Info about 242 formulas
04-13-2004 | 09:02 AM
#61
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From: Annapolis, MD
Thanks for the comments, it does seems to be in nice shape and I hope to put it in the water this weekend. I have a couple of questions that perhaps fellow 242 owners can answer:
(1) When I turn on the key (without starting the engine) the oil pressure gauge maxes out. On Porsches (VDO guages) this indicates that the gauge has gone bad. Would the same be true for the boat gauge. The boat came with the original formula binder with user manuals in a small bag. Conveniently enough there is a brand new VDO oil pressure gauge in the bag! I'm assuming that the previous owner didn't get around to replacing the gauge. Shouldn't be too difficult right?
(2) I purchased a special hose flusher attachment for the bravo 1 with low water pickup. Right now the motor is tilted way up on the trailer. I should put the engine down a bit before starting right?
(3) The boat has a battery charger in the engine compartment. There is a "shore power plug" in the left side pocket that connects to the charger. In the cabin there is a 120V plug. In the cabinet under the stereo there is a control pannel for AC. Seems like there should be an inverter in there somewhere...or is that built into the charger? Was this a factory option?
(4) There is a VDO speedo included as part of the gauge package. Where is the pickup for the speedo? I didn't see a pickup on the stern...and now that I think about it I didn't see a transducer for the depth finder either.
(5) Stereo system. The boat has a blauplunkt stereo and "150 watt" amplifier. Looks like it was factory installed...probably an expensive option in 1989! The speakers in the cockpit have been upgraded but the speakers in the cabin all the way in front sound stock. A fabric covered panel covers the front cabin speaker. How can I pull this panel as it seemed to be screwed in at the top. I don't want to break it. I will likely upgrade the stereo and install XM radio and remote controls for the stereo at the helm at some point.
(6) Prop. The boat has a 21 pitch "mirage" prop and a spare brand new aluminum prop. Is 21 pitch about right for this boat? I will not be pulling skiers and would be more interested in a prop hi speed cruising. I'm hoping to cruise at 35-40 mph.
So many questions! You'd think I'm a new boat owner
(1) When I turn on the key (without starting the engine) the oil pressure gauge maxes out. On Porsches (VDO guages) this indicates that the gauge has gone bad. Would the same be true for the boat gauge. The boat came with the original formula binder with user manuals in a small bag. Conveniently enough there is a brand new VDO oil pressure gauge in the bag! I'm assuming that the previous owner didn't get around to replacing the gauge. Shouldn't be too difficult right?
(2) I purchased a special hose flusher attachment for the bravo 1 with low water pickup. Right now the motor is tilted way up on the trailer. I should put the engine down a bit before starting right?
(3) The boat has a battery charger in the engine compartment. There is a "shore power plug" in the left side pocket that connects to the charger. In the cabin there is a 120V plug. In the cabinet under the stereo there is a control pannel for AC. Seems like there should be an inverter in there somewhere...or is that built into the charger? Was this a factory option?
(4) There is a VDO speedo included as part of the gauge package. Where is the pickup for the speedo? I didn't see a pickup on the stern...and now that I think about it I didn't see a transducer for the depth finder either.
(5) Stereo system. The boat has a blauplunkt stereo and "150 watt" amplifier. Looks like it was factory installed...probably an expensive option in 1989! The speakers in the cockpit have been upgraded but the speakers in the cabin all the way in front sound stock. A fabric covered panel covers the front cabin speaker. How can I pull this panel as it seemed to be screwed in at the top. I don't want to break it. I will likely upgrade the stereo and install XM radio and remote controls for the stereo at the helm at some point.
(6) Prop. The boat has a 21 pitch "mirage" prop and a spare brand new aluminum prop. Is 21 pitch about right for this boat? I will not be pulling skiers and would be more interested in a prop hi speed cruising. I'm hoping to cruise at 35-40 mph.
So many questions! You'd think I'm a new boat owner
Last edited by chuck21401; 04-13-2004 at 09:17 AM.
04-13-2004 | 10:09 AM
#62
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From: Cow Hampshire
Originally posted by chuck21401
Thanks for the comments, it does seems to be in nice shape and I hope to put it in the water this weekend. I have a couple of questions that perhaps fellow 242 owners can answer:
(1) When I turn on the key (without starting the engine) the oil pressure gauge maxes out. On Porsches (VDO guages) this indicates that the gauge has gone bad. Would the same be true for the boat gauge. The boat came with the original formula binder with user manuals in a small bag. Conveniently enough there is a brand new VDO oil pressure gauge in the bag! I'm assuming that the previous owner didn't get around to replacing the gauge. Shouldn't be too difficult right?
Disconnect the wire from the oil pressure sender on the block and see what happens. Then ground the wire to the block , gauge should peg.
(2) I purchased a special hose flusher attachment for the bravo 1 with low water pickup. Right now the motor is tilted way up on the trailer. I should put the engine down a bit before starting right?
