I agree and if the salt-water, OCD 292 had closer to 70 mph top speed...that would be the tie-breaker. I'm just concerned that getting acceptable speed out of that boat would take a lot of effort/time/$s.

Not to start dispute but TRS no! Stronger maybe??Faster no parts no old yes!TRS heavy yes! Do your home work on both again Bravo better set up! Good luck drive both a good amount of time bring mecury guy or motor head>?

I've tried to study up on TRS and it sounds like (although the Bravos are more "current" and more readily available) the TRS' are more robust, smoother shifting, and with a little more research/effort are acceptably supported in the repair/aftermarket.
100% correct/recalibrate me if I am mistaken/misinformed.

...OCD salt water/closed cooling or fresh water all its life, conundrum!
THANKS for helping me think through this.

What do you all think are the "cruising rpms/speeds" for these boats?
454s in 292/Bravo and 311/TRS.

That is all depending on what size props they are running.

Keep in mind your tow truck requirements.
If you find one around Lake Kentucky/Barkley Lake, let me know and I "can put an eye on it for you".
Good luck

After owning my 311/TRS boat, it would be a hard sell to get me to move to a boat that doesn't have transmissions. I plan to keep my 311 for a long time so when it's time to do some big upgrades, I'll probably make the switch to Konrad drives. So far the TRS drives have been excellent, and have needed nothing outside of oil changes and greased u-joints.

I'm always baffled by how people seem to want to run to the hills when a saltwater boat is up for consideration. If the owner of the boat was meticulous with maintenance, then there is no reason not to consider it for purchase.