Differences between 242LS and 271Fastech
 

I have a 1988 242LS and after riding in a 28 Nordic Heat I want to look into a larger single engine boat. I have not actually seen a 271. In pictures of 271 that I have seen for sale they look about the same size in the cabin as my 242. How much longer is the 271 Hull than my 242? Where is the extra length? Cabin? Cockpit?

I don't think there is that much difference. Remember the 271 has the swim platform included and the 242 does not.

I had a 93 252ss and bought a 2000 271 fastech last year. the 252 was worked with 600hp the 271 is stock. there is NO comparing the ride. we get some nasty SW winds here in NJ and the 271 will ride like an old Caddy most of the time, the 252 was fun but it could be bouncy much of the time. I will be honest and tell you the 271 cannot squish a bug while getting on plane, they are known for working to get up and go, especially with rear bench passengers. I just vented the cavitation plate and am hoping this helps, otherwise back to prop testing. In short we are very happy with the purchase and would recommend you give one a look. Good luck.

What do you mean by "vented the cavitaion plate"? Does the 252 have a 24" rise Hull like the 242 and the 271?

Even thought your 242 is older/"smaller", it was available with twin SBC, the 271 is single BBC only...that should tell you which is bigger/heavier.

Im not sur about the hull question. Venting the cav plate... we drilled a hole thru the plate and ran a vent tube to the top of the out drive. think of it like a snorkel. it may have worked a little, but, i need to try a bigger prop.

well, I guess I'm a good one to ask here, I had a 88 242, sold it and planned on a 272, things didnt work out, I eventually ended up with a 271, there really isn't much differance, a touch more room here and there but like said above the 271 includes the platform and the 242 does not, the 271's cabin has a slightly longer bed, and on one side the couch is longer, but that takes away the cabinets on that side, the ride is very comparable, and my 271 is actually slower by 1 mph or so, very heavy, let me know if theres anything else i can answer, I love both boats, I do wish my 271 had a little more hole shot with a boat load it is a dog outta the hole

Thanks I would like a little longer bed and especially drop out Bolsters. My 242 seems to porpose at cruise speeds in a little chop unless the drive is tucked in all the way. Considering the boat market I am leaning toward just keeping mine. You know the drill just went threw the trailer (tires, boards and carpet, wheel bearings, LED lights, surge brakes), just rebuilt Weiand 177 blower, hoses, spark plugs,wires, gaskets, drive alignment, lab prop, Drew Marine steering stabilizers, on and on and on and on.

Just got my 242LS this year and it seems to porpoise at cruise speeds... I've tried all different variations with the tabs and drive. If you get up in the 4k's you can lift the tabs and drive and she runs awesome. Atleast it's not just me :cool-smiley-026:

Keep the 242. 271s are nice but they're really no bigger and ride no better than a 242. Plus, the planning issue is just annoying with a 271 and theres really nothing I've heard of that fixes it. They all do it, it's just something about that hull design. You've done some nice work to your 242 and personally, I think the 242 is better looking than the 271.

There are some rare Volvo setup 271's with the DPX500 and DPX600 packages. (500/600EFI) and Volvos great DSX dual prop drives with integrated hydraulic steering.

I previously owned a 2001 271 Fastech with DPX500, and hole shots were no issue. Top end 65mph.

You could probably get similar benefits by changing to bravo III lower unit on a Mercruiser setup 271, but probably with loss of top end speed. The DPX is a bulletproof highspeed drive, and I've seen speeds around 100mph with the right power.

I agree that a dual prop Volvo or Merc would help with planning. I think it is just the design of the Hull. A 24' Hull is a steep V as opposed to a flatter bottom. The deep V takes more speed to plane but cuts into the rough water rather than slapping it. I boat at 5K' and higher so I will probably try to up my HP hopefully to the 550-600 HP range(at sea level).