I had an 85 242 LS with twin 350's. I just sold it after buying the 302 Kaama. I absolutely loved that boat, it just to run in the poker runs and things, I needed a bigger boat. I couldn't give you an honest answer on the top end, because I sold it after getting the steering bugs out of it. I installed a tie bar, because it would feel like the ass end was going to come around on you at any speeds over 45. That tie bar was the best $300 I spent on that boat. The fastest I had it up to was 58 on the gps, but that wasn't leaning on the throttles and not trimmed at all. It had 23" Bravo props.

Cuda, you were right on that "tie-bar". I had to do the same thing with my 242, I couldn't figure out why in hell it felt to squirrley, then I asked around and felt like an idiot when everyone said, "what do you mean no tie-bar"? DUH......That was my first boat and I was just starting to learn, so a call to Imco and problem solved.

Well I liked the boat very much just from browsing different boats online and such but this guy randomly let me drive his about a week ago just because I helped him load his boat into the water and of course I was asking all kinds of questions haha so he took me out for a run and I loved it. It was the 330hp 454 though with the swim plat for but I still loved it. I would love to try one with twins though to compare. and I'll keep that tie-bar in the back of my mind just incase!

By the way Outlaw I'm a bit north of you. I'm up in New England. But never the less the help is much appreciated. I would love to see this Formula 242 SR1 that was mentioned in 87-88 with twins. If anyone owns one or knows of a link with a picture let me know I would love to see this boat! thanks

454-whereabouts in New England, I have family up that way. I have a couple of ideas I'm going to try and maybe I'll get lucky and locate something for you. By the way, my e-mail address is: [email protected]
I'll keep ya posted.

FYI
If anyone tries to contact Formula for information an an older boat, don't bother. There are no records available prior to the Porter family aquiring the company. I tried to find information about my 1988 F-206 and was told that they had no records of those years.
I've found that when most companies are sold the manufacturing and sales records are the property of the previous owner and aren't usually transfered to the new owner. I personally ran into this problem while trying to access sales records on a set of tires I bought.

To see 70+ out of a 242 I think you will need over 500 HP. I have a 223LS and am running around 470hp. Craig223 also has a 223LS with around the same hp. We are both seeing high 60's just shy of 70 out of the boats. He is running a Quad IV, I run a Mirage Plus. The 242 is at least 1000lbs heavier than the 223 and I think has a 24 degree hull vs a 22 degree. I think with 500 hp you would see mid 60's, but I could be wrong.

Iggy,
I don't know why you couldn't get info on your '80s Formula, the Porters have owned Formula for decades. They were certainly the owners of Formula in the '80s and they do have all records and specs back much further than that.

Dave

Dave's right, I got info from Formula on an 81' 302 that I was considering buying. Ended up not getting into it, too much work, but Formula sent me pages of info.

Am real surprised your not getting 70 out of your 223 with 470 hp. Your right, 242 is a 24 degree hull. My buddy was getting 63/64 (gps) with a 454/330, in his
87' 242, no silent thunder platform though, just straight-thru's and he took his teak swim platform off. He also removed the "ice" box for simple storeage. I'm still surprised your not getting more out of 470 hp in your 223. Troutly, you got any feedback on this?