Formula 242 which flavor?
12-28-2021 | 10:05 PM
#21
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From: Mason, Ohio
Fair enough, I do think the twin small block setup would have given me a better time in the speed department for sure. I didn't want to mess with a 7.4 330hp 454 though which is most of what I was finding. Kept trying to find a decent 502 or 454 mag motor but only saw one out in Wyoming worth looking at and was a bit more than I wanted to spend. I could have also went faster and got a lighter hull in something like a checkmate, Baja, wellcraft etc but knowing I'll be out in some rougher water I reluctantly gave up a bit of speed and performance for the 24 degree hull and weight knowing what it'll do to the power numbers.
I just want to get it rolling, lol... Been fawning over boats like this for 20 years so chomping at the bit.
I just want to get it rolling, lol... Been fawning over boats like this for 20 years so chomping at the bit.
12-29-2021 | 07:27 AM
#22
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From: Raleigh, NC
12-29-2021 | 10:06 PM
#23
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From: Mason, Ohio
12-29-2021 | 10:11 PM
#24
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From: Raleigh, NC
Don't taunt me, lol. I'd love the twins but the utter lack of room in the engine bay and the double amount of maintenance costs has me concerned.
12-30-2021 | 05:56 AM
#25
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From: Milton, Fla!
I have been following this thread as I am a lifelong 242 fan and that size/style of boat in general.
I would say all advice so far is spot on.
In general, the smaller the hull, the more weight helps in rough water.
A 242 will do better in chop than almost anything in its size/class.
The double edge sword is, the more weight, the more power required.
And, as already stated, torque is king in a single that size.
Id say, healthy big block n Bravo as min.
As to the twins, I’d add that I think the 242 is the only hull in that size/class that can pull it off.
Twins look tight to you, but look acceptable to me.
A healthy big block, 450 Hp+ would be the only other option I’d consider.
As one who weekends in his cuddy, the single would pay you back HUGE, w/added storage space compared to twins.
Good luck w/your shopping.
Timeless, gorgeous design!
I would say all advice so far is spot on.
In general, the smaller the hull, the more weight helps in rough water.
A 242 will do better in chop than almost anything in its size/class.
The double edge sword is, the more weight, the more power required.
And, as already stated, torque is king in a single that size.
Id say, healthy big block n Bravo as min.
As to the twins, I’d add that I think the 242 is the only hull in that size/class that can pull it off.
Twins look tight to you, but look acceptable to me.
A healthy big block, 450 Hp+ would be the only other option I’d consider.
As one who weekends in his cuddy, the single would pay you back HUGE, w/added storage space compared to twins.
Good luck w/your shopping.
Timeless, gorgeous design!
12-30-2021 | 09:55 AM
#26
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 118
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From: Mason, Ohio
I have been following this thread as I am a lifelong 242 fan and that size/style of boat in general.
I would say all advice so far is spot on.
In general, the smaller the hull, the more weight helps in rough water.
A 242 will do better in chop than almost anything in its size/class.
The double edge sword is, the more weight, the more power required.
And, as already stated, torque is king in a single that size.
Id say, healthy big block n Bravo as min.
As to the twins, I’d add that I think the 242 is the only hull in that size/class that can pull it off.
Twins look tight to you, but look acceptable to me.
A healthy big block, 450 Hp+ would be the only other option I’d consider.
As one who weekends in his cuddy, the single would pay you back HUGE, w/added storage space compared to twins.
Good luck w/your shopping.
Timeless, gorgeous design!
I would say all advice so far is spot on.
In general, the smaller the hull, the more weight helps in rough water.
A 242 will do better in chop than almost anything in its size/class.
The double edge sword is, the more weight, the more power required.
And, as already stated, torque is king in a single that size.
Id say, healthy big block n Bravo as min.
As to the twins, I’d add that I think the 242 is the only hull in that size/class that can pull it off.
Twins look tight to you, but look acceptable to me.
A healthy big block, 450 Hp+ would be the only other option I’d consider.
As one who weekends in his cuddy, the single would pay you back HUGE, w/added storage space compared to twins.
Good luck w/your shopping.
Timeless, gorgeous design!
