Has anybody looked at the Palm Beach 311 at Stongs Marine in Mattituck NY? I'm close to doing a deal but I want to make sure I haven't missed anything. Any suggestions about what to look for would sure be appreciated. Thanks,

(Soon to be) "hasa311"

Is there a website address it can be looked at?

It's on Boat Trader. (I tried to copy the link here but it's too long.) I went and looked at the boat, took a sea trial and took a bunch of pictures; next step is a survey. I was thinking somebody on this forum has probably also looked at it.

The survey will tell you what you need to know. I have an 89' 311, and love it. In the rough stuff, for it's size, about as good as it gets. Plus they are a true 31'1", NOT including the silent thunder box. Good luck. Keep us posted.

I know of one in Sarasota that is only driven by a little old lady on New Year's Day. Contact Russ aka Formula Outlaw.

While a survey is probably required by the lender or insurance company, don't put too much stock in it. I've seen surveys that are so incomplete and incompetent that it's laughable. We here on the board can help you better determine the condition of that boat. If you do a little search on 311s in this forum section you will learn almost everything you need to be concerned with.

A few main items to check are the Silent Thunder Platform for exhaust leakage. If it leaks it probably also needs rebuilding. Check the bulkhead in fornt of the engine bay for rot. Check the engine hatch for water in the foam/plywood upholstery backing. Lift the hatch by hand, is it real heavy? Does water pour out the back of it. If so, you may need to redo the cushions. Check for hull blisters. If you have the boat surveyed, insist they use a moisture meter on the hull and transom. This is not a normal problem but who knows? Of course, you should have a trusted mechanic check out your engines and drives.

Just few items to consider. As you can tell, I don't put much confidence in surveyors. You should see the survey that was done on my boat!!! Glaring mistakes, inaccuracies, too lazy to check certain things. This clown couldn't even determine the capacity of the fuel tank - it's stamped right on the friggin' thing for Pete's sake!!! What waste of money that was.

Anyway, good luck, it's a nice looking boat. Ask us anything you need to know, we can most likely answer you - accurately.

Dave

All good points Third Bird, (most surveyors think their crap don't stink, it does) do a compression test on motors, (make it the last thing you do, put new plugs while at it) expect to replace drive and trim tab indicators, possibly pumps and drive lube reserviors(round style are notorious leakers) . Issues with any boat this age not just Formulas. btw,I have 89 311 and love it. Good luck!

One thing I was told to look out for when I bought the 272 was water saturated foam under the tank. Also check the gimbals for worn steering pins and sockets leading to slop in the steering. Expect about a 3K fix if they need to be replaced.

[QUOTE=cuda]I know of one in Sarasota that is only driven by a little old lady on New Year's Day. Contact Russ aka Formula Outlaw.

Cruel, just plain cruel. Here I am in excruciating pain from kidney stones and I have to endure this humility. (although it is true, I haven't had it out since New Year's Day). But when it does get out, it's gonna be LOUDER............

I tend to agree with "TBird" ...you can get it Surveyed but dont put all your beans in just what he sez ...I bought a 89 311 in April ..Site unseen but Surveyed ..lot of isssues that Surveyor could/should have caught ...from now on ..( next time ?) I will see the boat ...To me ...if you plan to leave cosmetics mostly stock ...thats very important ..hard to correct wear and tear ...motors/mechanical while $$ can be made better than new ...my 2 cents