just curious? actual speeds for a:

242ls 454 ?
242ls 502 ?
272sr1 t/454 ?

from reading a few posts looks like 242ls w/454 will hit low to mid 50's? 242 w/502 mid 55-60

272 w/ t/454 i'm guessing 65-70, or am I wrong?

Sounds like you are right on the money! I had a 242 with a mild 468 that did approx 54 on the speedo. I test drove a 272 w/t454/330's/Bravo's that did 68 on the speedo before I bought my 292 w/454mags.

Formula1

how'd you like your 242? I'm trying to way the pros and cons of 242 vs. 272, speed is sure a factor? To be truthful i'm just looking for a start off boat, I figure in a few years I will move up, but for now I figure a 242 will be more then enough.

My first boat was an 85' 242 LS with twin small blocks.

It ran out at 64/65 mph.

Cuda had one too and had the exact same numbers....

formula2?2, it was an awesome boat. I would probably still have it if the "need for speed" and better accomodations for the family of five didn't overcome me! For a 1st Formula, you won't be disappointed. Don't expect to easily fight the "need for speed" bug without pushing the price tag into what you would be able to buy a 272 or possibly a 292 for! If you will be comfortable running around at 50-55mph at WOT, you'll be fine. In a couple of years, you'll be ready to upsize!

Good Luck!

You are just about dead on. I know two 242 owners , one is a 454/365...53/54 mph the other had a 502/415 @61/62 mph. Changed to a 535hp/509 and gets 69/70mph.
My personal 272 when it was powered by 454/330s did 68/69

I had an 89 272 with 330 hp 454s in it in 93 and with the 330s in it it ran 67 on speedo and 63 on gps, upgraded to fresh 420 hp 454s and used Bassett headers(clearance issues between engines) and the boat pulled 69 on gps and showed 73/74 on speedo. 90 degree weather and 80% humidity in the middle of summer on fresh water in Fl.

I had a 1989 242LS with a 454 mag (365Hp) that ran 63 on GPS.
Also had a 1989 272 with 330's that ran 65 on GPS.

But both of these speeds were in MN when it was still in the 60's for a high temperature.

242LS 454 350hp 1987 54.5 GPS

My 1989 242LS ran 56mph with a 22P four blade bravo I prop and 55mph with 21P mirage three blade. Both numbers from a cheap GPS. Two passengers, 1/2 fuel. 454 magnum with 700++ hours.