Thoughts on this 242LS...
 

Hey everybody - I'm looking at my first boat of this type - about 25-26' is as big as I can tow. I'm seriously considering this '87 242LS; it's a single 33HP 454mag-downside is it's an Alpha, but on the other hand the boat is in superb shape, solid as a rock, impeccably clean and with excellent service records. Just over 400 hrs. on the engine.

http://s88532526.onlinehome.us/boat/242LSside.jpg
http://s88532526.onlinehome.us/boat/242LSfront.jpg
http://s88532526.onlinehome.us/boat/242LSrear.jpg
http://s88532526.onlinehome.us/boat/242LSdrive.jpg

At first, I'll probably use this most on a chain of inland lakes just south of Akron (Portage Lakes) with occasional trips up to Lake Erie and the Islands. If I can get it at a reasonable price, I figure I could either upgrade HP and drive later...or just enjoy it and move up to something else in a few years. For the first time out I'm looking for comfort, decent performance, reliability and something I can handle capably, not having a whole lot of experience.

Question is - what's a reasonable price? Owner is asking 18k - but because of his situation - and the used boat market - I'm sure I can do better. Any thoughts? Thanks

Looks clean and nice color combo

mine has the alpha with 454 and I just baby it out of the hole and it has been fine. My dad (original owner) rebuilt it once about 10 years ago. You wont be disappointed in the ride and quality

that boat appears to be in nice shape, and most inportant its CLOSE to you and you have to factor that in there, If I recall it has all the canvas too, if you can live with the alpha it could be a good buy, where with me I gotta have a Bravo, I think this boat is sharp, I don't remember the hours?? but if it looks that good in person I'd say 14/15 depending on the valu to you personally, you can email me direct if you would like we can chat more but I think I know of every 242 in the country right now and I'm going Sat to look at on ethats hopefully coming home with me so I may be willing to give up some good secrets, plus I know the 242 inside and out. either way you cannot go wrong with the 242 there the perfect size and keep in mind buy todays standards its a 26 fter
Sam
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how much would be it cost swap it out for a bravo later on? or is that not really do-able?

My thoughts our if it mattered that much to you you better hold out for a bravo 88-up, if it was me and beleive me Ive looked at everything, if I did end up with a alpha, I'd buy a second alpha for a spare,

I agree with this statement, you'd be way ahead of the game, if you just were to pick up a spare alpha versus what it would cost you to replace it with a bravo.

I saw that one to good looking boat. A 454 with 400hrs has lots of life left in it. As for the alpha don`t worry about it just easy out of the hole and you will be fine I have over 200 hrs on mine from when I bought it. Just remember this is not a speed demon, but a great riding boat even with big power you will only see mid 60s. Try starting him at 15k and see where you get:cool-smiley-011:

I love my 242:D

Schweitz58,
Just looked at the pics of that 242 you're thinking about. Man, that is a nice color combo. Boat look (I emphasize, looks) nice. If it checks out that nice in person, up close, I'd buy it in a minute. Don't worry about the Alpha drive. It's going to be just fine as long as you don't go out playing offshore racer wannabe. Take it easy out of the hole, heck, I do that with my Bravos.

I'd be much more particular of finish, overall shape, and colors (and those are good colors) than I would be over the drive. Chances are, that drive will serve you well as long as you own the boat.

That is a true head-turner Dude, go buy it before I do!!:cool-smiley-011:

I have inspected this boat myself - it is just as nice looking close up - you could almost eat off the engine. At least I would - but hey -- maybe that says more about my dietary standards. :D

I'm dragging the wife to go see it Sat. (just a formality) and will probably make an offer. She got her pool about 5 years ago...now it's my turn!

Either way, it seems I'll have water and cold Coronas close at hand... :evilb:

good luck

Good luck, keep us posted on your progress.

I would think from the looks of that boat, it could bring 17k, maybe 18k. However, that's like top buck.

You could do a little moaning and groaning over the Alpha package (although in reality, it should not be a drawback for you). Just to try to get the price down some. It's certainly not unreasonable to start with an offer of like 14.5k. Who knows, next thing you might hear is "sold"!

Don't forget it is undoubtly a nice boat but ..... what does the trailer need .... and so on ...... leave your self some room and put some doubt in the sellers mind of what he really has. You never know he/she might say yeah your right it is the middle of the winter I need the cash .... I just want to get rid of this thing before I change my mind and use it next summer.

Good Luck ....

Jeff

That Boat has been listed for a while too

I don't think you can go wrong if it's in good shape. They ride great and can be pepped up with some HP if you want too. I have a '90 that I've dropped a custom-built 620HP motor in. I am now upgrading to a Bravo XR since I blew my last drive up in a Poker Run (too much air). I've seen 71 MPH on GPS. I expect to see mid to upper 70's when I take the hook out of the hull and go to a sportmaster lower.

You may ask, "Why sink that money into an older boat?" The answer is that the size is perfect for trailering, two spending the night, hauling a few friends, and it looks and rides great.

I had a 1987 Chapparel Villian with 330hp and alpha never had any problems.

Actually the motor wore out before the drive.

Well, seller finally answered dealer's phone message. Counter-offered, then I did. In the end, we met halfway, so I'm okay with it.

Thankfully, they'll hold in storage (indoors) til May 1st - seller paid. Works for me. See yooz all on da' lake...

congrats