Hoping to get a build journal together with pics, but I'm happy to announce that my 242 is now comfortably resting at home post its transom and stringer rebuild. I have anew transom, hull stringers to the rear bulkhead, battery/anchor floors, new engine stringers, and a fresh coat of gray bilge paint. Once I've had a chance to get her cleaned up, I'll take some pictures.

Next steps:

1. Clean!!
2. Complete the transom assembly and exhaust cutouts (left solid because she was going to sit over the winter more than likely).
3. Re-rig the electricals and pumps.
4. Reinstall freshened Bravo transom assembly.
5. Decide and execute on 496 or 540 plans, build, install.
6. Upgrade sound system and electronics.

More to come... just happy to have the old girl home!

Oh this will be great love to see how it turns out, just be carful of that well I might as well do it now list. With a 540 she will move right along.

Nice. Did the re-builder have any pics of the restoration?

Yes. That's what I'm waiting on. He's in the middle of settling some personal family issues, and he'll get them to me when he's able.

I know all to well the pitfalls! I've got friends to keep me on track so we shall see.

I'm really excited to get to work!

Will be a bitcoin boat next year, no matter what you have for power! Can't wait!

Wayne... Bitcoin? LOL

*****in' I think is what you were after!

Gave her a nice bath this evening before heading out for cocktails. I am beyond happy to get this baby going again. Divorce present for me! Woohoo!!

Plans are changing a little....

I have a perfectly good 454 with 400 hours, new RHS iron top-end about 30 hours ago. The inside of the engine looks brand new! I'm thinking that this is just screaming to be turned into a 525sc clone. The plan:

- check bearing condition first (I have a new 460 short-block available cheap if needed).
- update heads with Inconel valves, and Isky springs.
- cam and valvetrain update (step or two above 525sc).
- Weiand or B&M 17x supercharger with 1000 CFM+ carb, 5lbs boost max.

Thoughts are that I can get a good 550 HP out of this for half the cost of doing a 540 with less wear and tear on the rest of the boat. And the blower will be just plain cool. I've followed and researched this topic all over OSO, and I can't beat the logic on this path.

What do you guys think?

Tom , I just put 525sc in my 88 242 in the spring . I still need to prop it right , not sure what it needs for 550hp . I may try a 22 p bravo 1 4 blade tomorrow see what it does !
I gotta tell ya this thing sure makes a lot of noise !! [ATTACH=CONFIG]531611[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]531612[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]531613[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]531614[/ATTACH]

How well does she fit under the hatch? Any engine/bilge pics? Video of the boat running?