Hey All... I posted a few months ago about my search... It has been one filled with some disappointments along the way, but the search ended a few weeks ago...

I found a '97 Formula 312 Fastech for sale that looked relatively clean by the pictures.... I have read the comments here about the white dash vs. gray and all the other comments, but none of these made a huge difference in my opinion, so I moved forward... We all know that the pictures usually don't tell the story, so I called, spoke to the marina handling the sale, discussed things at length, sent emails back and forth, did further research, and was still leery of condition because it sounded "too good" to be true...I made arraignments to have the boat surveyed and a sea trial to take place, made a 8 hour run to Virginia to meet the surveyor and perform the sea trial....

On the morning of the meet, I was still anxious because of the previous disappointments. Well, that all went away when I saw the boat! Of course the pictures did no justice at all, it was 10 times nicer than what was depicted!

The whole boat has only 380 hours, not one scratch, no dock rash,cabin interior is perfect, lift kept, new cockpit cover, all services performed by dealer, 2 owner boat (both owners over 50 from new), originally shipped to Islamorada new, it moved to VA after 50 hours to a freshwater lake in VA where it has been since!

The sea trial went flawlessly and the inspection as well. The surveyor stated that it had been a long time since he has seen a boat that was this clean and well taken care of (needs a good scrubbing). It made me feel like all the wait and searching was worth it.

Today I head back to VA to pick her up in the morning. I have had to borrow a trailer in order to pick her up while mine is being made (I ordered a new one).

I know that pictures are important, so I will establish a Photobucket account and start posting as soon as possible.

Thanks to those members on OSO that helped, gave opinions, and basically kept encouraging me to continue until the "right one" came up!

We're all happy for you! As you found out, the hunt for the boat is often quite a jouney.

Can't wait for the pics!
GLBD

Which lake in VA? Congrats and enjoy.

Congrats on the 312...great boat, you will love it.

congrats... take photos with iphone/other and you can post!

I just drug my 33ol back from Fredericksburg, Va a few weeks back!! Just over a 1000 miles each way and hilly!!

We had an awesome trip.. being that I paid an extra $1k to change all bearings and new tires.. oh and add 2 spares! we had an uneventful trip. Tiring for me and my dad but we got to spend time together as I now live 2 hours away.

We sea trialed at a marina about 15 miles south of Spotsylvania, va.. (not a typo)

it was actually funny, as we got out the no wake zone of marina, I waited to pass some bass boats and waved.. no wave back... they just started..

Really..

so on the way back, I stayed on the opposite bank and didn't slow down.. The mechanic that came with us was laughing b/c I told him,"well, they didn't wave"!!

good luck!! Hope you have a safe trip!!

I just picked up a 99 312, boat is in almost new condition. However had a few mechanical issues that I have taken care of. Now all I need is some good weather in northern Ohio and its off to the islands I go!! Congrats on the new float!! I luv mine!

Congrats buddy keep me posted, glad that I was wrong

Way to go! A good boat is worth the wait. We looked for about a year before finding the right one.

Thanks!
It's on Smith Mountain Lake....

Thank you! I am looking forward to getting this one home!