1988 242 LS Brought her home
 

Well for anyone following the saga on my hunt for a 242 it has ended. Pulled home a new to me 1988 242 LS with a Mercury factory 383 stroker. New motor was put in, in 2017. Most all the vinyl looks fantastic especially when you consider the age. The backrest of the bench seat needs a bit of work but nothing huge.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...51f5c7f7be.jpg

Trailer is original as well and looks great, just some minor paint work needed.

Some things I need to do I can tell though. The back factory swim platform has some cracks on for sure, nothing structural and still works, but debating on fixing it vs taking it off and putting on an aluminum platform instead so need to figure that out.

Had a spot of dock rash on the port rear side I'll need to repair:
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e8df58e2ac.jpg


Rub rail will need to be replaced as well. Some vinyl in the cabin could use a bit of work but again, just scratches and I'm OCD.

Oddly enough the Bennet trim tabs arent working. Original owner said they wouldn't work without fluid in them. Seemed odd to me, so I'll need to get into those and figure out if the HPU has an actual issue or not.

Few small gel coat repairs as well but nothing major. Got about 30-45 days before I splash it so excited and plenty of cleaning and little stuff to do. Appreciate everyone's help while I was searching, debating etc.

600+ miles in February from Buffalo was certainly interesting. Next boat purchase will be in the fall or spring 🤣. Had to wash it today when I got home, probably saw more salt on that drive than its whole life. Lol. Regardless, thrilled to finally own my first boat.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...61ef39d919.jpg

Congrats dude!

No matter what people say, it’s your boat.
Nothing else matters.

And if I read this right, it’s your first boat.
And a Formula at that.

Well done sir.
Let the games begin!

Congrats, following.

Looks great! I left my silent Thunder platform and drilled out the bottom and gutted it so that I got better sound and less weight and drag but still kept the lines of the boat.

Congrats and good luck

Congrats CW, welcome to the Formula Family! We have owned ours for 3 years and have absolutely love it....it took me 2 other boats before I could get there! You did your homework and found the right one for you, nice job. Now comes the fun!

Awesome CW! Welcome to the family and we look forward to all the pictures! Should see a nice change in performance without the ST hanging off the back. I’m liking that graphics package as well, don’t see many with the Thunderbird logo on the side.

That is a sharp looking color scheme. Can’t say I have ever seen one with that “thunderbird” signature on it. Congratulations on the new boat. Great boat for your first boat.

Dump the transom rotting silent blunder (yes, I’m opinionated).

Congrats on the new boat! Welcome to Formula. Next thing you know, you’ll be dreaming of supercharged big blocks!

If there’s anything you need help with on the old ‘bird, give a shout!

IMO, being a Formula non owner, I think the Silent Thunder makes the back of the boat.

I’d rebuild mine if I had to, to just keep one.

If they’re that heavy (in the wrong part if the boat) , fan up a lighter one

I built the twin OB bracket for my project and it’s less than a 100lbs.