Which model to choose, 242 LS or 271 SR1 ??
 

Hi at all,

I'm new here and from Belgium so please excuse me for writhing some faults :-)

I want to purchase a formula boat but don't now witch one too choose.
I like the look off the 242 ls more than the 271 and think that the hull off the 242 is a bit higher than the 271?
Is there a big difference in performance, both with 7.4 engine?

Is there is anyone who can tell me some more about this?

Many thanks, kind regards, Johan

This appears to be nice http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...pi-o67955.html

Ok nice, but I'm looking to buy a boat in Europe, I can not come over to look for it and then i have to ship it also.
I just wonder which of the two has the best hull performance qualities.
I also think the 242 is really the typical formula model and the 271 looks more like other brands too.
Has anyone also an explaining for the large difference in weight of the two boats, 1000lbs difference seems so much?

Nobody here who can give me some advice? :)

greetz,
Johan

I like the 271 better. Newer technology, has a step, has stand-up bolsters. The 242 is older, straight bottom and a sitdown boat. But, that is just my opinion. I say if you find them, drive both and make your decision. Good luck and have fun!

271 replaced the 242 in 1992 or 93. It is basically the same boat the main difference being the 271 has a molded in swim platform, and that is included in the length. Later on the 271 got a step in the hull as well. I would guess that the specification weight difference is due purely to standard options. 242 probably came standard with a small block, etc. real world they would be similar weight similarly equipped. Main difference will be based on model year. A 92 242 compared to a 93 271 would be essentially the same. The later the model year gets on a 271 the bigger the difference from the 242.

Hi,

@ Gary C, it's not really an SR1 model that i mean, just the 1993 model with normal seats en not a stepped hull.

@ beckmwi, the 242 a know has the 7.4/ 330hp engine so it's also a bit heaver than and comparable with the 271??
What i like on the 242 model is the window and shape of the hull, the 271 on the other hand has the 8.2 502 engine.
Are the build same quality or are stringers en transom better off the 271?

Greetz,
Johan

On motor alone I would go with the 271. The 242 with a 330 is going to have you wanting more pretty quick with no real potential to get more easily.

The 502 motor has considerably more power to begin with and can be built upon easily.

Do you now how much hp the 502 has? The owner thought 380hp.
It has also a closed watercooling system.

The 242 seems to have a seems higher bow, is this so or is it just an illusion? which one can stand the biggest waves?

Not sure about the year but the 502's had a couple of different hp versions. I thought the standard was 390 hp and the magnum was 415 hp. This may vary in Europe and depend where they calculate horse power, hp at the prop is a bit less than hp at the crank. I am an Aussie and we always had confusion with American design engines and hp because of the prop/crank calculation, may be the same confusion in Europe.

That said, if the owner thinks it's 380 then you can safely assume it's not the 415. Closed cooling is a big plus if the boat has been used in salt water.

Other people here know a lot more about the two different models but whichever you look at, check them out carefully for moisture in transom and stringers, seems to be an issue on nearly every boat of that age.

Formulas are great boats. Happy shopping.

RR

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.

I vote for the 242 w/ a 502 but then I am really biased.:rolleyes:

242 with trailer is 18000$ and the 271 without trailer 23500$

I know... boats are a little bit more expensive than in the us and when i must buy one there and ship it too Belgium the customs wants 25% taxes on it :mad::mad:

Yes the 242 is heavy at front with the anchor but i find that the 271 has also a low bow.
regardless of the position on the water, has the 242 not a higher hull than the 271?

I have been on both and don't notice that the 242 is any deeper. They feel about the same size, the 271 being a bit longer and 3 inches wider

The 242 is 8' 6" and I dont know the width on a 271

The 242 is 8' and the 271 is 8' 3"

The 271 has a better engine and no doubt a bit quicker. That's the big plus in my opinion.

On the flip side, as you pointed out, the 242 has more traditional 'old school' styling which is pretty cool whereas the 271 is caught in that 90's look between old school and modern. You're right when you say it looks a bit like every other boat built at the time.

