242/252 Ls/ss/abc/123?????
 

OK, birdbrains ;) here's the deal - the Mrs and I *might* be able to swing a boat this coming spring. Pricewise, we'll be limited to mid-20's, max. With that in mind, one of the first boats that popped into my head was the 242/252 series Formulas.

But.... I can't make heads or tails of the various models. I have *zero* interest in a boat with pedestal seats - that is an instant disqualification, as far as I'm concerned. But there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to the bolster option - I've seen boats listed as 242 LS with pedestals, 242 SS with pedestals, 242 LS with bolsters, etc - can anyone give me the scoop on these models?

Also, I'd prefer to stay with one big block - less maintenance and I'm guessing that it is a better balanced boat than the same hull with two small blocks. Any way to tell which models had what power options?

Basically, any insight and advice about these boats would be appreciated!

Mid 90's 252 LS's had bolsters as an option. These models had molded in swim platforms included in the LOA and were single engine only. I had a 1995 with a 454MPI (385 hp) with silent thunder exhaust. Was very happy with the boat. Still have a teal sumbrella full mooring cover for this model. I have literature from 1995 forward and can fax pages to you if you are interested.

Yup, like Formulafast said, 242s (1992 and ealier) only came with bolsters as an option. They may have been standard in the '87-'88 242 SR1. However, those models came with twin 350s and you don't want that. Soooooo, I believe your only recourse is to shop and shop hard till you find a nice one with bolsters.

I'm thinking also that the post '92 models (252s) did not have true 24 degree bottoms. I might br wrong here but I think they were like 21 degrees or maybe 22 degrees. I'm sure a 252 owner can chime in and validate or debunk my feeble memory.

Just my .02 here; I never was a fan of the post '92 smaller Formulas (232s and 252s). I just don't think they looked like a Formula should look. Too normal, no hotrod lines, certainly did not turn heads like the ealier models. I think they just kind of look like run-of-the-mill day boats. Nice, just not real cool. And they don't seem too hold quite the value that the earlier ones did. Maybe other people see them as I do.

Now, I'm not knocking anyones choice in buying and liking a 232 or 252. They are nicely appointed, probably better built due to the later vintage and just being newer is nicer. But, if it were me, I'd find a nice '92 or earlier 242. They're just plain cool looking proven performers.:cool:

If I could find a decent 260SS for anywhere near my price range, I'd be all over it like a cheap suit. Unfortunately, they are a little too new to have depreciated enough for us to think about come spring.

Ohhhhh, so now you want an SS. Your first post says "I don't want no stinking pedistal seats". Now you want a freekin lounge boat!!! Oh how fickle we can be.

Just kidding here,,,,, I like the newer SS models too. The 26 footer is a nice choice. Really don't gain much going to the 28SS over the 260. But, twin 350 MPIs in a 280SS sounds pretty cool though.

Anyway, to follow up on my previous rant, I checked out an '87 242 SR1 over on Boattrader. It did NOT have bolsters so they have evidently been an option on all 242s. I know thats not what you're looking for Dock, just a little clarification about options in the past.

I enjoy boat shopping and I'm keen to notice any nice, late model SS's that appear for sale. I'll let you know what I find.

Dave

We're really getting the bug bad - no boat for two whole seasons now! But we're hoping to be able to swing something affordable (like any boat is affordable!) come spring. And I know the Formulas are well built.

I plead guilty on the lounge boat - but it would be a great family boat. I'm not overly impressed with Formula's "casual" boats prior to the Sunsports; unfortunately, it seems they are all bigger bucks than we have to spend. Never hurts to look, though :)

And puder's trying to sell me his "almost done" Scarab - he's been working on that boat for as long as I've been on this board... :)

From 1997 literature

252LS had bolsters as an option. 22 degrees deadrise, 4,500 lbs, 8ft 6 in beam, 88 gal fuel capacity.

I knew it,,,,,, 22 degree, flat bottom day boats!!!:D

I'm a 24 degree kinda guy:cool:

My first Formula was an 85 242 LS with twin 350/260's. For that size boat it was GREAT in rough water. Boat handled excellent, flew off of waves straight and true.

The 252 and 232 are more day boats. The 242 and 272 were true 24 degree offshore power boats. I was pretty sure all SR1's had bolsters until I read the post above. I had a 242 with twins and loved that boat. The only thing I didn't like was it didn't have bolsters. It seems nowadays the builders are going more and more back towards sit down seating.

The 223LS (1990) that I had was a 22 degree bottom. The 242 and 272 have a 24 degree bottom. The difference between a LS and SS were that on the passenger side, the SS had a seat that you could sit in "back to back" ie:to watch a skier. All Formulas are great boats but I prefer the pre '92 models as well for the smaller ones. Didn't they call them Falcons for a few years (93-96 or so) ?

