What are extension boxes worth on the 353 500 EFI in terms of speed and overall performance compared to a boat w/o them? Any advantages in rough water? Magicfloat may chime in here, but I've been bothering him so much, I figured I'd put it out there for all to offer answers. I figure dollar wise they may be worth 3K on a used boat as a performance enhancement...is that fair?

Troutly, how are you? Lots of homework has been done on my part in the interest of owning a 353! Contacted Formula, had the 496 HO boat test spreadsheet e-mailed to me. The economy and range are attractive. Have studied the 496 HO performance in that boat and have hooked up with a dealer for a very good trade price into a new '03 w/496 HO's. The financing is unreal...the 24 and 36 mo. buydowns on new come out to a 4.04% and 4.07% blended rate respectively! Have spoken (or e-mailed) quite a bit with Magicfloat also. All formula contacts of any nature have been excellent . As much as I like the idea of what would most likely be my last brand new boat to be this Formula, and I love the new bayport color scheme, the value by far, now and later, seems to be w/the used '99-'01 with 500 EFI's. I can't balk at the performance that I fear I'd miss in the 496 HO 2003. Getting close now...it appears to be between a 2000 353 loaded (of course) Firestorm, 500's, w/boxes , and an '01 clone of your boat (Torch) w/o boxes. About 12.5K less all said and done for the '00. Both boats are mint, 75-95 hrs, trailers, options, ect. So it really kinda comes down to the performance advantage of the boxes vs. model year newer boat. HELP ! You guys were right about what I should be looking for, for the $...now help me pick WHICH ONE

Rippem,there is no question the best choice is the Torch '01

Robert, what took you so long?

Bham Boat Show, my laptop died,out of touch with the world for a few days. You get my email on the 02 353?

MAGICFLOAT, I take it Robert, that it was a Thunderbird brand laptop correct? Next time plug it into shorepower.Try staying out of your lower desk drawer. Only kidding! Suprise! Im back!!!!

Welcome back,Denny. Are you at the Dallas Show? Mark B. is there

MAGICFLOAT No i am not in Dallas. I am resting up for the big Miami show. I am home this weekend. With back to back shows,It just catches up with ya. You know!

Yeah, Denny,I know. When you get our age we need all the rest we can get I let the young guys like Mark B cover for me.

MAGICFLOAT Good idea! Its time!