BadDog

Starting the newer boat search. I am leaning towards a Formula Fastech, 312.

What do I need to know about which years and the differences between them?
1. Configuration of the steps in various model years.
2. Major changes to the cockpit or cabin layout between years.
3. Amenities as standard for the years, fridge, shore power, microwave or place to put one?
4. Able to mount a generator?
5. Expected speeds with various power, rough estimate on 454 FI in some flavor or another, 454 carb, 502 etc.
6. Any idea on fuel usage at best cruise speed.

Test reports I can read online?

Other boat to possibly consider. Sort of looking at 33 Outlaw but I suspect the build quality will be better on the Formula. The 33 Outlaw seems like a lot of boat for the money. Speed comparison between the 33 Outlaw and 312 Fastech with same power?

Key consideration in the 30 foot range is a large cockpit.

Price should be below 75.

Anything else I should have asked but did not?

Thanks,
Tim T.

ericaull

Tim, If you can ,look into a 353 Fastech. It has a n updated hull design, and more stock options than the 312. There is so much info on this site, as I am sure you must know. You will find plenty of input here!!!! Talk to Magicfloat, he will set you straight. Eric

t500hps

First off, I second the suggestion of looking for a 353. With $75K you'll be looking at 98-99 models, but you'll be better off!

Second, I sold a 312 this summer. I don't think they were that popular. No noticable changes made from the first to the last. 1997-2003...very few made the last 1-2 years. Go to Formula's website, they have old brochures back into the 80's in their archives. 97's have the black dash,,,,don't get one of those.
Mine was a 1998 w/ 502 mags B1. reported to do 75 but only saw 73 GPS. Bottom had a few dings and the p[rops could have been cleaned up to get 75+. Alll of these boats that I know of had 1.65 bravo 1's. Do not get one with the base 454's Those will run low 60's. maybe 65 on a good day.
Ours was totally loaded, I removed the head under the forward berth and added a Cruisair A/C unit. A genset will not fit in the engine compartment...not much will. We did have a Honda 2000 that we carried and ran on the swim platform...worked great! Formula build quality is great, customer service is even better than that! Liked the boat but needed something bigger, the single small step is not real effective, but the ride is solid and predictable.
Mine sold with drop down footrests, hydraulic steering, A/C, 65 hrs on fresh motors, and a new trailer for mid $50's. (most of the ones for sale in the spring are still for sale today)

The 33 outlaw will be a much bigger boat (no swim platform in the measurements). I would also look at the 32 Active Thunder (the only brand I like more than Formula), or maybe a 31 Sonic. I haven't ridden in either of these but have been in other models and really like them.


BTW: A local guy has a 353 with 502 mags.....Formula claims 72 but he says 68 is all he can get out of it.

t500hps

I also support Magicfloat here on OSO. He put me in the 382 I have now and even though I have local merc dealers, I buy all my parts from him now! No one can touch his commitment to excellent service! He will treat you right!!!

PhantomChaos

I had a 312 for a few years....and it was great. But with hind site.....I would go with a 353 even thought I couldn't have done that at the time. But....since the 312 isn't made anymore, and the 353 is, I would say you have a way better selection of used 353 boats to choose from than the 312. Bigger really is better!

Semper Fi

Talk to Magicfloat (Robert) He is a standup guy.

Audiofn

Take it from the second shortest guy on OSO

otis311

I have owned both Baja and Formula. They are both very nice boats. The 33 Outlaw is a much bigger boat thatn a 312 The 33 Baja more is comparable to a 353. The main difference I see between the two is that Formula is a little more elegent in there fit and finish and is probably faster with same power. The Baja 33 is built like a brick ****house and can take a beating, and if equipt with the SST package has all the good hardware that an offshore boat needs to survive the pounding. You cant go wrong with either.