I loved my 242 with twins. The cockpit isn't much different than the one on my 302, which I imagine is about the same as your 311. The 242 had a decent cabin. I stayed out overnight in it once.

My Parents had a 242 and a 272 and I had the 311. To compare them all is hard becasue they are all a little different. The 242 was a nice boat but I would recommend finding one with bolsters becasue the captian chairs are a little low for driving. The 242 hadles small waves fairly well. I would hesitat to take one our in 2 to 3's, anything more than that would require a bigger boat like your 311.

I would recomend getting a small CC and keeping your 311. The maintaince on a small CC is alot less than a 242.

Joe and Masi, thanks for the pics. That's what I need is more cockpit pics for comparison. I'm not sure, but will you really notice a difference of 2 degrees? I could see the weight being more of a factor, say between a 206 and a 242.
I could see the 206 being something vaguely compariable to a Donzi Minx...I'm just thinking cockpit size and hull/power combo. That would be perfect when I'm just looking for something really easy to run the ICW and Biscayne Bay.
The 223 could be about the same, just everything is a tad bigger and the big block comes into play. The 242 is the "big boat" of these 3. I have to see what the cockpit difference is between the LS and SS. Is it the 242LS that has the port-side back to back seats? I saw a picture of something, where you could fit a good-sized cooler between the driver's seat and rear bench. There's not that much room in the 311.

the ss has the larger cockpit with the back to backs. The extra room is taken out of the cabin. My 242 has bolsters and coolers fit perfectly under each. I also rebuilt my back bench and included better underseat storage. A single engine 242 has quite a bit more storage space under the hatch. with the twins not so much

No, the 242 LS does not have back to back seats. They have two captain chairs (not bolsters), and a bench seat across the back, just like 99% of all performance boats.

Imho, you will definetely feel the difference between a 22, and a 24 degree hull of the same weight. I always wanted a 206, that's how I got into this silly sport.

As for comparing to a Donzi Minx, I believe the Minx has a narrower beam (7 feet) than the 206. I can tell you without a doubt, the Donzi Minx was THE most fun boat I've ever driven.

Debbie seems to be enjoying it in the picture also. :) Btw, that's not me in the ariel veiw. It is the previous owner.

Bolsters was an option for the 242 LS. Mine has them and most of the ones I've seen have them.

Really??!!
I've only run across two 242's with bolsters. In my neck of the woods, they're rare birds.

I believe they're out there, you just have trouble recognizing them with your Beer Goggles on. :drink: :D

Like Cuda said I to started this "silly sport with a '88 206 closed bow w/ 350 mag. The boat ran about 55 mph according to the speedo. The interesting thing about this boat it had trim tabs and they seemed to make a big difference. With that being said it still was only 20ft boat. 1s and 2s were fine anything bigger was uncomfortable. The cabin was smaller than my pickup box with my tonneau cover on it. The cockpit had 2 swivel seats (you sat low in them) I'm 6'2" and I was getting the top of the windshield frame right in my eye sight line.
All in all it was a very fun boat to get started with ..... but .... true meaning of small one good thing was it was heavy for it's size but it also was narrow ... 7ft.
A couple of guys I know had the 242s and loved them ... One of them said it was one of funnest boats he owned ..... my things have changed for him he now has a 370ss....it's a little different. lol .....

I have to agree with the guys with the respect of the 260s they are awesome when it comes to space.... Different style of boating although.
Look on Boattrader.com and go to "great Lakes" section you will find a bunch of these style of boats vintage and newer Formulas especially in the Lake Saint Claire MI area. Boats are freshwater and in good shape over all.....


Good luck !!!

Jeff

I had an '87 242-SR1 for about (10)years. Great size boat and handles rough water a lot better than the sizeould suggest.Boat will probably take morew than your body. I ran it in solid 6'-8's for 35 miles, not a pleasant ride, but not a squeak or a rattle. NOT THE FASTEST HULL, BUT BUILT LIKE A TANK.