why is the SS so much slower than the LS? weight? im going to look at a 242ss today with a 1 year old 7.4mpi and the guy claims it does 60? is he blowing smoke?

the SS has a little more weight, with the differences in cockpit and cabin setups I think the balance of the hull is also a little different causing more drag in the water, also if its a 454/310 mpi there is no way it will get to 60, maybe if its a 454/385 it may come close

Blowing smoke! Any boats speed is regulated by pitch, (rpm's/ratio) and slippage(usually 10%. I have a 242SportFisherman (which is a heavy LS). I run a 496MAG 375hp with a Bravo 1 and a 22" Pitch 4 blade Bravo 1 prop. My best speed was 54mph at 4600 rpm's. here is a link. just fill in what he says, slippage always around 10%. Larger pitch needs more power needed to spin larger pitch but maybe 1 mph per 50 HP.
http://www.boatramp.com/prop_applet/...erAppletG.html

Thanks guys. Went and looked at the boat today. Absolutely spotless. Only thing I Dont care for is the big bow rail. Can that be swapped with the LS One or do they make a smaller one?

To my knowledge depending on the year all rails should be the same and low except for the 242SF(83-86) which is a LS cabin and a Sport Fisherman cockpit and high rails. The SS had a larger cabin with a smaller cockpit 2 swivel seats and a full width rear seat. Also a flat glass may have higher rails then a curved glass. I do know they are thru bolted and wouldn't want to change them myself. Although the models similar, the year determines the changes. All brochures are here : http://www.formulaboats.com/vintage-brochures Some parts can be ordered. They had a single bolster in stock that I bought cheap from them. Then got a pair of SS swivels and used as needed over the years.

I had a new 1986 242 SS...sold it to buy my '86 272 LS. The guy I sold it to still has it and replaced the original 260/Alpha I with a 425 Horse Mercruiser 383 Scorpion and Bravo I drive. The boat is almost as nice now as it was when I sold it to him in '86. He runs from Ft. pierce to West End in the Bahamas several times a year and claims his will cruise all day at 50~55 and tops out at 63-65 depending on the load. He runs a 25" Mirage + "labbed" and tells me it now has better range than it did with the single 260/Alpha I/ 19" Mirage.

The 242 SS formula is one of the most under rated and most useful boat they ever made. I would love to have another one...they are great overnight boats when equipped with full cockpit canvas. I have seen a few 242 SS on OSO with strong 502/Bravo I propulsion systems that run into the 70's with the ability to pull low speed skiers and tubes all day.

I watched my boat go thru the Miami Plant each step of the way and can tell you there is no difference between a 242 LS and a 242 SS from the Rub Rail down. that model was one of the first ones set up with a complete one piece drop in top deck and inner liner.

I would love to have another one.

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Note the high free board in the last pic. For you guys that are "NE 188th Street" history buffs...these pics (except the last one) were taken in August of '86 the day I took delivery at High Lift Marine in North Miami Beach. Note Magnum Marine and part of the Cigarette factory in the background.

K---I believe they can be switched out and yes on the 87-92 SS boats the bow rail was a little higher. Also they are a little slower due to the COG of the hull. Weights should be near identical to all 242s with the exception of the 87 and 88 boats that had twins.

That must have been a great day, I did notice right away the Magnum sign and the Cig factory next to each other. That`s a lot of history right there

so im thinking of pulling the trigger on an 89 242ss. boat is immaculate. only thing holding me back is the power 7.4mpi. just doesn't move the boat like I want. is there any quick and easy upgrades to get some more power. I have a stainless exhaust for it if I buy. maybe a chip or something or would it require a cam?

Quick and easy are oxymoron's when it comes to increasing a marine engine's output. The exhaust will help some but don't expect any tremendous change.

I don't know what your expectations are but were it me i would buy it, enjoy it as is for a season or two meanwhile build or secure a 500 horse 502 or save some money, sell the 242 and move up to something that already performs the way you want it to.

If the 454 in the boat now is a standard 7.4 MPI it has all cast internals and is not going to hold up with high performance modifications.

Save up...be ready to jump on a 502 Mag that someone is letting go on the cheap and be in a position to jump on it...there is no quick path to performance without writing a big check.