOTES...

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