I'm looking to get a 311, and was wondering what the average hull life people are experiencing. Most hulls in the 311 vintages seem to have around 600-900 hours. How many more before major hull issues begin to appear? Moderate seas etc.

Would 2000 hours be a reasonable hull life? Beyond that?

I live on a small island and will likely start commuting by boat. The 2 ferries are just too costly...

Thanks.

my guess is no limit! if the boat is already solid of course...

I would say a lot of it depends on how it was treated. We scapped one a few years ago that had 280 hours on it that was done for, and repowered a beautiful one for the second time with 1300 hours on it in the same summer.

As far as the hulls go, there doesn't seem to be anything out there stronger and nicer for the vintage?

Does the 311 have the transom 'hook' as well?

No the 311 is actually concave the hook was on the 272

My 311 has 700 hours and the hull is extremely solid. Just about everybody who rides on the boat can't believe how solid and balanced the boat feels, no matter the seas.

In researching the boat I was told the TRS equipped boats were better balanced than the bravo boats since the hulls were designed with the TRS motor placement in mind, but having never ridden in a bravo equipped 311 I can't say if that is actually true. There is nothing that inspires confidence more than a truly rugged hull. I used to feel like I was taking my life in my hands at anything over 60 in my 26 Sonic.

As long as the stringers and transom are not wet or rotted the hull will likely last indefinitely. The 311 was overbuilt and laid up as thick and heavy as any boat out there. Matt, I had a Bravo 311 and it ran faster and more economical than a TRS boat, it also carried the bow better so it porpoised less, even with 4 blade props. Either one is a fine boat and feels rock solid well into the 70's.

That is really good to hear. The 357s seem just a little too big,and the 292 just not big enough...porridge anyone?
When was the transition year to the Bravo drives?
I would have thought that the engines moved forward would balance better. I don't like porpoising at all really, did the tabs sort that out?

So no hook in the hull...great. But what is the 'concave' shape?

With stock power, at around 400 HP @ 5100-5200 RPM, how would the Bravo drives fare?

Thanks for the great feedback.

that's debatable, Apache,Cig, Sutphen, all built way stronger, Fomulas good boats but not built nearly as strong....

As far as hull hours, unlimited as long as its dry, and if it isn't then redo it and lasts forever..... hulls really don't have a lifespan really.....

I been in both, and ran both, a TRS Formula 311 is way better then a Bravo one.... much better balanced...