Hello all,

I currently have a Formula 252 SS, and have been thinking about going up in size. I was thinking of possibly going to a 303 SR1 or 312 Fastec.I want to stay with the Formula brand cuz I like the look of the boat and what you get with them as far as features.

Coming from a 252, I really dont see why I should consider a 27 or 29 Formula. I dont think it will be that big of a difference. What I am mainly looking for is bigger and twins. Additionally, I feel ( looking for guidence) the 303 and 312 could handle the crossing to Bimini.

Most of my boating is done in the Miami bay but would like to make trips to Bimini with groups during the right time.

Can you guys provide any advice guidence on this? Looking for what are good features to look for motors. More importantly what to look out for.

It can be done it smaller as jet skis do it but me personally I'd like 30+ for the crossing. 311, 336, 353 even 357 all good boats. 2 ft is a jump but a small one. I'd stick 30+. Motors in most will be 454s-502s black motors. I know some 353s had blue motors. Black motors run and run and run with just tuneups and oil changes for the most part.

Blue motors get into a lot more maintenance.

What he said ^^^^^ There seems to be some early model 353s with black engine power at surprisingly low prices right now.

I suggest against the 312. A buddy had one with twin 454s and it was nice and fast on smooth water but absolutely terrible when it got even a little bit rough. We took it into the Gulf and went out 20 miles in 2-3s at about 45-50 mph and it beat us to death and actually bounced the dashboard out! That boat hits HARD. It also porpoises pretty bad at certain speeds. He now has a 353 which is a world of difference, but still very small feeling comp to my 42 Fountain. If you can afford it the 382 Formula is a fine boat. A friend across from me has one and it rides great.

Go as big as your wallet will let you, I've had my 353 for ten years and it's runs like a top every time I go out and turn the keys, great boat.

Jim did you sale the boat yet ?

One concern I have is that I will b trailering the boat and my tow vehicle is a 5.4 supercharged F-150. I think because of weight restrictions on the tow 30 - 32 (8000 lbs) is max limit

sounds like its time for a diesel!

My advice is just the opposite. NEVER buy more then you can store, tow, maintain and/or want to wash/! It don't matter if you can afford more boat!. If you cross any of those lines your boating will no longer be an enjoyment but a hassle.Keep boating fun and buy what suits you and your family's needs.

Only had it on the market for about a month, then I got sellers remorse and we decided to buy a house back at LOTO again and take it back to it's original home where it belongs, we'll be keeping a place down here and just get a CC, we'll be starting the "snowbird" thing next Spring, that is if everything works out like I've got it planned.

7 months back at LOTO and the other 5 months here at the Cape, still no winters for joey, I hate snow.