311 formula vs 31 scarab excel....
 

So looking to upgrade..Have two options im looking at..one is a 1988 311 formula with 502s..other is a 1990 scarab excel with 454s..

Formula is more expensive by about 8k...

Give me some input here...

Upgrading from a 70 mph 24 outlaw that was built to run LOTO..

Engine hours? Drives? Steering? Those all would be big determining factors. I like the fact of the 8.2 blocks in the formula for future upgrades. Visually though I like the looks of the 31 excel

Formula..rebuilt motors they claim only 25hs..
Excel..one motor brand new only break in time...other motor unknown hrs..

Both have bravos, both have just tie-bars..not hydro..
Not really looking to upgrade anything on the motors anytime soon..been there done that with older boats..just looking to get in the boat and go now..wrenching time isn't as much fun as it use to be..

8k buys a lot of gas and beverages:cool-smiley-011:

I've seen the excel on the lift, it looks nice. Is your outlaw the one that's also listed? My buddy was showing me one yesterday.

The $8K will pay to rebuild the other motor? Why was the one replaced, how many hrs on the clock on Excel?
Look at the Excel for quality of build especially at the straightness (or lack of) down the outside of the hull then look at the FORMULA, I'll bet money the Formula is much straighter and overall a much more quality boat (inside and out). What no receipts for the rebuild of the Formula motors or reference from builder?
At the Houston boat show they parked the only Formula next to a comp Scarrab, the Formula put the glasswork on the Scarrab to absolute shame.
Way too many variables for comparison without further details.
Good luck with your purchase whatever you decide.

No its not listed right now..if interested its a 88 240..completely redone..extra stringers..extra bulk heads..all foam core..no wood..x raised 4 inches..top cap glasses to bottom..502..thats just a quick detail run down if interested pm me...

What's your budget?

My.02 25+ yr. old boat sounds like a money pit to me. I'd look for a newer, more efficient hull.

30 and under...

Hull wise I think the formula will be a heavy ride, in the cockpit as well it might be deeper then the scarab. J

any chance you'd have any interest in a 1996 Baja 38 Special for 28k? Very good running boat that my customer just wants to get rid of. Turn key boat that he used regularly last couple years, he just built a monster dream home on an inland lake and went pontoon and just does not use this anymore. Its listed on FB in the powerboat swap shop.

How about this one? A little bigger, but would be a better ride in the slop at loto, and lots of cockpit room. This one has 454s built by a good engine builder up in michigan.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1990...s#.VP2BlS7LqCt

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/4875538858.html

The 38 is just too big..No where to keep it. 34 scarab is outta my price range...

Does anyone know what these two boats would run mph wise?

What should I look for in these two boats for problems? Anyone know where the problem areas are in these?

If the boats are a close trade off when it comes to power, condition, hours, price, etc .. Id say it comes down to whether or not you like the windshield on the Formula or prefer the Acrylic on the Scarab. Some like to get behind the windshield and out of the wind more than others. Something to think about.

If you like either one, Boats that age (of which I'm a huge fan) come down to condition and care. It's usually obvious when you actually put your eyes on them in person how well they've been taken care of. Upholstery, engines (and compartments) paint, just a general overall look and feel. In person, you can see if the upholstery is kept well and is soft with good stitching, or was just cleaned up well, hard, threads missing. Cracks in gelcoat, patches, SMELL, stuff like that. Don't hesitate to pull every cushion, floor panel, open every compartment, check wiring, turn switches, tap the transom and stringers with a small hammer(dead sound is soft) and particularly, ask questions.

I personally like the looks of the Scarab better, still has a modern swoopy vibe. Formulas are well built and heavy, and ride really well, but tend to give up a little speed, so I imagine the 502s in the Formula are equal to the 454s in the Scarab performance wise.

You're the one on the water all day with it, buy the one that's in the best condition and gives you a bit of a chubby! :cool-smiley-011:

I might be selling my Kevlar scarab that would fit your budget. New transom/ stringers by glassdave v

A 311 is a quite a bit bigger boat than a 31 Scarab is it not?

Just saw a nice looking '95 31 Scarab on Facebook Powerboat Swap Shop for 30K. Located in Columbus OH.