Year specific 353/382 questions...
 

Is there a major difference in a 2002 model compared to those up to the 2007 as far as basic hull, deck, cabin construction materials? I want to avoid any wood materials and notice that the polyurethane paneling is used in the seats and frames. Is it used throughout as well as the hulls framework? Aside from age and resale value, are there any advantages to a 2007 over a 2002 with similar options, power, hours, etc? I have looked through PDFs of the vintage brochures and don't see much differences with my untrained eyes.

I'm still a couple of years from buying, but I have gone from wanting a Nordic, to Sunsation, to Fountain, and now finally to Formula. I can afford a newer (2007ish) model of the others or an older model of the Formula, and am trying to justify buying a boat the same age as my current one. The Formula has so much that interests me and I am upgrading dramatically from a much smaller 2002 Crownline, and will be moving in to most likely the same aged boat that I expect to own 10-15 years. I'm planning to spend less than $70k in 2 years.

Thanks for the help in advance
Doug

353
 

Not sure what year, but my understanding is the x dimension raised but I think thay may have been 2000 or 2001? Other than that, my friends 1998 is pretty much the same as my 2004.

good to hear. I can save a considerable amount by buying an older clean boat.

All step-hulled 353's and 382's (1998 onwards) use a fiberglass grid system, rather than encapsulated bulkheads and stringers. The only structural wood is in the transom.