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!

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??