I actually need a 280ss for me and my family to do the harbor thing except i think the cuddy will be too small for the three of us. A 330ss would be ideal except the price tag kinda high on the nicer ones. Lots of fugly ones in the late 90s with the pink, teal and purple too.

Here's one i read today for example.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-32-fever.html

ya we were there once, 280ss is definitely to small for 2 let alone 3, we almost went 330, but you commit to the dark side and don't get the full plate, 330 really will only sleep two as well, the couches fold down into a bed, with us the 303 actually gave us seperate area's we were gonna make a center piece like a friend did but now weve become day boaters, and when we do over nite its adult weekend, + he's 16 now ;o)

You can find all the opinions you want on here from all the oso experts who has a buddy who talked to a guy whoss friend had one but at the end of the day you need to find one you are serious about and find a way to get out on it to judge for yourself. The boat will sell itself with the right guy at the helm....

Is it a rocket ship? No. But you are not buying a Formula for that reason. If you were close to Jersey i "knowaa guy" and could show you what a 312 can do.

I have a 2000 312 with 454 MPI's (310 HP). We have had the boat 2 years and love it. It is a bit under powered but with 4 adults & full fuel it will run 62 mph on GPS (speedo says 64-of course). I cruise at 3500 rpm & 47 mph in 2-3 foot chop and it rides great. If it gets rougher, I go faster & it does very well in the 50-55 mph range. I think they made the 312's for about 5 years & I was told they discontinued because there was enough differential in the 292 & the 353 size-wise????? Bottom line....it is a very nice mid-size performance boat that looks & sounds really good. I would buy the boat again for sure.

Bought a 1997 312 with 454 Mags brand new, put over 1000 hours on it with no rebuild, just new stainless marine exhaust. Loved it, rode great, only got rid of it to get a 382, wanted A/C, a real head, more room

Love my 97 312. I customized it my way.. Twin 454 mag MPI labbed 30p I run 72 no problem boat loves 1-2 on tabs and 3 on trim great ride even in rough water.. Easy to dock, trailer and fits in my pole barn...

Which water you on?