Sold 311 SR1, now what?
 

I sold my 1988 311 SR1 last month and I'm now searching for something newer and bigger. So many choices out there and I'm sure there will only be more as spring gets closer. I loved how the 311 looked, the old school paint scheme really stood out. I'm wondering what anyone else has moved up to from a 311 and how they liked the move.

I'm currently looking at either going with a Donzi 38ZX because of the spacious cabin and headroom, 382 Fastech, or maybe even a Black Thunder 43. I want efi's, 6+ headroom in the cabin, AC, and enclosed head. I like Formula's 382 Fastech but wish the cabin was tall enough for me to stand up in. The AC and enclosed head are very important as we do a lot of overnighting, but I suppose I could let go the need of efi's or stand up room. The BT's might be more then I'm willing to handle and trailer at this point so those boats are at the bottom of my list even though they have everything I'm asking for. But there's no point of going boating if I'm going to stress out over trailering and docking something that big.

Let me know what you guys think, I really hate leaving the Formula family and want to try to stay with the Formula because the fit and finish is above any other boat manufacture out there in my eyes, The Donzi's aren't far behind that's why I'm considering them. 38 foot range prices under 90k.

What about a 37SS or 40SS Formula or the Fountain 38 Express Cruiser. If you want 6' cabin headroom, that may be the route you want to go. I've owned three Formulas (1990 292SR1, 1986 357 Kamma, and 1997 419 Fastec) and now own the Fountain. I would certainly own a Formula again. I went to the Fountain due to price vs. the 37SS and 40SS and a little better cabin layout for my needs. I really do enjoy express crusier boating as the boat is so much more liveable and my Fountain runs 65 MPH with stock 496 Mag HO power. the Formulas SS are slightly slower, but still run in excess of 55 mph from what I've seen. The 382 Fastec is a great boat which can accomodate ac and a generator. The genny really is a big plus for overnighting, so I would make sure whatever you get can accomodate a genny. Good Luck!!!!!

Hey Matt,

I've seen Ray's (38fountainecman) 38EC... one of those might be worth a look. I'm sure Ray could send you some pics of his trailer setup too, it's very nice. Just have to deal with the beam, but I don't think it's quite as wide as a 400SS. I suspect it weighs less as well. Still technically gonna need permits and all that though...

I love the Foutain 38 Express Cruisers but there are to darn expensive. I like the layouts of the 370SS to but those are heavy boats and if I go that route then I think I might as well keep the 43 BT in the picture. I like the cabin of both boats and the cockpit layouts are roomy too.

RT who is Ray?

the guy who posted above me ;)

Oh, duh. Didn't see your () I feel like a D bag.

Hey, you said it! :stooges:

A friend of mine has a 38 fastech for sale in toledo pm me

same dilemma here!!!! still looking around!

Have you looked at Sonic??

Or a 37 Active Thunder... you have the space of a Sonic and all the amenities that you are looking for AND you pick up the stepped hull. Only problem is, you're probably not going to find one for under 90k! In the price range that you are in, you're probably going to have to compromise on one or two of the things that you want your next boat to have... It's going to be tough to beat the 382 FasTech for the features/quality that you are looking for in that price range IMO. Good luck in your search!

I have looked at Sonic, not in person but I have thought about taking a closer look too. Not sure I like them as much as the 38zx's.

S022mag: I know they don't quite have 6' of headroom, but what about a 419? there are some really nice ones on the OSO classifieds for very little money. When I had mine, the 525 SC motors developed corrosion in the intake manifolds and $hitt two of the three engines. There have been quite a few threads on taking the 419 and making it a twin staggered set up. When I removed my engines and stripped the bilge of all the stuff, I became pretty clear to me that switching that engine compartment to twin staggered 600's or something like that with bravo drives would not be nearly as hard as some people make it out to be. That 419 is a beast and just crushes 6 footers. I had a friend that owned a 38 nortec and rode on my 419 in Key West and just couldn't believe the difference in ride. My 419 was an 83 MPH boat with the triple 525's. I bet a twin staggered 600 would run about the same. that boat has a huge cockpit and a huge cabin. I had gen, heat, ac, hot water, etc. and my wife and I overnighted for 4-5 nights with no issues. When we had kids, it got a little busy with four of us, that is why we went to the 38EC. I see 419's under 50K, which would leave you $40K for retrofit and new engines. How nice would that be to have a wave crushing beast with new engines!?!? Reggie Fountain and his sons have opened shop in NC and retrofit all makes of boats, not just Fountains. I bet they would love to see how fast they could get a Formula running!!!! You would truly have a one of kind quality ride. Food for thought!!! If you want to see pics of mine, e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll forward them to you.

The 38 Sonic has lots of room and rides very good, I was very impressed with the one I was on..... built better then people think at least the one I rode in, not sure about all of them...

This seems priced low. Only thing scares me is the amount of hours on the hull.

http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/4280471489.html

To me hours dont mean chit if its been taken care of, my Cig is a 85, who knows how many hours could be on it, nothing wrong with it at all....

Motors and drives rebuilt...a lot of those hours may be from idling around

http://m.ebay.com/itm/261375520338?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

Might be worth a look

Hull should be able to be checked out with a good survey. Remember it is a Formula hull, a FASTech hull at that, no wood, except transom.

What worries on the hull? Someone might be able to address your questions.

Looks like you want to stay with a go-fast?

I sold my 1988 311 four years ago and bought a Formula 34 PC. Heat, genny, hot water, shower, range, blender ... we love it.

And it runs 40 MPH plus which is fast enough for me. :)