Fastech 312
 

I am going to be moving up from an 84 (compelty restored) 242LS into a 99 312 Fastech. I am pretty excited for the jump. I am looking for advice, or anyone that has owned a 312 or has experience on them. She is powered by 454 MPI's, what can I expect speed wise? How does it handle big water (as I boat in Lake Erie), How does the stepped hull affect running in choppy water....or any other thoughts you may have for me. I water tested it the other day....I am very impressed by the boat, it was just all new to me! Thanks guys!

Congrats! It should handle Lake Erie just fine(in non-stormy seas).
Take some time learning the handling characteristics of a step hull and of course the twins.
Have Fun!

I had a 98 with 502's. The MPI's are the 310hp version and will push the boat to low 60's (you may see 65 on the GPS one day???) Although a stepped hull, it's a single and a small step. The boat runs/turns well without really having to "worry" about that step (typical of Formula). Just don't yank the wheel hard over and you'll be fine.

Congrats!!!

Just bought my 97' 312 in March of this yr so I'm still getting the hang of it. But yes, you will enjoy it. It's a solid boat and handles the rough water no problem. The step hull does take some getting used to at high speeds, as 500 said, don't jerk the wheel hard over.. Mine has the 7.4LX mpi @ 330hp and I'm getting 67mph with 4 people and half tank of fuel.

Formulated... What props are you spinning?

I think I know this guy buying the boat.... hahahh

I had a 99 also, loved it. Mine had 454 mags and ran low 70's, so yours like everyone says, should run mid 60's. One thing I noticed going to a step bottom boat that no one really talks about is that the hull is noisier than a flat bottom boat, but once you get used to it the benefits out weigh the noise.

Congrats and enjoy, footitis is a sickness though!!!

Full force... Tied up to you now broham!! Gonna be fun running around all summer and actually being able to keep up!!

Yep! Good times await! Gonna be a long winter......

Congrats! Was this the boat Gordon was selling? if so, that was a steal!

I have been looking at several 01-03 312's with different power options and trying to get honest top speed with these optons

496 MAG (375HP)
496HO (425HP)

I am assuming low 70's with MAG's and mid 70's with HO's?

Does this sound right or does anyone have a 312 with these motors and can confirm?

Also looked at one with 6.2's and told that will hit 70 tops.

Really want to be mid-70's and think HO's are my only option.

Heres my baby,, put some bones $$ in her with Mitcher T Paint, new upholstery, new carbon fiber dash and Livorsi gage sets, Exhausts, bumped the ECU vortech breathers 454 mag mpi's 74mph with a full boat or 1 person makes no dif. Love it but getting ready to make the move to a 35 or prefer a 38...

silent lucidity - whats the year of your 312 and hours on it?

So thimose of you with 312's, what props are you spinning?

Every 312 I'm aware of came with 1.65 bravos. 454 mpi's run 28P Bravos and the 454 MAG/502's ran 30P Bravos.

Would I pick up any top end by going up in pitch? What about running 3 blade screws?

YES, no-one ever thought of that!!!!

J/K: In the 15 years since these boats first hit the market I'm sure someone tested numerous theories, and found they didn't work. Formula builds a heavy rock-solid boat but it isn't the fastest. That boat, with that HP is a 65mph boat...period.

500.. Funny guy!! Lol. To me, the money spent testing props to get an extra 2-3 mph isn't worth it. 65 is perfect... Everyone want to do 80+ on a go fast boat.. This will be my third boat and I am beyond thrilled! The key to happiness is finding contentment, someone will always have bigger, nicer, faster... To me it's the saris dictation knowing I worked my but off to own this boat...

One more question, the boat does not have carpet, any idea where I can order carpet or get the pattern for this boat? Thanks for the help YO!

Couldn't help myself....so many people ask the question. I took Prochargers off the 500's when I bought my 382 then built 540's out of them. The boat ran 98 when I got it and after new/non-blower engines and $10K in props I got the boat back to 86-87. Not esactly money well spent.

BTW: Smaller might actually be faster, 30P Bravos were faster than 32P Bravos on that boat (at higher rpm)

As for carpet, you should already have snaps in the floor. Take it somewhere and have them make what you want. Anything off the shelf will still need snaps installed to match where yours are or you'll be filling in holes and drilling new one in your floor.

Carpet
 

You can call here, to see if they have the pattern already:

http://www.snapincarpet.com/index.cfm

Matt, keep an eye out on Ebay, factory Formula carpets pop up once in a while...

its a 97 with about 223 hrs. If you have any questions my email is [email protected]

Thanks for the info on your 312....bought a boat over the weekend though so search is finally over and patiently waiting for spring 2013 now.

28" 4 blade Bravo's Not labbed, but I don't think the cost would be worth 1 or 2 mph

I labbed my 30's and didn't gain squat.. They do run a little more even but thats about it.. I actually like my 28's better,, A tad slower like 1-2mph but mid punch is awesome.. Both have high slip % but I guess thats the hull type.. Still cool ass boat and fun.

fixx
 

you need to find another prop guy...
i got one if you want to see improvements..

please will take any good info now that its cold as hell out. PM me if you will...on info

Breaking news????
 

oops

Just sold my 312 w/7.4's 28P 4 blade bravo's, bravo 1 drives, 1/2 tank, one person, no water, or gear.
68 mph GPS. 4 people, gear mid 60's. If you want a little more speed, try some 3 blades. Another note, mine came with the props spinning in from the factory, but switched to spin out for a more stable ride. In poker runs and the such with side wakes, spinning in was little spooky.