302 SR1 KAAMA vs. 357 SR1 KAAMA
 

302 SR1 KAAMA (1985) vs. 357 SR1 KAAMA (1987)

I have these and of course both need a restore. What are the pro and cons of each? We run lakes but are also near the ocean (1 hour). Family of 4).

Which one would you choose?

Additional. The 302 would be faster and lighter and has nicer gel coat, but the 357 has AC (still works!), Bigger bed (I am 6'3"), mcleode bolsters and way more room to work on the engines.

And yes my wife is patient.

Cheers,
Cyrus

I had a 1986 357 kamma boat and absolutely loved it. If you are going to do any running in the ocean, I would think the 357 would dominate. Also, if you are taking family, the extra room in the 357 is always usefull. I would also vote for bolsters as opposed to any other kind of seat, assuming they are McCloud bolsters. Traded up to a 419 Fastec from the 357 kamma boat. Good luck!!!

357 would be my choice as well. Not that the 302 won't run it the rough it will but the 357 looks more updated and because of the weight will give a better ride.

I have a 1986 F302 that I will put up for sale by April. I hope to go to a 357. As much as I love the 302 I think the biggest advantage is that it can easily be trailered on a 10,000 pound trailer and towed by a 2500 3/4 ton. Not sure of the towing challenges of a 357.

I towed the 357 SR1 to the DMV for trailer VIN verification. The stares I got were priceless.

I towed a 357 with a dodge PU 3/4 ton 4wd with a V-10. Pulled no problem. Stopping, that's another story. At the time, had a surge brake system with drum brakes on three axles. Didn't cut it. Ended up with the 38EC on a triple disc with electric over hydraulic brake system. That should be the standard system for any size boat with twin engines. My 2 cents.

What are the colors on the 302? Does it have a low profile windshield also. Just curious as I restored a 85 302 down here in Florida back in 87 and have not seen it since?