Posted: September 19 2008 at 14:00 | IP Logged

I used to own one.

1- On the visibility issue, I was never bothered by the bow rails, I'd rather have nice and high (safe) rails than low ones.  I did always stood up, leaning back against the bolster, and saw over the windshield.  I'm 5'11", so that may be the difference.  I could never sit at the helm on plane, the windshield felt too small to really look through, IMO...  But I basically  feel that way about most typical express boats out there.

2- Yes my platform got soaked most of the times when I came of plane.  Eventually I learned how to come down at the right speed to minimize this, but it took some effort.  It never washed into the cockpit though, the 3-4" step from the platfrom to the cockpit suceeded in preventing this.  Following seas were not a problem ever for us though, but we hardly ever ran big following seas at displacement speed, so it's hard to know if it could possibly be an issue.

The forward berth was re-designed since the 2004 model that I used to own, so I can't comment on that.

Posted: September 19 2008 at 14:12 | IP Logged

Well, the bed is symmetrical, so you take your side and just accept that the little tip returning to the aft on the other side of the bed is wasted space.  Your heads are near the bow, you're lying at an angle parallel to the outside edge of the bed, along the hull.  Tallest person forward, as it gets shorter for the second person because of the shape of the bed along the dinnette.  The factory mattress is dreadfully stiff (at least it will not bottom out), so we ended up buying a mattress memory foam topper for the aft bed and used that one most of the time (it's a standard full size, so it was easy to buy, I got it at Costco).  I'm guessing you can get one made for the forward berth but the shape is a challenge, you may need to cut it yourself.

Posted: September 19 2008 at 14:20 | IP Logged

We are just finishing our 6th season with our 310 and we are still in love with it.  We also has a 250 before our 310.  I'm 5'-10" a don't have a problem while standing, sometimes while seated I sit on a throwable cusion to get a better view.  And if i'm on a long trip I will stand on the cusion to help absorb the waves.

We also have the water come up on the platform and on occasion into the boat.  Has this been a problem, no.  But I make it a point to slow down longer and keep the bow up to avoid the water entering the boat. 

As for the sheets for the front birth, we us a fitted king sheet.  Start with one corner, work it around the matress and tuck the excess under.  If you keep you head at the bow you and your partner sleep in a "V"shape. Or if your partner is shorter you can sleep across.

If your thinking of moving up, the 310 is a great boat.  We also have two kids and have plenty of space.