242 props clevers or Mirage?

[bill1100]

I just bought a 1984 242Ls with twin 350's the boat has clever #4889804 A4 23p snainless props the prevous owner installed hydro foils fins on the drives would mirage be a better choice ,should I stay with the same size. I want to get rid of the fins. with the twins I would think the boat should get up out of the water pretty good on its own. I bought this boat as is, I am restoring it I have not gone for a ride yet it won't be long

[Formula Outlaw]

My first boat was an 85' 242 LS with twin 350's. Know the boat well.

First: DUMP THE FINS.

Second: Install a "tie bar" between the drives if it does not have one on now. VERY IMPORTANT.......

My boat had the 23 inch Cleavers on them as well and I stayed with them, however this was 10 years ago and props have come a long way. Many prop shops will allow you to try props as long as you don't damage them in any way. As those 242's are ass heavy due to the weight of two motors, I would be inclined to try the Hydromotive Quad IV's. They are a stern lifting prop. I presently have an 89' 311 SR-1 which came with Mirage 23 inch pitch. My boat is ass heavy. I went with the Quad IV's and picked up 6/7 mph (GPS) at cruise speed, and 3 mph at WOT. By lifting the stern, you reduce drag considerably. Generally when going from a 3 blade to a four blade you decrease pitch, but in my case, the reduced drag actually allowed me to go up to 24's. Give Hydromotive a call and tell them what you have, they will tell you straight out what you can expect. They won't sell you a bill of goods just to try to sell a prop. They were GREAT with me. They worked for me. If I still had my 242, that is what I would run.

[Formula Outlaw]

By the way congratulations on your first post.

[bill1100]

thanks, what is the reason for tie bar on the drives. the pic of your 85 242 was a sharp boat I like the colors what was top end on the boat?I will give Hydromotive a call.

[Formula Outlaw]

The "tie bars' distribute "shock" to both drives. If you come off a wave hard and one drive hits first, having the tie bar in place allowed the shock to be transmitted to the second drive, so the first drive doesn't have to take it all alone.

They also keep the drives properly "positioned" at all times. But it is the "shock factor" that is important.

Running with 23 inch Cleavers, Synergy could hit 65/66 if it was "light".

[cuda]

I had a 85 242 with twins also. I had 23" Bravo props on it. I agree 100% with Russ that a tie bar is necesarry. Before I had a tie bar, it felt like the ass end was going to pass the bow at speed. Kind of felt like driving on ice. I bought a tie bar from WPM for around $300. It made such a difference in the boat. It would run 65. You'll love it, I still miss mine.

[bill1100]

I had my heart set on a 272 with twin 350's but I could not let this one go by I have not seen to many of the 242's with the 2 350's worst pat of the deal was I had to pull it back from Fl. to Boston and that wasn't bad I was the guy with the smile on face all the way home. thanks for the info

[Formula Outlaw]

Bill, post some pix. That 242 is one of the best rough water boats for it's size ever built. You will definitely appreciate it out in the Atlantic.

[bill1100]

here is a pic of the boat its going to hurt to paint the bottom

[Formula Outlaw]

Don't see a picture. Don't paint the bottom unless as an absolute last resort. And I mean as an absolute last resort.