|
311 vs 292...first REAL boat
Hello Forum,
I have been lurking for awhile... I am moving (part-time) to Perdido Key, Fl. (Gulf of Mexico). I am transitioning from the performance car habit to the performance boat habit...can't do both. :-( I had a small Glastron-Carlson for 25 years but I am now ready to step up. I’m looking at two boats (same price) and would like some first-hand experience: Boat 1: 1989 Formula sr1 311 fresh water boat with twin 454 mercruisers (1997, 200 hours) with Edelbrock marine carbs. aluminum myco trailer, fridge, bathroom, sink/ wet bar. New bimini top. Open cooling system. Speedo says 70mph NEW INFORMATION TRS drives Boat 2: 1989 sr291, super clean salt-water boat. Owner is “retentive” maintenance/upkeep. Fresh-water cooled 454s (300 hours on refresh), bravo 1s (2018 refresh), Latham hydraulic steering (2018). Dual axle aluminum trailer. Thanks for any inputs/insight. Tom |
Id get the 311 being as it is a fresh water boat. Put a closed loop system on it and have fun playing here in the gulf with it for many years to come.
|
The 311 is known as being one of Formula’s best boats. Very timeless. They’re not known for being very fast, but are incredible wave crushers for their size. My boat runs about 70 with 502 MPIs and TRS drives. The 292 is also a great boat. I believe they have more in common with the 242/272 hulls. Fit and finish on both will be done excellent for the time period. Look for rot in the transom and stringers, and the bulkheads fore and aft of the fuel tank. You may have to unbolt the cabin step to get a good look (this is a must, don’t buy without verifying integrity there). If the boats are the same price and check out well, my vote would be the 292 with its Latham steering. That’s easily a $5-6k upgrade alone, and completely changes the way the boat handles. Someone really loves that boat! Post up some pics! It’s possible that we may know the boats/owners. Tom |
Originally Posted by Redneckcustoms13
(Post 4684910)
Id get the 311 being as it is a fresh water boat. Put a closed loop system on it and have fun playing here in the gulf with it for many years to come.
|
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4684912)
The 311 is known as being one of Formula’s best boats. Very timeless. They’re not known for being very fast, but are incredible wave crushers for their size. My boat runs about 70 with 502 MPIs and TRS drives. The 292 is also a great boat. I believe they have more in common with the 242/272 hulls. Fit and finish on both will be done excellent for the time period. Look for rot in the transom and stringers, and the bulkheads fore and aft of the fuel tank. You may have to unbolt the cabin step to get a good look (this is a must, don’t buy without verifying integrity there). If the boats are the same price and check out well, my vote would be the 292 with its Latham steering. That’s easily a $5-6k upgrade alone, and completely changes the way the boat handles. Someone really loves that boat! Post up some pics! It’s possible that we may know the boats/owners. Tom One boat in Denver....the other in NY. |
Is the 1st boat Bravo or TRS? If so go with boat with Bravo drive s
|
Originally Posted by Nothing personel 353
(Post 4684948)
Is the 1st boat Bravo or TRS? If so go with boat with Bravo drive s
|
A 311 TRS boat is a better balanced, and basically bulletproof, combination. The TRS set up is old and finding parts can be somewhat more difficult (but they also don’t really break so that’s a mute point). I love my TRS boat! Unless it was originally built with 420s, the 311 will have Bravos. The 292 is Bravo for sure. Not sure I can really comment on the speed deal without seeing them/knowing the motors. The 292 probably has some good power in it if the owner added hydraulic steering. Got any links to the boats boats in question? |
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4684951)
..............................The 292 probably has some good power in it if the owner added hydraulic steering. Got any links to the boats boats in question? |
True, but that would be a huge investment compared to fixing the gimbals. That’s my thought anyway. |
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4684951)
A 311 TRS boat is a better balanced, and basically bulletproof, combination. The TRS set up is old and finding parts can be somewhat more difficult (but they also don’t really break so that’s a mute point). I love my TRS boat! Unless it was originally built with 420s, the 311 will have Bravos. The 292 is Bravo for sure. Not sure I can really comment on the speed deal without seeing them/knowing the motors. The 292 probably has some good power in it if the owner added hydraulic steering. Got any links to the boats boats in question? |
Originally Posted by t500hps
(Post 4684954)
Or worn out gimbal rings????
|
When did the 311s get a stepped hulls?
