To buy or not to buy? 98' 312
 

Hey guys, I've been hanging around here for a while as a guest to check it out. Now I'm about to buy a 1998 312 FasTech. I have a deposit on it but can still back out. The deal will be done late next week.
I wanted to know what the experienced Formula owners think.
She is in absolutely mint condition and has twin 502s, 400 hours.
I haven't seen any posts about the 312 and was wondering if it's because people don't like them or if they have problem.
I'd appreciate any help I can get.

I had the same boat.....liked it, typical Formula solid and stable. Ran low 70's with 502's (78 on the dream-o-meter). Not as popular and discontinued because people jumped to the 353. If it's clean then jump on it happily.

don't know much about the 312, however from what Ive gathered might be on my shopping list, actually sounds like the one your talking about is the one

312
 

I went from 25ft twin wellcraft to this 97 312 Fastech.. I love my boat was a great move. I'm very soon going to be moving up to the 352.
Very stable runs 73.. Boat is solid as a rock,, and looks great in and out of water.. Solid build too.. I have worked for Sea Ray and had one, had wellcrafts, Nortec, checkmates and even some jet boats.. I dig the Bird. Heres my baby
http://youtu.be/fzkLaf3kG8Y

:coolcowboy:

Thanks for the info everyone. I really appreciate it. I think for the boat and what I can tell, the awesome price, I'm going to get it.
Silent Lucidity, awesome video. That is a sweet looking and sounding boat.

whats the story with it anyway?? repo? trade? or broker? they say freshwater, do u believe him?

I had a 2003 312 with 492 mags. Awesome boat,ran smooth,plenty of power,good cabin space.With the 292's and the 353's, I think the 312 didn't fit in. For not a lot more money you could get the 353,and with considerable savings you got a 292. You will love the 312. Good luck.

I really don't know if this is a freshwater only boat. It doesn't have any of the signs that you would expect from a salt water so I have to beleive it is freshwater. Everything is in way too good of shape and zero rust spots on anything. Something in the engine compartment would have signs of at least surface rust if this was a salt water boat and there is nothing.

Thanks for the info. I've decided I'm getting this one. This is my first big boat and my first "go fast." I'll have it within two days. I'm way too excited over a boat. :evilb:

where are you taking it? congrats i was eyeing it up pretty good

I live in Crestview FL so I'll be in the Choctawhatchee Bay and in the Gulf here in the panhandle. The boat I'm getting is from Captains Choice Boats in Ft Walton Beach FL. Is it the same one?

ya its the same one, did they own it or was it brokered? guy wouldnt tell me anything until he new he had or didnt have a deal,

actually he was pretty decent an honest, don't get that in boat sales often

He said this was a trade in. Said the previous owner upgraded.
He also said that this is the third time they are selling this boat. First was when it was brand new, then that owner traded it in towards another boat. The second owner owner bought it and just traded it in toward something bigger. I'll be the third owner according to him.
The first owner was from an inland state and the second was from Louisiana.

well good thing you got to it, hell if I coulda traded my 271 this could be my thread lol, congrats and get some fresh pics when you get it

Congrats trewett!!!!

I picked up my 98 312 in the begining of June from Lake George NY. I'm loving every minute of it!!! Solid boat!!!

You will be very impressed with it.

Dave

another one i loved

Allright guys, I bought it today. They took me out before I actually bought it. This was actually the first time I've ever been in a boat like this. Holy crap!! I don't even know what else what to say about it. It absolutely screams across the water and those 502's sound amazing.
I'll try to get some pictures of it this weekend and get them on here.

congrats

Congrats, Formulas are great boats. The more you use it the more you're going to love it!

well heck, where are the pictures?

sorry about the pics. Been busy going out every day!! And loving it. I'll get some pics tomorrow if the weather cooperates.

Congrats on the new boat.
I looked at it while I was down there for the Emerald Coast Run this year. Probably should have bout it. Fom what I'm seeing out here it was one of the better buys on the market. Mitch did seem like a good guy, also had a friend that bought a boat from him and was very well pleased.