t500hps

I was sure I wanted the extra space of a 353 when I can step up from my 312. Mainly need the sep. head for the wife and kids. I spent some time on a new 353 this weekend and was disappointed in the cabin, even the 382 didn't seem to provide the space I had pictured.
Just curious what others have bought after owning a 312. Anyone????

formula271

t500hps,

That's a good question. I recently sold my 99 271 and I'm looking for another bigger Formula. Like you I also need the enclosed head. I noticed the same thing about the 353 cabin. I think the pre Fastech hulls had more room in the cabin even though they were heavier and slower. I guess the trade off is more room for a slower less efficient hull. I looked at some 312's but there wasn't much more room than my 271. I guess to find the "perfect" boat you'd have to build it yourself.

t500hps

Right now I like the 37 Active Thunder and 38 Powerquest. I'm still a year or 2 from upgrading but we all can dream right?

powerguy

I was at the Miami Boat Show this year and was able to compare the 353 and 382 side-by -side. The headroom in the 353 is very low.... a little better in the 382. I am 6'4" and I cannot sit up straight in the 353 without hitting my head.

I currently have a 336 formula that has at least 4" more headroom than the 353, has the enclosed head, and just about exactly the same interiorlength as a 353. The older non-stepped hulls have a higher deck than the fastech hull boats.

Gary, my 336 is still for sale and has been put up for the winter and can be seen when you are up and around.

formula271

powerguy,
Why are you selling your 336? I still wouldn't mind looking at your boat but I am going to be laid up for a while.

powerguy

Formula271 - Selling because I have so many other things going on right now that I don't have time to use the boat. Just bought a vacation house project that has taken my interest away from boating and I can't justify having a boat just sit in the water.

No hurry on the boat. When you are up and around you can come up to Burlington and see the boat. The boat is stored indoors and is accessable all winter. My plan is to sell the boat in the spring.

wrinkleface

T500, went from a 312 to a 353 then and now I have a 2003 382(for sale). Went to the 382 for the available options (air, tv, dvd, gen). Wife and I bought the bigger boat for more comfortable overnights and longer trips. Plus I don't tow very far anymore. Boat in Lake Michigan a lot and wanted the bigger, heavier boat. Good luck w/ your search! Wrink

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Russ,

Get a hold of Nort aka Phantom Chaos. He went from a 312 to a 382. I know he loves his. He also has a 48 Sunseeker for BIG cabin.

Bill272

I also have a 336 and was dissapointed in a new 353 I saw at the boat show last year. Yeah, it will be faster, but we overnight quite a bit and the 353's cabin feels so much smaller. My 11 year old son can stand in our cabin but had to duck his head in the 353 cabin. Plus I think a big part of the small feeling comes from the newer style seating. The pre-fastech cabins had a gap under the backrest and a shelf above it that provided extra storage space and the newer boats have none of that. I guess it must look good for people who don't actually bring stuff with them when they're boating, but for the family guy it's a waste.

Maybe that's just Formula's way of telling me that I should be looking at an SS or PC?