Looking for info on these two boats, handling, ride, build quality speed ect? I'm assuming the 311 has an actual running length of 31'1'' and the 292 of 29'2''. How do these two compare head to head besides the difference in length. There seem to be some really nice boat out there at fair prices. This boat has caught my eye.
Thanks, Kirk
I can't get the picture to post, but it's the all white 1989 292 SR-1 in the OSO classifieds.
'99 Formula 382 Poker Run Special/'05 Formula 260 SS
I'm partial to the 311. Had one for 8 years before moving up to a 382. You are correct about the model number denoting the length at waterline (the real length of the boat in old school terms). No reservations about a 311 whatsoever. I think a 311 will hold resale value better than a 292, and there are more 311's available in the market.
The 292 is a very good boat, the 311 is a great boat. The 311 is 31'1" without the silent thunder platform. With it, it's LOA is listed as 33'6". The 311 is a GREAT rough water boat. It is a very large boat for a 31 footer, especially by today's standards. With stock power the 311's will run high 60's, kissing 70. Their handling, especially in the rough stuff is impeccable. They are not the fastest because of their weight, however they more than make up for that in their rough water ability. I own an 89 311 SR1 and am extremely happy with it. Their are a couple of boats around here that can walk away from me in flat water but when we get out into the Gulf with solid 4's, I just cruise right past them as they are getting pounded. Their is a lot of cockpit and cabin room in the 311's. They hold their value extremely well and are one solid built boat.
I am glad that my Formula "caught your eye". Quite frankly, I had figured to grab Dockrocker's attention. He really admires these old SR-1 boats and has alotta love for the classic hull design. He can appreciate the windshield's protection and ability to tuck beneath the oncoming breezes.
I am sad to let her go. I had bought her as a "family" boat to weekend at Santa Catalina island. The plush amenities down below really caught my wife's eye. Formula's thinking was so far advanced 15 years ago that I even tried to replacate the modern cockpit. Alas, the crossings through the Pacific (not quite sure which Spanish explorer thought that the waters were calm) have been 3-6 feet plus at times. The family was not digging that at all. So, I will need to go bigger.
For mysef and buddies, a full 144 gallons of fuel and gear will yeild a solid 66-67 mph on GPS.Not bad for a hull that weighs in at 7400 dry. The Bravos are spinnig 4 blade props for optimum lift. I had picked up a full 5.2 mph on GPS by adding the Imco exhaust.
Give me a call if you would like to learn more about my 292. It's too bad that you are at the other end of the continent, we could go run this weekend, the water is great.
KN, just noticed that you were in Gorham. Part of my old stompin grounds. "Reynolds Sportscenter" is one though I don't care too much for the old man. Actually I think he's a real jerk, as well as their old service manager, some skinny dark haired kid. Don't know how long you've been up there, but I had the red built up Kawi Eliminator. Lived in Portland and S. Windham for about eleven years. TOO FRIGGIN COLD, TOO MUCH SNOW. Where are you going to be doing most of your boating. If your going to New Hampshire to Winnepausaukee, the 292 will be wonderful. If you're going over to Portland and the North Atlantic, I'd stay with a 311. It's going to take the rougher water much smoother than a 292. I know from experience. Outlaw
I think that Formula discontinued the 292 after 2 years (89-90?) because the 311 was a bigger and better boat, and cost essentially the same $$, so everyone was buying the 311 unless they had a size constraint on their dock. I never got a ride on a 292 as they are relatively rare, but the 311 kicks some butt.
If you are only going to use it on Sebago, then either would work.
I don't want this to be taken as a slam on a 292, but a similarly powered 311 is equally as fast, carries the bow better at speed (which I found odd), and corners better.
Feels 5 feet longer than a 292 in rough water where the difference in the 2 boats is night and day.
On a 292 there is enough room for you to stick your hands into the crank pulley and feel the bolt heads.
On a 311 there is enough room for you to sit in front of the motor and stick both legs on either side of the oil pan.
The remainder of the additional length is in the cabin, where the couches form a complete U instead of two separate benches. The 311 has an enclosed head (albeit a useless one, but it makes a great closet).
The cockpit and vee berth are identical in size on both boats.
To sum it up, the only reasons to buy a 292 are:
a) your marina won't allow you to have a 311
b) you get a killer raging deal on a 292
I am, and have always been a guy who said, "give me the biggest motors in the smallest hull". The math just says that is the best route to superior performance. The 311 proves that theory is incorrect in some situations.
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