353 / 382 Question
 

I am SERIOUSLY considering the move to a 35/38 FasTech from my 311 (which I really can't complain about . . . ). I don't see the money being that different between the two "options" and I am not limited as to slip space or any of that- has anyone had experience with both models? I am thinking the extra size of the 38 would make it the obvious choice- but have never been on one to say for sure. I am stuck on HP500 power and am in the $85 to $110K range price wise (from what I have seen) for a 97, 98, 99. Discuss . . . :drink:

I went from the 312 fastech to the 382.....the cabin space is significantly different in the 382, even from the 353. I was deal set on the 353 as my next boat but once I started crawling around on them I realized they weren't big enough for my needs. (overnighting often, occasionally with kids too). Everything I read suggested the 353 was still a small, "nimble" sport boat while the 382 was more of a "tank". I've been very happy with my decision but have to admit I never spent alot of time in the water on a 353.

BTW: you should be able to get the 382 in your budget.....stay away from the 97's, they have black dashes.

Right on on the dash, for sure. There is a super nice sounding 35 in the classifieds- of course, it is in PA (not convenient). There are a couple 382's at my marina- Hp500s and 575scis. The only draw back i see to the 38 is the abiltiy to wheel it around at some of the bars (not that I would ever go to them, mind you . . . ) at LOTO. I have thought about the overnighting, too- do you have air? Or a gene? I think that would be all right if I could talk the spouse into it.

I have the perfect 382 for you! Add Tyler Crockett's Engine Upgrade to the 502's and you would be set!

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o17333-en.html

Open for offers!

I LOVE that boat- perfect, with one exception- SALT. That is the coolest color combo ever (and the only one I have ever seen like it).

Own a 353, love it, been on a 382 once, same power, 500efis, 382 felt sluggish like it was a lot heavier on the water, had to practically parralel park the thing to get it turned around under a bridge. Cabin room yes, as fun a ride as a 353? Not in my opinion.

A few pages back, but I thought this had already been discussed: http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=163123

I don't understand this paralyzing fear of salt? Yes, it "CAN" be problematic if not properly cared for. But all we're really talking is engine block and manifolds. So if a "salt" owner is good about flushing, and replaces the exhaust system on a reglular schedule, he's going to see just as long a life as the supposedly superior fresh water boat.
I've got 1144 hours on a SALT water boat. All original engines/drives, exhaust was changed on a regular basis. Yeah, they "show" a little rust, a little corrosion, but I bet they look (and run) better than a lot of poorer maintained freshwater boats.
If I was in the market, I'd be all over Don's 382. Throw in a couple hot cams (might even have enough room to do it in the boat???), or go a little further with head work, and you have a very good value.

That was always my feeling between the two as well.

We have everything but the genset. Air, TV/VCR (added a DVD player), vacu-flush head, etc......I strap a Honda 2000 in the engine compartment and put it on the swim platform when I want to run shorepower out on the river. The 382 comes with a 7,000 BTU unit and the Honda runs it fine. We were out this past weekend and the kids went in the cabin, turned on the air and popped in a movie. They were ready to leave but we weren't so this option suited us all!!!

The 353 is going to be practically the same length as your 311 but with LESS headroom (your boat is over 33 ft with the platform). Getting used to the 4-5 ft longer 382 shouldn't be much of a problem.