Comparison between a 353 and a 311

Maritime_Eng · 05-25-2005, 09:24 PM

Hi All-

Well I look to the "Formula Gods" to give me some answers.

My Dad and I were talking (which is always a bad thing) this last week and he asked if wanted to sell my boat and go halves with him on a newer 353 something around 100K. Now if it was anyone else I would have said No on the spot but with my Dad he has some good points. First off I live about 15 minutes away from him and my boat is already on his 35ft enclosed lift in cape coral. So if he buys a new boat I lose my spot on his lift and I don't really want to go back to trailering. Also he doesn't use the boat all the time so we wouldn't have a problem having to share it. We could spilt insurance, payments and maintenace.

Now for the big question how does the ride of a 353 compare with my 311. I know the 353 is 2 ft bigger so it should ride better and will be faster on the same power. But how much better? Or if the ride isn't much different would I be better off building bigger power for my 311. Any input would be great!

Thanks,
Don

CMG · 05-25-2005, 09:48 PM

I'm not pro or god but your 311 (like mine) is a bit on the heavy side, is not a stepped hull and would take a substantial amount of $ to get into the 80's which is where I assume the 353 would be - Soooo I would love to blow the 100K and just be sure to get some decent power, be nice to find one with 525's to begin with....

Also just think, not replacing the trim and drive indicators if you haven't already, dealing with power from the 80's looking for rebuilds, replacing old canvas, interior, carpet,...this could go on for a while...

Good luck

dukenrock · 05-25-2005, 10:20 PM

353 for sure

Formula Outlaw · 05-25-2005, 10:22 PM

I can see both sides of the fence. One it would be nice to have a newer boat. Yet, it's not going to be "your" boat.

If you do it, go into with the knowledge that at some point both parties will have to compromise at some point. There will be times you both want to use it at the same time. Implement some type of system that says who gets it when and whatever,,,,,you know what I mean.

Good luck.

offthefront · 05-26-2005, 07:35 AM

If you can afford a 353 .. go for it ... Newer design ..."Newer" ... I have a 311 and love it ...Turns heads everywhere I go ... But a 311 is work in progress ....they are 15 years old .... a 353 is heavier 7400 vs 9100 ... but most have mo HP and the stepped Hull gives better performance ...

t500hps · 05-26-2005, 08:43 AM

Asuming you are/were single, could you live under the same roof with your father again?
If not, buying a boat together would have the same results.

Maritime_Eng · 05-26-2005, 11:23 AM

Hi Again-

Well I guess I am not too worried about sharing a boat with my Father becasue we are doing it right now. My Boat is on his lift and it is working out well. My parents like taking the boat out on the weeknights after work and I am more of weekend guy were I get a group of freinds to head out for the day. So that works out really well. We have been splitting gas and maintance cost.

I guess my questions is putting top speed aside becasue that can always be made up with HP. How much better will the 353 haddle than my 311? Is there a big difference when the sea's are over 4'. Becasue anything less than that mine 311 handles them fine. I am just wondering if there is that big of difference in ride to justify the extra 50 to 60K.

Thanks
Don

CMG · 05-26-2005, 11:58 AM

No experience with 353 but wouldn't hesitate, it is bigger and heavier ( extra weight not often a plus) just forget about trimming in tight and hammer into tight turn, it is one of them "stepped hulls". just kidding - same turn with drives left out.