Lol.... I think most will always say once you get into a boat you will always wish you went bigger or more power. I grew up with a single engine boat. Worked at a Marina and got use new boats as demos as wanted. Then I bought my 242 with twins. I said it once..... once you have twins nothing like it in a boat.
As Gary said, the design is timeless. There were not many twin engine 242 made. I sold mine I guess 18 years ago for the same price they are selling today.
I frankly would not worry about the maintenance. Unless you are beating the crap out of the boat, you will only have fluid changes on it for years to come, after you make your initial assessment and investment to make sure everything is 100 percent, ie bellows and impellers, tuneup.
If you could test drive them both it would be worth it. They are heavy boats and not quick already. Not sure how a single small block would move that boat.... would need the specs on it to see torque.
anyway.... sorry to rant. They are sharp boats.
12-30-2021 | 01:24 PM
#28
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From: Raleigh, NC
Lol.... I think most will always say once you get into a boat you will always wish you went bigger or more power. I grew up with a single engine boat. Worked at a Marina and got use new boats as demos as wanted. Then I bought my 242 with twins. I said it once..... once you have twins nothing like it in a boat.
As Gary said, the design is timeless. There were not many twin engine 242 made. I sold mine I guess 18 years ago for the same price they are selling today.
I frankly would not worry about the maintenance. Unless you are beating the crap out of the boat, you will only have fluid changes on it for years to come, after you make your initial assessment and investment to make sure everything is 100 percent, ie bellows and impellers, tuneup.
If you could test drive them both it would be worth it. They are heavy boats and not quick already. Not sure how a single small block would move that boat.... would need the specs on it to see torque.
anyway.... sorry to rant. They are sharp boats.
As Gary said, the design is timeless. There were not many twin engine 242 made. I sold mine I guess 18 years ago for the same price they are selling today.
I frankly would not worry about the maintenance. Unless you are beating the crap out of the boat, you will only have fluid changes on it for years to come, after you make your initial assessment and investment to make sure everything is 100 percent, ie bellows and impellers, tuneup.
If you could test drive them both it would be worth it. They are heavy boats and not quick already. Not sure how a single small block would move that boat.... would need the specs on it to see torque.
anyway.... sorry to rant. They are sharp boats.
Definitely agree with you, and I'm sure I would enjoy the twins. I'm also sure I'd be cursing it out Everytime I had to change plugs, update parts on the drives, flush them etc. If I'm doing my math right, I'd need about another 80-90 hp out of the 383 stroker to equal what the twin 350's do. Which I'm sure the only way to get there would be to pull the motor swap pistons, heads and drop a blower on.
Specs on the 383 if it's the right one are:
Horsepower: 350hp @ crankshaft
Torque: 390 lb/ft @ 4,200 rpm
WOT Operating Range: 4800-5200 rpm
Engine Configuration: GM Small Block V-8
Displacement: 383 ci / 6.3L
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Idle Speed: 600 rpmForged crankshaft1.6 roller rockersIron headsAluminum Pistons
So essentially pretty close in specs to a 454 mag setup from a hp standpoint. I know the torque curve and numbers will definitely be different from a BBC. But it's also saving 945lbs of weight vs the 2nd 350 in it.
Last edited by CharlieWhiskey85; 12-30-2021 at 01:38 PM.
12-30-2021 | 01:45 PM
#29
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Posts: 4,296
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From: Virginia Beach
Wrong. The ‘88-up 454 Mag makes 450 lbs ft of torque throughout the majority of the operating range. a cam change and exhaust will bring that figure to 500 lbs ft. The 383 is not going to touch that. Good engines for what they’re made for; a heavy 242 single engine isn’t one of them.
I would give up any notions of making a single small-block work with the 242. It will be really disappointing based on your initial post projections. I’m not trying to be a dick about this… I just know the boat really well.
I would give up any notions of making a single small-block work with the 242. It will be really disappointing based on your initial post projections. I’m not trying to be a dick about this… I just know the boat really well.
12-30-2021 | 02:13 PM
#30
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5 people that have/had 242's (Some in the 70-80 mph) have shared their thoughts, Can't wait to read his posts in late June. Some people "Just Know" and ask questions hoping some will tell them Good Idea.
Good Luck-Happy New Year
Good Luck-Happy New Year