Am I too focused on ~70 mph top speed? |
70 GPS OR WISH-O-METER (pitot tube, water controlled?)
|
New info...311 has TRS drives.
|
I’d love to see both boats. Seeing as I have a 89 272 sr1 I wish I would’ve just went bigger right away. Instead of saying oh I’ll get adjusted to this one first. Yes it was the right thing to do but you’ll always want to be bigger and faster no matter what you get. I think you’ll be happy with what ever you end up getting that is as long as you check the common rot issues. Good luck I’ll be interested in what you decide on going with. |
If you want to bring both boats down to Florida, I would be willing to drive them around for a week and tell you which one to buy. I wouldn’t charge much either. Let me know. |
Originally Posted by ph1971
(Post 4685009)
If you want to bring both boats down to Florida, I would be willing to drive them around for a week and tell you which one to buy. I wouldn’t charge much either. Let me know. Tom |
The 311 never had a stepped bottom, always been a traditional flat bottom boat. Steps didn’t come until the late 90’s with the FASTech line of boats. 271, 312, 353, 382 and 419 Interesting that the 311 has TRS drives. Any more info on it? |
In my experience, “Who owned it?” Is the most important detail about an old boat. I would love to own either boat but the one with the OCD owner is probably going to be in the best shape. Good luck Tom and I hope one of these is the boat for you. I looked at 20 before I found mine. |
Originally Posted by ph1971
(Post 4685053)
In my experience, “Who owned it?” Is the most important detail about an old boat. I would love to own either boat but the one with the OCD owner is probably going to be in the best shape. Good luck Tom and I hope one of these is the boat for you. I looked at 20 before I found mine. |
Depends on what’s in it for power. Distant Thunder on here had a 292 with warmed over 454s that was into the 70s with a simple set-up. I don’t think I’d be too concerned about the speed... not yet anyway. |
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>?:popcorn:
|
Originally Posted by Nothing personel 353
(Post 4685064)
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>?:popcorn:
100% correct/recalibrate me if I am mistaken/misinformed. |
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4685061)
Depends on what’s in it for power. Distant Thunder on here had a 292 with warmed over 454s that was into the 70s with a simple set-up. I don’t think I’d be too concerned about the speed... not yet anyway. 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 |
Originally Posted by F14A water jet
(Post 4685077)
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. |
Originally Posted by F14A water jet
(Post 4685080)
...OCD salt water/closed cooling or fresh water all its life, conundrum!
THANKS for helping me think through this. |
Originally Posted by ph1971
(Post 4685009)
If you want to bring both boats down to Florida, I would be willing to drive them around for a week and tell you which one to buy. I wouldn’t charge much either. Let me know.
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4685103)
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.
choice go with fresh water boat with bravos. Ive been in the boat repair business for 35 years. My advice is good and FREE. 👍 |
I certainly do not want to start a debate. I live here on the coast. Our shrimp boat lives in mobile bay. Salt water. We fish offshore on the many boats my friends and I have. It is amazing the amount of corrosion that happens in such short time.
That said, if the owner of a boat that uses it in salt water is as particular as I am about mine and I know that for a fact I would purchase from him if the boat is was I wanted. I meticulous clean mine after its trips in the salt water. It is used in fresh 99% of the time. I'm amazed at how rough some of these mid 2000 model bay boats are that I work on for folks. They go out in the gulf fishing and come home flush the engine and put it away. That isnt sufficient for me. Mine will run of fresh water for almost an hour while I'm washing it and wiping down every possible area I can get. I bought a fresh boat for a reason. |
I ended up with a 311...NOT my original option 311https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...376bd2c332.jpg
|
Congratulations |
Well played! Share the details when you can. |
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e75c38a425.jpg
Plug & Play ready to cruise.Freshwater, Potomac boat. 502s, Latham steering, Keikhaufer tabs, Drive showers, excellent condition, Manning Steel trailer |
I haven't read all the replies so some of this might be a repeat.
I owed a 292 SR-1 for many years and had several engine combos in it, starting with the stock 330's. That being said, both boats are within 1 mph of each other, so there is no real penalty going with the 311. The 311 with TRS drives is the best combo. Due to the engines being forward more to accommodate the transmissions, the boat is better balanced. The cabins in the 311 and the 292 are the same, the 311 has a larger engine bay, so that is where the extra length is. As for speeds, here is what I got with my various combos in my 292. A 311 bravo boat would be the same speed, a TRS boat 1-2 mph slower. All speeds are via GPS. 330s- 64 425s (454)- 69 600 hp- 77 mph. (ITS boxes and -2 drives) 650 hp- 84 mph (ITS boxes and -3 drives) If you ever go -3 you need to go with 5 blade props. 4 blade bravos work, but getting on plane is no fun. If you go with the TRS boat, you can't really change the prop shaft length, so none of that matters. It it was my pick, I would go with the 311. It's better balanced, easier to work on the engines, stronger drives, and will ride better in rough water. |
My sea trial on a calm Potomac River day literally watered my eyes. Since I have limited experience in this size / power / performance boats, I feel the 311 with 502s is plenty of boat for me at least for the next few years.
|
Tom, You’re going to love it! It’s really a great package especially with the HP500’s! |
Now I need a truck that can pull it to Perdido Key, Fl. Tom, come over to N.C. and give me the benefit of your experience. Wax on wax off
|
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:28 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.