comparing 242 to 233?
 

I always see extreme praise for the 233, but never see any comparisons with the 242. Can anyone tell me what is similar and what is different with these two boats, or even the 255?

The 233 was the original "Formula" of Don Arrownow's design. It has a 24* dead rise deep vee and a bow flare to throw spray away from the cockpit. The 255 is similar but longer with a sharper entry much like the Magnum and Cigarette hull for higher top speed capability. Both the 233 and 255 have a rounded keel at the transom that creates more of a "pad" if you will for the hull to ride on at high speed. The 242 is more like the 255 with the sharper entry...just not as pronounced...with the 255 having a much deeper free board. The 242 has a sharper vee at the transom for a softer re entry. The lift strakes on all three are similar. All 3 have a hook in the last 12~18" of hull at the chine between the first strake and the hard chine. Many think that this hook limits the planing speed of these hulls but above 50 mph this area is not in the water.

The 255 Liberator was introduced in '76 to put Formula in the sport boat market. It was available with several engine drive options with the most common being the twin 260 horse Mercruiser with twin No. 1 Pre-Alpha drives. It was available with twin 330/454 TRS Big Block Chevy's and could be special ordered with twin 420 horse 454 TRS's. The 255 was the smallest boat that Formula installed twin Big Blocks in. The last year for the 255 was '82 and was sold that year as the 255 LS

The 233 Interceptor "Long Deck" was introduced to compliment the 255 Liberator and was available with single and twin Small Block Chevy's as well as a Single 330/454 TRS. The 233 was the smallest boat that Formula installed twin V8 power in.The 233 Interceptor name was changed in '82 to that of 233 LS.

The 242 was introduced in '83 along with the 272. The 242 was available as an LS, SS, SF and SR-1 versions with the SR-1 receiving twin 260 horse Mercruiser power. The introduction of the 242 and 272 hulls discontinued the runs of the 233 and 255 models.

In summary they are all very similar with minor tweaks to enhance the basic design based on hull length and displacement.

In closing...it appears from you sig that you had a '86 "Flat Glass" 242 with twin 496's...that must have been a bullet!!!

thanks for that info. Appreciate it. I will fix my info to read that I now have a 242LS with a 454/Bavo1 and my previous boat was a Formula 330 Sunsport with twin 496"s!

A 242 is a great boat...I almost bought an '87 with that same power...ran high 60's in 3' seas cruised 55~60...sweet rig. I wanted twins for my back and forth to the Bahamas or I would have bought it.

Good info and thanks for the post. I have followed Formula for years but not long enough to learn all that so you have helped to fill in some voids very well.

Great info. Thanks for the history lesson.
Wonder how long I will remember this ;)