1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Hi guys. New here on the site.

I have a 1986 Formula 242LS with a stock 260hp MerCruiser/Alpha One setup. I'm lucky to get 40mph out of the boat. I bought it last year and its in amazingly perfect shape for its age. Its a real eye catcher...but, slow as a dog. My question is this: I 've read that these older Formula's are well built but heavy and slow. So going to a 454 Block with a Bravo One drive is an option, but what Ive read is that I'd be lucky to gain 15mph from the upgrade. Should I just leave the pretty ole girl as is and not bother with an engine upgrade? OR move to a newer Formula? I'd like to get 55mph somehow. Friends want met to get a Checkmate Convincer with a MerCruiser 502MPI....does 60.

Thoughts please...thanks from Seattle WA.

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

40 does seem slow. I know a number of people with 242LS's and with a 454/365 53 mph , 502/415 61 mph and a warmed over HP500 now 509/535 70ish. Even with 100 hp less (at 260), mid 40's should be attainable.
As for repowering , to do a BBC and Bravo , it's going to cost you probably as much or more than you paid for the boat :( .

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Maybe you could put a small supercharger on it. then you could turn a bigger prop. I would worry about the Alpha drive though. :rolleyes:

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

I would rather have a 40 MPH formula then a 60 mph checkmate!!

I have SB blues in my 245 Limited Chris craft,I am repowering this winter,I wouyld say keep what you have and put a better small block if anything,I am building a stout 350 for mine,other options are going to a 383

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

It depends on if you love the boat, and it suits your needs. If you plan on keeping it, find a take out BBC and a Bravo transom and drive. Unless it's a pretty hot BBC, mid fifties would probably be your top speed. You'll never get the money back out that you put in, so you need to decide if you love the boat. A 242 is never going to be a speed burner, but they are damn nice boats. I sure miss the one I had. It was an 85 with 1999 FWC 350 mags. It would run about 65 on a good day. As a matter of fact, I was just playing around looking for another 242 with twins. :)

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Guys, thanks for the great feedback. Cuda, right on the mark with loving the boat enough to forgo the speed issue. The pics of your Formula are exactly my boat color wise.

LOL but it's embarrassing when a 27' Sea Ray Sundancer runs by you at 3/4 throttle! Ok, You've confirmed that replacing the engine will give me marginal results and be costly.

So, perhaps a much newer Formula (mid 1990's) with a big block/bravo set up would be an option. Lots and lots of checkmates here in Seattle on Lake WA....they are dam nice, but at heart, Im a Formula man....

Thanks ago

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Or a 406 :drink: Although i sometimes wish i had big blocks i love the reliability and fuel consumption of my SB's. :drink:

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

As you have heard from everyone else to change to a BBC will only get tou to 55mph :eek:

But it`s a Formula

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

I had a worked mag motor in mine and did 63-64 GPS.
Not enough for me. Am going with the 540, or maybe even the 598 that's all apart. Hoping to see 85Mph with the Imco shortie.... BBB

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Does anyone on here have a 242 with twins?