311 Advise
#11
Registered
thats a lot of 12 packs LOL but at least you won't be bored,
#12
Registered
Join Date: May 2005
Location: West Michigan/ Florida
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree......wouldn't even waste time looking at that boat.....
#13
There are so many nice 311s out there for such good prices that I would not pay a lot for that boat unless it is exceptional in some way. Also if you can find a Bravo boat (89 or later) it will be faster and have more room in the bilge, and you have one less part to fail (the trans). The 87 I have seen with AC had the condensing unit in the rear seat and hoses run to an evap under the v-berth. I have also seen units mounted on a plate in the engine compartment and then run a cold air hose along the gunwale into the cabin. Either way works but I would also look at a portable unit which is more than enough for that cabin, and not lost when you sell the boat.
#14
Registered
Thread Starter
I am all for finding a nice clean boat. I just haven't seen that many 311's out there and this one is close to me. If there are some that I'm missing let me know. I would appreciate any leads
#16
Registered
#17
Registered
I had a 1990 292 with 365 mags and bravo drives. I installed a 5K btu air conditioner under the sink. This is generally where formula mounts them also, under sink or under other storage area next to head. I would also look to run a small duct under the seat back up to the "V" berth to get some direct air up there if you plan on sleeping in it. I think I just tied the water cooling line into the sink drain just before it went through the hull. It really wasn't that bad of a job. I would also highly recommend looking for a bravo boat with no bottom paint and no stringer rot. Transom rot is one thing, but the entire stringers up to the cabin is another. The bravo boat is faster, drive parts are plentiful and I would think cheaper. I would also plan on installing external hydraulic steering. I did on my 292 and it ran like it was 10' longer and on rails. Couldn't believe how much nicer that boat ran, and the 311 is actually a lot more boat than the 2 extra feet. Good luck and happy hunting. the 311 is one of the best models Formula ever produced IMHO.
#18
Registered
Funny story, friend had a 90 311 with 502's in central florida. Sent to engine shop and got the 502's to about 550hp. Boat ran an honest 80 mph. Owner was not into running hard, but a certain Baja owner of the large K-9 variety ran that formula flat out in 4-5' seas in Key West and smoked him a cat!!! I remember the cat owner just couldn't believe that a formula could run that fast in those seas. Those 311's can flat out tame the rough stuff far more than their 31' length.
#19
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a 1991 that I bought from the original owner with 502 mags that I was going to put on the market next spring. Send me a message if you think you might be interested. Haven't figured out how to post a pic. Email is [email protected] and I can send what I have. It's on a 2011 triple axle Manning Marine trailer.