If I were to put all of my thoughts, I'd be writing a book. Here's where I'm currently at:

Want to buy first boat.

Want to do a little touring (weekend).

Would love to be able to hit ~65 with half tank and 2-4 people.

Will run on ocean and lakes.

What is an efficient boat for doing this? I'm thinking a 303 but I'm overwhelmed with the options.

If you jump from a 303 to say a 357, how big of a performance hit and fuel hit do you take?

Also keep in mind that I would like to tow the boat. How practical is it to tow a big boat?

Price cap is 60k

There is a local boat and board member that has a 357. He was selling it however the boat deal that he was working fell through and he decided to keep this one. HOWEVER. Last I talked to him he was goingto be back on the buy thing after this year. SO his should be back on the market. He was looking for around 60K and he just put brand new motors and drives on it. THey are closed cooled 502 EFI's. Puts you at your speed you are looking for and gives you lots of room for your overnights. PLUS you get a Warrantee with the motors as after this year they will be replaced for a warrantee issue!!!

Jon

The 311 is a nice size boat. Not to difficult to trailer and has alot of room. I just happen to have one for sale. It has new power, Bravo drives, excellent condition, for 48,000 including trailer. If interested I will send you pictures. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks, DJW

DJW - What year is your 311. I have a friend that's looking.

I have a 1997/2001 Formula 312 for sale, and $60K is not too far from what I'm willing to take for it.

http://www.vxi.cc/312

Nort

Wow, how come it seems like everyone has a Formula boat for sale? I thought they were good!

Kidding. I appreciate your assistance. I really feel uneducated about the boats still. I'm still trying to figure out what changed when the went from 302 to 311 to 303 to 312. Can I assume the newer the hull the more efficient it is?

All the same beam?

How much fuel do the different years hold?

How far can you go on that tank?

Any special options to look out for?

Any weak points to look out for when I decide I'm ready to buy?

This is just some of the random things I'm looking into before I buy. I love how you can use the internet to search for these things!

Groove-

The older 302, 311 and 303 are the older non-stepped hulls (SR-1) products. I don't know much about them other than some have the integraded swit step and other don't. The 312 is part of thier current offering......the FasTECH series. This was introduced in 1997 and brought in the newer technology and features, including the stepped bottom hull.

The 312 I have holds 130 gallons, and with the twin 454 power, per the original data sheets, worst case is 1mpg and best is 1.5mpg. I've never checked it.

Here is the boat I mentioned on the other thread. It looks like new. Has Kaama drives and I believe it runs damn near 80.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/cgi-bin/...uery=retrieval

Jon,

It is an 1988, great condition, no short cuts on upgrades, no one will believe it is not new. The trailer is a 1996 Fastload, alluminium I-beam, triple axle. Definitely should be looked at being you are from the same area.

Dan

609-314-7193

Groove,

The 311 holds 160 gallons of fuel, it is bigger and slower than a 312 or 303. It is closer in size to a 336 or 353. It has an enclosed head, new fridge, redone cabin, sleeps four. If I was in the market for a 312, I would definitely consider Chaos', It looks great and I believe there was no expense spaired.