Bordercrosser: Congrats on the 'new' boat. I brought mine home from New Jersey - about a 7 hour ride - but it sounds like you have a bit further to go.

The "firewall" bulkhead (separating the engine bay and fuel tank bay) tends to be a weak spot on the Formulas of that era. I had to re-do mine this spring. So, have your surveyor pay close attention to that bulkhead and its adjoining stringers.

Factory spec compression on the 454 is about 150 psi, but it seems hard to achieve in a compression test. Make sure the mechanic has the throttle wide open (as opposed to closed), as it makes a difference in the readings.

You'll like the 1988 as it is 600 lbs lighter than the 1990 and 91 models, so it goes faster.

Let us know how it goes.

I won't be listing my 242 for sale a another month or so. . . since it is summer time, I would not want to be boatless.

I'm pretty well prepard with gear for the trip. I am heading out soon. I'm looking forward to it!

anyone else? palm beach 242 w/bolsters, cleveland

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/3140731356.html

I bought the 242 in Missouri. It wasn't exactly what I what hoping for when I got there, but we negotiated to a price that made me happy. I have some work to do cosmetically to make it the way I want it, but the important stuff is in great shape. I'm a little tired from the trip, but it was worth it!

Congrats...glad you made it back safe and sound and got a deal you are happy with. Take a nap and then upload some pics!

Nick - Emily told me about your boat from Facebook... CUposterchild is her brother! We just put 2+2 together this morning when I mentioned to him you got a 242SS, and he sent me to this thread. The 91 242LS with the 502 was mine, we did the same thing in 2006- looked for a while - bought it in St. Louis and brought it home - Sold a few years ago though.

We'll be up to the river August 4th till after the poker run.... lets squeeze in a floating cocktail hour or two, its been too long. -Kerry

Small world! Give me a call when you get up here.

"93 252ss same boat as 242. only difference the swim deck molded into boat and not attached like Silent Thunder.

They're roughly the same size and 252 does indeed have an integrated swim platform, but the hulls are different. 242 has a deeper V (24° vs 22°). In practice difference isn't very pronounced - 242 handles chop slightly better, 252 is a bit more stable and feels "lighter" at speed.

Having had both, I can't say which one I prefer. Even though they're not the same, they're still very similar boats.

242 is a much better boat all around! and is actually bigger