88242LS

never got it to 60

endeavour32

iTrader: (4)

If your buddy is interested I've going to be selling my 242 LS. The engine was built by Wesco Racing and designed by Marine Kinetics. I've got close to $10,000 in the engine alone. My best speed is 69 MPH which is fast for a 242. Mine also has current formula bolsters out of a 311. New Livorsi Carbon Gauges, All new vinyl all purchased from McLeod. I'm going to sell it as is for $19,000. If I can't get that I'm going to put the stock engine in it and sell it that way. Then I'll keep the engine build a clone and put them in my 292.

masi242

This thread is on it`s fourth page talking about a 24 year Formula that`s in good condition for 10-12k. I am sure alot of other companys would like to see this.

Good luck any way you go.

88242LS

great statement

endeavour32

iTrader: (4)

Thats why I only buy Formula's! They may not be the fastest but they are very well built boats.

cuposterchild

Honestly I think these boats have held their value like few others....the 242 is just a great all around boat.

sprink58

My '79 255 is 32 years old and is still rock solid. It still gets a coversation going at the local marinas and watering holes. Every time I take it out I always get the question...what year is that boat?

My favorite was the 60 year old telling his 40 year old son and 20 year old grandson.."Boys....that's a REAL boat right there...thats a Formula...find me another boat around here that's over 30 years old that looks that good!!!

This is my 4th....but not my last. ('77 F-18/ '86 242SS/'86 272LS/'79255 Liberator)

zimm1978

just for ****s and giggles this is his boat now he built. This is us and his wife out at lake james 2010.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1SuP...er_profilepage

ThirdBird

[QUOTE=BlackJack58;3404583]The Alpha drive wouldn't scare me - I have an '87 with the exact same setup, have had no problems yet. No hole-shots, but I don't baby it, either/QUOTE]

I have to go with BlackJack, all of you guys are way too scared of Alpha drives. Sure, the Bravo is bigger and stronger but, how many people have heard of Alphas blowing apart. And, if you have heard of that, it's no doubt becuase the owner was beating the piss out of it. Heck, I've heard of far more Bravo's blowing apart than Alphas, that's why the X series came along.

Bottom line, Mercruiser ran big blocks in front of Alpha-type drives for years. If you want to do jerky-boy, drag racing hole shots, nothing is going to last. If you want to launch off four-footers and play off-shore race guy, you'll probably bust a Bravo too!!!!! If you just go use the boat like an avarage boater does, that Alpha will last as long as the boat.

Far too many guys here beating up the Alpha/Big Block combination with no real personal experience to back it up. Plus, we're talking 20 plus year old boats and drives. A well maintained 20 year old Alpha is better than a 20 year old beat to chit Bravo. And, finally, if you need to rebuild or replace the Alpha, it's a ton cheaper than the Bravo.

ThirdBird

OK, I'm not done yet!!!!

I'd be far, far more concerned with the condition of the boat than worry about the Alpha vs. Bravo. Think about it, if the hull needs repair or the vinyl is junk, or even if you need to have the boat professionally sanded and buffed, all of those will cost more than buying a new Alpha and bolting it on.

Worry about the boat, the condition, read the owner, check out his other stuff. If his stuff is nice, the boat is likely nice too. The overall condition of the baot is more important than the Alpha drive concern - which shouldn't even be a concern!!!

As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of downsizing from my 311. The only used mid-twenty foot boat I'd consider is a 242. And, if you wait too long on this one, I may just swipe it up!! And no - I have no relationship to this boat or whomever owns it. Just my opinions, of which I have many!