Towing a 311
 

Hello Formula folks,

I am in love with the 311 Formulas. I currently have a 97 Crownline 225 CCR with a 454 MAG wipplecharged and am looking for a step up in size and comfort in rougher water, I like my current boat but its too small and not really a "speed" boat and is more of a novelty then anything else. When I finally sell it I am looking for a 311 with 454MAG/bravo1 setup and really need input on a tow vehicle as I know my current 2000 Tahoe will not do the job. What is the typical weight of this boat fully loaded? WHat are most people towing these 311's with? Looking to buy a newer truck and need to know what I should be looking at for towing rates. I figured a 1/2 ton will not be enough and have a few trucks in mind, I do not want a diesel.

2009-2011 2500HD 6.0 Silverado

2009-2011 F250

2009-2011 Ram 2500

I would buy a new Eco-boost F150 but I am afraid this boat is a bit of a stretch for that truck.

On a side note, are there any known issues to look for with the 311? transom or stringer rot?

not gonna get into the brand debate, that comes down to preference, for me I choose a GM for comfort and my regular maintenance that I can do myself the GM seems to be easier to work on. if I towed 24/7 I still believe Ford has the best platform. I pushed my 1/2ton to the limit with my 271, now I'm over the limit with the 303 and while I'm pleasantly surprised I only tow 1 mile to the ramp with the exception of 2/3 trips a year. the 311 is even heavier then mine and while some of these 1/2tons are cranking out the power to tow I don't believe they have the stopping capabilities that you will want.

As far as the 311 its like any older boat check the transom/stringers and the usual's, but unlike other manufactures you will find that the older Formula's look better then the other stuff half there age and alotta that comes down to owner's pride and of course the rest comes down to the builder.. Good luck keep us posted

You definitely need the 3/4 ton truck to do the job safely. I'd also strongly recommend electric over hydraulic brakes. They make a huge difference in stopping ability.

Depending on how often and how far you tow, don't take the diesel off the table. I went from a 3/4 ton Suburban with Vortec 8100 to a Sliverado 2500HD D-max and Allison trans. While the Sub. was a tank, the mileage was awful especially when towing. Now I'd never switch back.

Dave

I tow normally about 15-25 miles to our normal lakes, but plan to run the Mississippi and Lake MI once I have the bigger boat, those are 2hr drives. I also tow snowmobile trailers and we are looking for a 30' race trailer (enclosed) for our drag car. The wife will most likely be driving the truck since she will be only 3 miles from work, I just prefer to not deal with the diesel/women headache.

I'm all about a nice trailer and brakes, it does make the difference.

Another side note, did any 311's come with ac or heat? And what can be expected for speed with a mild pump gas build 454 around 450-500HP? Is 78-80MPH out of the question? I know they are not the fastest boats and are heavy but I want a boat that doesnt scare the wife and can run some decent speeds with enough room and comfort for two couples to sleep/dock overnight, the 311 seems to fit the bill for what I want to spend and the size I am comfortable with.

Diesel/women headache :lolhit: My wife drives my Powerstroke all the time, she was skeptical at first, but now I can't pry her out of it. She get's compliments everywhere. ( come to think of it, that's probably why she likes it so much! ;) )

AC and heat is easy to add if it's important to you. s022mag on the board has one with integrated heat and air.

It will take LOTS of power to get a 311 to 80 MPH. I would figure low to mid 70's with 450-500 HP. My 303, and 88242LS's 303 are both running in the mid 70's with 425ish HP and we are smaller and lighter.

Good luck with the search, they are great boats.

Sounds like enough towing to warrant a deisel. i dont think you will acheive them speeds with that hp the 311 woth 420/trs runs right at 70 so you will need quite a bit more hp to get upper 70's

Seriously, if your wife doesn't mind driving a truck go diesel. I can't speak for the other brands, but my D-max is VERY quiet. I was dead set against a diesel because I thought they were noisy and smoked a lot. Boy was I surprised.

You can't beat 350HP and 700 ft/lb. of torque when it comes to towing ~10K lbs.

Dave

You could look for an older 8.1L GM. I have a 3/4 burb with 3.73's. 14 mpg on highway, 8.1 mpg towing a 31' TT and I am right at the 17,000 GCWR. I forget the TT is back there sometimes, it tows really nice. 4.11's will tow better, but the milage really takes a bite. Oh, also towed the trailer through PA and WV, no problems so it does do hills. You do want a 3/4 ton.

Not saying it compares to a diesel, but I needed 12 passenger seating (4th row in burb) and towing the trailer. Burb or excursion was it and the burb used was about 10 to 15k less, that buys a lot of petrol when I do not drive it except while towing.

Now, if GM or Ford would come out with a diesel vehicle that will seat my family, I am game.

Brian

fixx
 

+1.. just make sure she knows what diesel is! you know honey the green handle at the pumps!!! so you dont end up with a tank of 87 or even kerosene like my friends wife did ..

Too bad the economy went to ****...

http://www.dieselpowernetwork.net/half-ton-diesels.html