Has anyone upgraded from a 311 to a 353? OR have real world expierence in both boats? If so does the 353 handle the rough stuff any better?

I had a 312 last year. I sold it after getting pounded in a 4 ft chop. I bought a 38 Top Gun and needless to say the rides dont even compare. I couldnt tell you about the ride on a 353 but I did test drive a 382 and that ride wasnt even close to the TG. Take your time and test ride them all.

Good Luck

My 1999 353 works very well in all water. No pounding in 4-5 foot of wind blown lake (Ontario) chop. Rough water is rough water...drove thru it as you can. Driver knowlege and practice is all that is needed!

Dave

My 311 will go through 4 footers with ease, just trim the bow down a bit and slice right through them. That's the key.

I've never been in a 31 ft. boat that handles the rough as well as a 311. I'm sure there are some out there, I've just never been in one.

And sorry Fountain guys but that includes two 32 Fevers.

Alot has to do with how you drive,I have been with my friend in his 311 up to 6-8's before,we are still here!!
as far as normal water,Lake Erie can be goofy,changes fast, I think the 311 handles great,I am also used to my 245 Chris Craft also,he just bought a 353 so we will see how it rides. From all the reading I have done it seems the 353 does well.

We boat in lake erie, we were out the other day in while cleveland was getting blasted with the storms in 4'-5' water.
The 311 rocks in rough water. I am very happy with how well it handles in snotty water.
My question is does the 353 handle any better? Would it be worth moving up from a 311 to 353 or are they about the same?

I would have to say the 353 may be better due to a better hull design, but they are similar in size,353 costs alot to upgrade to for just a little better ride,if you are looking for speed or sweet interior then the 353 is a very nice boat,like I said,my friends 353 has not been splashed yet,hopefully in a couple weeks I can post a better answer!!
It is always worth upgrading to a 353 as long as the funds are there!!

I've been in two 353's and in rough water I don't think there is any advantage at all, at least not that I could tell and I drove both....

Now if you're talking 2 ft. or less, the 353 is a much quicker, just don't trim the drives down in a tight turn.