I am still confused. Thanks for all who have responded!! Any other advice suggestions, comments? I want to own one by the end of this week. This will be my 1st boat. I am anxious and proud of the thought of being a Formula owner. I want to make the best choice.

If you buy the 242, next year you will want the 272.
I would buy the 272.

A 272 with small blocks will probably burn 1.75 of the fuel the single big block will burn. In addition to bigger/ better ride/ more storage, having twins gives you the ability to get home if one engine has a problem. I'd buy the 272 considering the concerns you have listed. Bottom paint would be a deal killer for me and significantly reduces the value and re-sale of the boat.

Exact reason i bought mine. I love it BTW this is also my first boat.

For what its worth, I bought my 292 this time last year, and before Labor Day, I was already wondering when and where I could find a 357.

Also, as t500hps said, with twins, if one goes down, you can usually always get home with the other. Plus, once you get bitten, your just going to want more, so get the 272 to start, you'll be happier in the long run.

Just my 0.02.

And yes, and everyone else is saying, stay away from bottom paint......big mistake.

And twins are way cool docking

I have a 242 with a BBC not bad on gas I would love a 272 sbc, more room and a good ride. Remember your lake can get nasty in a hurry there is for length

Mopower says " you can HP or money it`s hard to have both"

I will NEVER, EVER buy another boat that's been bottom painted. I've done it twice.

Like I always say, gas is the cheapest thing I ever put in a boat.

For me it's gotta have twins, even though it will cost twice as much to maintain or modify. And bottom paint really sucks....alot.....really.....try taking it off......did I mention it sucks......alot
Just my 2 cents.

Everyone:
you have all been really helpful!! This has been a great website. i am glad that I joined. Pretty much, you have all sold me on the 272. One last question around resale. This issue will not stop me from purchasing but would like your thoughts. This boat came with twin big blocks, therefore it has brava outdrives. However, it now has smallblocks; 350s punched out to 400s. They have a pretty mellow build to them. The motors have about 150 hours on them and run awesome. The seller has all of the receipts. Will the small blocks replacing the big blocks hurt resale of boat?

Thanks again for all of you help!!