With the numbers coming down I am seeing more of these with 454/TRS set ups that appear to be in decent shape for under $20K with trailers.

Having owned 4 Formulas I know to look for rot in stringers and transoms, etc. Is there anything else unique to a 302 from the '80's that is good or bad?

I figure with standard power (660 HP) in the water these are 60+ MPH rigs on an average day and should be very comfortable.

WOW!!!

I did a search for this and came up with a crap load of stuff from 5 years ago!!

Anyone still around with one of these?

I bought the very first SE in 1979 from Vic at the Chicago Show. I can't recall who it was, but a number of years ago I gave the original binder with fabric swatches to a forum member here that I still had. I also had the first Interceptor, that I traded in for the 302. Great boat, and it would just bearly top 60 with the stock 330's and the original cleavers. I always was hoping to one day find the 1985 302 SR1 Black Kaama boat from the brochure, but some years back I think I heard of it's demise.

The 302's were great boats, but you do have to look closely for rot as you mentioned. There was a minor freshening done in '82, doing away with the port holes and trim change, and obviously the switch to the 311 in '86 with the built-in platform.

Good luck!

I have a 302 and a 311. I like the 302 better then the 311 for driving. It is more fun to drive. The 311 is better to spend a day on.

Thanks for the words. There are are two within 250 miles of here that I am going to take a look at. Personally I have a preference for the LS windshield as opposed to the SR-1 "cut down" look...but that's me. I think that if either one of these is exceptional and I can get into it for around $15K ...I think I'll make the move.

Then I'll have two birds to play with. The way I look at it though a solid 302 for that money is a lot of bang for the buck. The cruise capability at 45~50 in 3'~5' water will allow me to have a more comfortable day outside than I have now with the 255. Don't mis-understand...the Liberator does a great job in that kind of water but hell....I'll be 59 next month and I will enjoy the extra comfort.

If you like the taller windshield and are primarily using it offshore, why not look at an older 357. You can find them in the $30 to $35K range in decent shape, and that extra 5' makes a big difference. With the 420's they'll run in the 60's depending how tired they are. I believe there are a couple in the classifieds now.

If you like the taller windshield and are primarily using it offshore, why not look at an older 357. You can find them in the $30 to $35K range in decent shape, and that extra 5' makes a big difference. With the 420's they'll run in the 60's depending how tired they are. I believe there are a couple in the classifieds now.

Jeez, sorry about the double post. Won't let me delete one of them?

The Black Kaama Boat from the Brochure ended up in SW Florida .The owner sunk it on the beach in front of the Ritz in Naples, I ended up salvaging it off the beach and rebuilding it for the owner and fighting in court to keep the original Salvors from layong claim on it . Very long Interesting story.

It was a SR-1 and the owner had the colors changed cant remember the colors. It had 425 kaamas with kaama drives maybe 70mph. Rock solid ride even after sinkin for 2 days and siittin in the surf lookin like a abandoned beach toy..

Livin Right was the name of the boat,