Hi Guys

I have decided I am going to buy a formula! I originally started looking at a 292, but am now considering going straight to a 353 ( if that's where I will end up anyway ) note I am boating Georgian Bay

Question does the 292 have a sleeper filler cushion for the bed below? I noticed the 353 does and I really like that feature

Also is there any more room in the cockpit in a 353 over a 292

Lastly, the big old question. If going with a 353, do you suggest 525s for power or will 496s suffice.

A 353 with 525's is a low 80's boat. With 496's Im guessing a mid 70's boat. Since you're on this website, you like speed. Go with a 525 boat.

292 does not come with a filler cushions. You can make one or do a search on here, a marina made one and was selling them for like $700 I believe.

I'd go 353. I have a 292 currently and dream of a 353 everyday. Don't get me wrong, I love my 292 but 353 with 525s...come on...what elese is there to say

I found myself in exactly the same place when we bought our 2008 292 in 2010. We really liked the 353 and were looking at several used boats as new was out of our price range. Our goal was to move up to twin engines and have a more comfortable ride from the extra length and the bolster seats. Our previous boat was a 1993 271 that we absolutely loved for 17 years.

During our search for a 353, we found a 2008 292, brand new and never titled with 10 hours, full factory warranties and at a price point just above a late model 353. We decided to go with the 292 and could not be happier. The 292 is pretty quick, tops out at 70 mph with 6.2 MPI motors, cruises at 50 mph (3,800 rpms), is easy on fuel and rides great on the mid sized lakes we boat on each week end. As others will testify, the 292's have great mid-range acceleration and handle like they are on rails. Its is plenty of boat for Lake Cumberland, but if you plan on sending a lot of time at LOTO it will seem small on weekends when the lake is rough. The boat/trailer fully loaded weighs in just under 10K lbs. so easily towable with a 3/4 ton truck. I have a Silverado 2500 HD with Duramax and Allison trans and it pulls like a dream. For us the 292 is also easier to back into our driveway where it is kept for the summer than a 353 would have been. If you go with a 292 and have a choice in the trailer go with a tandem axle versus a tri-axle. I have a tri-axle and it is a pain to maneuver in tight space.

Others can chime in on 496's versus 500's or 525's in a 353 and the performance advantages, operating costs and maintenance costs of those engines.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

Dave

Apexworrior, did you buy that 353 in Laconia? I went to look at it a few years back but when we got up there we liked it so much, we got side tracked and bought land that week instead...so I had to downsize my boat expatiation. So now that this project is almost complete I'm on the hunt again. I wish I could have bought both...lol...

Anyway, heading down to Eastern Shores this weekend to look at another 353 so will see. Your 353 was a great deal if that's the same one! Nice! Very Nice!

A 353 would be great. Main reason is it can fit bbc. Plus a few more feet when is ruff. Bu for us the 292 does all we want. Plus sbc engines are great on fuel and can be beaten on hard with little to no problems. My only issue is upgrading power cost just as much as bbc and are not really considered wanted on the used market. Go 353 if you need it for bigger bodies of water but for small lakes and occasional big water trips go 292 for a low maint every weekend boat.

+1.... With small blocks and bravos you will have to try to break something.

Thanks for the compliment!

However I think you're referring to a different boat.

Got mine from Shogren a few years back.

I second that opinion

I didn't have to try real hard. Not one to beat on my boat either, but just got the boat back on the water after repairing the head from a chipped exhaust valve. First gremlin in the 7 years I've owned her.

Can I blame ethanol?????