My comments . . .

The 242 has a 24 foot long hull, with the swim platform, it is a full 26 feet long.

The 271 is 27 feet with the platform built into the hull mold. So, there is only a 1 foot difference between the 2 boats. The 271 is like having a 25 foot hull and 2 foot swim platform (+/-).

I believe the 271 is a bit wider (3 inches) than the 242.

You would be better off with the 271 in my opinion, unless you were looking for a smaller boat.

What model year 271 would you be considering?

The difference between the 2 motors is a lot more than the 50 hp difference indicates.

I think most has been covered, but the 242ls with a 330horse 7.4 should run 52mph and the 271sr1 with a 502 (390horse carb or 415 efi) should run 58-60ish because of the motor difference.

If all else was equal I would go for the 271 because of the 502.

88242ls on the forum here has owned both. He says that going from the 242 to 271 was not an upgrade.

To the best of my knowledge a 93 271 was built using the same techniques as the 242's. Transom stringers and structure will be similar. I think you are down to personal preference and condition on the 2 boats. Sounds like the 271 has the better power. There are some that prefer the fit, finish, and overall styling of the late 80's Formulas to the mid 90s builds.

Hi all,

thanks for the reply's. the 271 is from 1993, the 242 LS of 1991. They are both in immaculate condition. The engine of the 271 is obviously the best but I like the model of the 242, what makes him so beautiful is the lovely polished windowframe and the hull, it seems to be higher and a makes him more aggressive than the 271or is this an optical illusion.
The prices here in Europe are a lot higher than in the US, the asking price of the 242 with trailer is 18000$ and the 271 without trailer 23500. Both have 300 engine hours in fresh water.

Greetz, Johan

Any pics or links to the ads?

The 271
http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/waterspo...Page=mympBuyer

The 242
http://www.2dehands.be/boten/motorbo...314082289.html

:faint2: hard choice...

They both look nice, both are sit down as opposed to stand up bolsters. The 271 with close cooled 502 is appealing but they want more and no trailer.

Personally I like the 242, just too bad is not a 454mag or 502mag.

How do those prices convert to US dollars?

I see what you are saying about the way the 242 sits in the water. my guess is the anchor/windlass and chain setup is causing that. Probably not stock and adding a lot of pounds to the bow. A "normal" 242 with a big block has the bottom edge of the swim platform in the water at rest. It looks nice for someone who anchors a lot, and all that weight in the front will give a great rough water ride, but it will hurt top end speed.