Looking for 88-92 Formula 223 or 242 LS or SS
 

Looking for my first boat and decided on a 88-92 Formula 223 or 242 LS or SS. I'm not looking for anything radical with a ton of mods, just something in good shape that does not need much, if anything at all. I live in Metro Detroit, have cash, and would be willing to drive a few hours for the right boat. Let me know if you have one for sale or if you know of one for sale. Thanks,

Eric

Welcome aboard, great choice!! I would recommend going with the 242 over the 223, reason being the money is almost the same and the 242 has the 24 degree hull and the cabin is just that little extra bigger to make it worth it, my first boat was the 242 and I loved it! there is a nice looking one on detroit craigs for 15500 with bolsters also if you find one with bolsters thats the ticket!! belive me that is one of the main reasons why we parted with our 242, here's a cpl choices that Ive seen lately,

This ones pricey but a great looker, also its a alpha, bravo def the way to go but I wouldnt be scared of a alpha either
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/2883330039.html

little cheaper, might need some tlc, but bolsters

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/2878031531.html

Detroit

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/2891570543.html

also keep an eye open for 271's if u can stretch your budget a bit

Thanks 88242ls, I've seen that 88 LS posted for the past few weeks. The model is listed as a Thunderbird, does that mean that Thunderbird made it, but it wears Formula badging? Or is it a true Formula?

I definitely want something 88 or newer for the Bravo One out drive, but I love the paint scheme on the first one you posted. I found a pristine 93 252 SS locally for $19,000, but have read the 242 is actually a better boat.

Thanks for the links, keep em comin

Eric

cashed out,

I was going to sell my 242LS this summer. I let my paying membership laps so I can't post a picture right now. you can see it on pg 127 and 128 of the picture thread at the top of the page. I am in Green Bay WI right now. I do 95% of my boating on Lake Charlevoix in Northern MI. Let me know if you would like some more info and pictures. My 242LS is probably one of the best taken care of 242's out there. It havs been stored inside when not in use its entire life. Good luck with your search.

UP NORTH, I sent you a PM with my email. Thanks,

Got it. I sent you a PM reply.

If I remember correctly Up North's 242 is very nice

Good luck with your search and try to be patient. I was in the same place a few years back and it took a long time to find what I was looking for. You have to remember that even though they are Formulas, you are looking @ 15-20 year old boats and the super clean ones tend not to get sold. :drink:

I ended up with a super clean '92 223LS and couldn't be happier. For the boating we do with it, the difference between the 223 and 242 is negligible, and in the end I don't miss the bolsters, especially when it's cold outside, lol.

BTW - I love that 242 in the first listing. Alpha or not, that thing looks beautiful! If it's as clean as it looks, the money isn't bad. I paid more than that for mine...

pmmed you

sam

Got it, thanks!

I have a 1991 242SS and I would recommend the 242SS if you are going to do the family boating thing. If it is pretty much going to be you and a couple of buddies, then the 242LS. I think the 223 is just too small, but it does fly with the 454 engine.

BTW the 1990 and 1991 models are 600 lbs heavier than the 87-89 models (for some reason). I think that they may have added more in the hull layup in the later years.

I have yet to see a 1992 model, as I think that they were actually in a model change over in 1992, as the 1993 models had the integrated swim platform, and they did away with the "silent thunder", attached platform.

I have the 87 242ls with the alpha not a bad rig but the bravo would be better. The first listing in OH. is a member on this forum love the look of it.

Thanks 242LS! I looked at that 93 252SS today, it is far from pristine! Then went and looked at the 88 242LS in Ida, Mi you posted for me a few days ago. I kind of like that one, I may make an offer..........gonna sleep on it. Keep the leads coming guys, thanks again so much for the help and advice,

Eric

maybe you should pony up a little more and buy my 271 LOL. I'll keep um coming if i c more, keep in mind it is early in the season, more will follow,

ss model,

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...-242-Ss-262901

Nice 242, dont care for the toyed with motor

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...42-Ls-99954761

If you want we can meet up and try the 223 I got. I love this boat. It's the ss version which is great for deck space. It's perfect for my lsc day trips and the occasional night out on lsc. Let me know what you think.

Don't forget about the 311. If you are considering paying for one of the better 242's out there, you may want to look at a 311.

Emmettfire, after looking at a few boats and doing some research, I think i'm gonna try to stick with a 242 unless I find a great deal on a 223. Your boat sure does look nice though. We should meet up on LSC this summer.

Here's a SS for the record unless you have more then two kids stick with the LS


http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/boa/2950181489.html

Hi I have a 1990 242ls. super clean 496 with bravo x drive imco lower unit. I can send pictures if interested. Thanks Mike

How firm are you on the year requirement (88-92)?

242LS, I'm pretty firm on a 88-92 for the Bravo I out drive.

mikemracing, can you send me a few pics, price, and your location to [email protected]? Thanks.

i sent you some pictures and info. I do have some more pictures if you need them. Thanks Mike

86 242ls 454/bravo one conversion turn key pm sent.

http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/...10709-1840.jpg

Its amazing to me that there are so many 23-25 yr old 24 foot Formulas selling for $14 to $20k!

Its kind of a family thing, we live r born breath and die formula:bunnydance:

You and me both Powerquest_Baby! LOL But it seems to me these boats were built great and most owners took extremely good care of them.

Yupper!!

Sale Pending!

U mean purchase pending lol

I stand corrected lol

why is everyone so against the SS model unless you have kids or more then 3 people on the boat??? I see the advantages of the SS vastly exceeding the LS unless there is something I am missing? The LS has a longer sunbed (how often is that used? just more vinyl to keep clean) and longer benches and more cabinet space in the cabin. The cockpit space on the SS is SO much roomier and where you spend 90% of your boating experience, whether its 2 people or 6 people your not sitting on top of each other like you would on the LS. I am not arguing your guys points, just simply want to know what advantages of the LS I am missing??

Depends on usage but for me it is a couple things. LS is faster(not a lot but some) with better COG and rides heavier/softer by breaking the waves farther in the rear and is a little better on ride when it gets rough. The look is too "stubby" up front with the SS and I like a longer bow proportions of the LS....that higher bow rail on the ss has got to go in favor of the lower rail of the LS's. But you are absolutely right for cockpit space, bringing people and spreading out when you get to the sanbar or beach the SS is hands down a better boat to be in/on/around then the LS. Getting there I would rather have the LS.

What he said, and we use our sunpad all the time

Points well taken... did not know about the different ride quality although makes sense when you think about it