I think the Falcon models were built by someone else and Formula leased the name to them, or something like that. I'm pretty sure they were not built in the same facility as the Formula models (could be wrong, though).

After doing a little looking, it seems like there might be a few 272s in our price range, mostly small block boats though. Seems like a 272 might be a bit heavy for two small blocks. OTOH, a pair of blown 350's would kick out about 500 hp each, be lighter than big blocks, have better service access in that tight engine compartment, and Bravos would live behind them. Not that I've considered something like that. ;)

Falcon's were built in the same plant and on the same assembly line as the FORMULA's. The look was a little different and the options limited but the same build quality as a FORMULA. By FORMULA's own admission the line failed due to poor marketing and the need for additional manufacturing capacity to build FORMULA's.

I think you're right Rocky. As far as I know, Falcons were built by Formula. As a matter of fact, the Falcon line more closely resembled the pre-'92 line of smaller Formulas. I almost think they were using some of the old pre-'92 molds for the Falcons while they were building the new 232/252 models. Thats not to say that the Falcons were true 24 degree pre-'92 hulls,,,,,, but,,,,,, they were very similar so maybe. We need some Falcon specs to find out for sure. Wouldn't suprise me at all.

I actually thought the Falcons were a good looking boat. A fairly good value too but still not cheap by any means. Just couldn't bring myself to go for one. I was worried about resale and it's a good thing I was. However, if a guy could find a nice Falcon out there, it would probably be pretty cheap and you'd end up with a better boat than most. They didn't have the nice goodies though like K-shifters, K-planes, big power, bolsters, etc. Maybe I'll go surf Boattrader and see whats out there for Falcons, my interest is peaked now;)

Dock, You cann`t go wrong with an older formula they are so solid compaired to most boats. I thinf your headed in the right direction. spring can`t come fast enough.

The bolster were an option on all '87 & '88 242-Sr1's, which had the twin small blocks. Also an option on 242 LS's. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 242 with twins, if you can find one, as they are hard to find. if you're thinking of a 272, but with small blocks, all of the ones I have ever seen with small blocks had alpha's. also the small block 272's normally had Bennets, where as the 330's in a 272 has the Bravo and normally K-planes.

I sold my 85 242 with twin 1999 FWC 350's with 90 hours on it for $11,500 earlier this year. Loved that boat!

This looks like a good buy on a 242 with twins.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/8/54645758.htm

Hey DocRocker,

Might just have what you and the miss's are looking for

1990 242LS
540 CI, new in 2002. Motor has 75 hours
Stand up bolsters
Silent Thunder
All the goodies on Motor,
Master Lube
Halon system
Hydralic steering
New drive, Bravo..1
Aluminum Float on trailer
Too much to list.

Need a larger boat, one with a aft cabin, maybe a silverton 34 express...
Just had twin girls and mama says we need more room.
Boat is dialed in perfectly.
E-mail or call me for details.
Asking $26500...
[email protected] or 860 573-7306, 860 526-9084

$ 26,500 seems a bit high in price unless it's in perfect shape.

Outlaw..
Thanks for your kind words...
The boat is a 9 out of a 10...and don't you know that asking means the price is negotiable.
The boat has many features not listed.....
that's why the phone number is there.

Come on... keep your comments to yourself

sheikman

sheikman, How about some pics. Love to see this ride.:D

sheikman,
Outlaw's comment is not out of line,,,,,,,26,500 is a healthy price for a 1900 242. We're all looking at what people have to offer here, you're not just talking to one person!!!!!

Lets see the goods,,,,,,,who did the engine mods? Have you owwned the boat since new? Whats' the "real" condition of this boat????

We've all been down the boat-buying road before,,,,,,,just give some details and pictures and be prepared to back up any claims and all will be good. Just don't get pissy because someone has called you out!! Like I said at the beginning as Formula Outlaw did, 26.5K is a bit high, but not for a really nice classic bird.

Show us the bird dude!!!!!! Come on,,,,,,,,we wanna see the real deal!!!!! It may be well worth 26.5 and I'll be the first to back you up if it is!!!! If you've got got a crow,,,,,, I'll be the first to cry "foul". (A little pun there,,,,, did you catch it?) :D :D

For mid 20's you can get a good condition 272SR-1 in the 89-90 year range.
Big blocks and a good platform to work with for future mods

With the 80's model you get a real 20' something boat.
Not a 22' with a integral swim platform calling it a 25'
My 272 is a true 27' boat with a 2' deck added on back for a total length of 27' 10".
A 271 is a 25' with an integral swim deck.