Both nice boats and if everyone here says buy the 271 that doesn't mean you should do it. If you really like the look of the 242 better, I'd check it out very carefully for any rot in the transom and stringers before making a decision. Looks like it's been antifouled has it? Double check the drive and all external components for corrosion. too. With the difference in price, you've got some money up your sleeve to freshen the engine if needed and maybe a bit of cosmetic stuff could use an update? Just accept the limitations of the 7.4, there's nothing wrong with them, just not as gutsy as the newer bigger engine.

Good luck.

RR

Mr. Maine is correct.8'

The 242 has never being antifouled it shining as hell when cleaned, he is only used at holidays, the 271 has antifould and has been in the water all sasons long, thats a big minus for me... in my opinion it's also ugly and reducing speed....

Sorry, looked dirty in the pics, must be just the photos and a clean. I agree with you, antifoul is a definite minus.

RR

Yes on the pictures he was dirty, now it's clean :-)
Would the anchor be so heave or was when the picture was taken the fueltank empty, i don't now...

sorry been a way for a few, lots of great info above, and most is spot on, I did own both a 88 242, and a 93 271, 242 ran 59 with a 454/mag, the 271 ran 58 with a tired 502/mag, both were great boats and very similar. they both are pretty much even on the free board even though it does not appear so, the little bit of style change makes it deceiving, I honestly cannot steer u any which way, I would say wait and buy a 242/271 with the bolster seats for more comfort while driving, that was the difference in mine. however the swivel buckets allow more cuddy room,

cabin, 242 has more cabinets, which is nice for storage, however the 271 only has a cabinet on 1 side and a longer seat on one side, also nice and kinda makes it a wash, cuddies to my memory are about the same, engine compartments are similar as well, 242 should have nice storage cabinets on each side of motor, nice to have as well,

Ride is very similar as well, both cruise really well in the 3600/4200 rpm range, more power and they settle down and ride well, 271 is a bit more of a dog out of the hole if water skiing/water sports are a concern

I was unable to view the 271, but took notice to the fact that the swim platform on the 242 has been messed with, the stripes should run through it on the sides, not sure maybe someone rubbed them out, my guess is its been apart before, but check that transom! Not sure who put the windlass on there thats a Europe thing, make sure its sealed well.

Given the limited availability over there I would pick the cleanest one so you have a strong platform to work with going foward

If you want a Great 271 that has been updated. Please let me know I have one that was my baby for 10 years. I bought a 353 and I have both. I make you a deal on the 271. Pics are on Powerboat swap on FB search Formula 271. I'm not on here much is the one with Black and silver strips. 496ci motor stainless marine dry exhaust and full imco steering.
Mike Johnson
724*344*8429

One of the nicest 271's any where. Good luck with the sale Mike.

@ 88242Ls yes the swimplatform is something strange, I'm going to see the 242 this saturday. Maybe also the 271 if the owner
gets the key of the storage. the 271 has being antifould and thats a big minus for me.

@ Mike, i'm from Belgium, shipping the boat would be to expensive for me i think.

I went to see the 242 yesterday, he was very dirty. from dust.
The bottomwas once antifould but this is sanded off, it must be still polished.
The chrome formula bird on the hull is gone, can I still order this? The boat should be washed and need to be polisched for a high gloss shine.
Transom and bulkhead was ok.

The throttle on the dash does have corrosion it must be repainted.
Overall the boat is in good condition but there is still work to :whistle:

I have not yet seen the 271.
Another question, is there a big difference in the shape of the hull between the two and which one is the best for on raw water?
Or better, which one can hit the biggest waves?

Pity about the antifoul, lot of work to get it back to original and depends on how it was applied the first time. Some are just applied quickly over the gel oat, others sand the hull lightly and use different primers. I don't know much about it but there are a few threads on here worth searching "antifoul" or "bottom paint" maybe.

Lots of product available will help you but they all have different names in different countries and may not be available in Belgium. I'm sure there's something you can buy locally that will help, might have to ask a marine supplier close to home if you end up buying the boat.

Good luck!

RR

This might get you started......

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...sy-off-me.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...t-removal.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...tom-paint.html

The antifoul is all off, it must only be polished now but whats the best used sandingpaper for i begin polishing?

I have made the owner an offer but he thought it was too little, now i wait a couple of days because he has no one else for the boat :)