Put the drive down when running - saves the U-joint
(3) The boat has a battery charger in the engine compartment. There is a "shore power plug" in the left side pocket that connects to the charger. In the cabin there is a 120V plug. In the cabinet under the stereo there is a control pannel for AC. Seems like there should be an inverter in there somewhere...or is that built into the charger? Was this a factory option?
The outlet will most likely only work when the shore power cable is plugged in, not off the battery. Try it, if it works then that box has an inverter.
(4) There is a VDO speedo included as part of the gauge package. Where is the pickup for the speedo? I didn't see a pickup on the stern...and now that I think about it I didn't see a transducer for the depth finder either.
Bravo speedo pickup is built into the lower unit. Look for the pinhole in the front of the case.
(5) Stereo system. The boat has a blauplunkt stereo and "150 watt" amplifier. Looks like it was factory installed...probably an expensive option in 1989! The speakers in the cockpit have been upgraded but the speakers in the cabin all the way in front sound stock. A fabric covered panel covers the front cabin speaker. How can I pull this panel as it seemed to be screwed in at the top. I don't want to break it. I will likely upgrade the stereo and install XM radio and remote controls for the stereo at the helm at some point.
That panel just pulls out usually, unless someone screwed it in.
(6) Prop. The boat has a 21 pitch "mirage" prop and a spare brand new aluminum prop. Is 21 pitch about right for this boat? I will not be pulling skiers and would be more interested in a prop hi speed cruising. I'm hoping to cruise at 35-40 mph.
Check your max RPM. That boat probably would use either a 21 or 23, but run it first.
So many questions! You'd think I'm a new boat owner
Thanks for the comments, it does seems to be in nice shape and I hope to put it in the water this weekend. I have a couple of questions that perhaps fellow 242 owners can answer:
(1) When I turn on the key (without starting the engine) the oil pressure gauge maxes out. On Porsches (VDO guages) this indicates that the gauge has gone bad. Would the same be true for the boat gauge. The boat came with the original formula binder with user manuals in a small bag. Conveniently enough there is a brand new VDO oil pressure gauge in the bag! I'm assuming that the previous owner didn't get around to replacing the gauge. Shouldn't be too difficult right?
Disconnect the wire from the oil pressure sender on the block and see what happens. Then ground the wire to the block , gauge should peg.
(2) I purchased a special hose flusher attachment for the bravo 1 with low water pickup. Right now the motor is tilted way up on the trailer. I should put the engine down a bit before starting right?
Put the drive down when running - saves the U-joint
(3) The boat has a battery charger in the engine compartment. There is a "shore power plug" in the left side pocket that connects to the charger. In the cabin there is a 120V plug. In the cabinet under the stereo there is a control pannel for AC. Seems like there should be an inverter in there somewhere...or is that built into the charger? Was this a factory option?
The outlet will most likely only work when the shore power cable is plugged in, not off the battery. Try it, if it works then that box has an inverter.
(4) There is a VDO speedo included as part of the gauge package. Where is the pickup for the speedo? I didn't see a pickup on the stern...and now that I think about it I didn't see a transducer for the depth finder either.
Bravo speedo pickup is built into the lower unit. Look for the pinhole in the front of the case.
(5) Stereo system. The boat has a blauplunkt stereo and "150 watt" amplifier. Looks like it was factory installed...probably an expensive option in 1989! The speakers in the cockpit have been upgraded but the speakers in the cabin all the way in front sound stock. A fabric covered panel covers the front cabin speaker. How can I pull this panel as it seemed to be screwed in at the top. I don't want to break it. I will likely upgrade the stereo and install XM radio and remote controls for the stereo at the helm at some point.
That panel just pulls out usually, unless someone screwed it in.
(6) Prop. The boat has a 21 pitch "mirage" prop and a spare brand new aluminum prop. Is 21 pitch about right for this boat? I will not be pulling skiers and would be more interested in a prop hi speed cruising. I'm hoping to cruise at 35-40 mph.
Check your max RPM. That boat probably would use either a 21 or 23, but run it first.
So many questions! You'd think I'm a new boat owner
04-17-2004 | 06:53 PM
#64
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From: Annapolis, MD
Was able to get the boat in the water today. Most everything worked 
With 3 people and 3/4 fuel the boat hit 52.5 mph (gps). I was at 5200-5300 which seems high; I didn't stay there long. I'm running a 21pitch mirage prop. Seems like I should be able to go a bit faster with a 454 magnum.
Late in the day the motor bogged done at high rpms though ran fine at low rpms. I'm thinking I need to check the fuel/water separator and perhaps the screen filter on the carb?
Here is a picture motoring back to the marina. Sure was a nice day on the Bay. Fuel is $2.25 on the water in Maryland.
With 3 people and 3/4 fuel the boat hit 52.5 mph (gps). I was at 5200-5300 which seems high; I didn't stay there long. I'm running a 21pitch mirage prop. Seems like I should be able to go a bit faster with a 454 magnum.
Late in the day the motor bogged done at high rpms though ran fine at low rpms. I'm thinking I need to check the fuel/water separator and perhaps the screen filter on the carb?
Here is a picture motoring back to the marina. Sure was a nice day on the Bay. Fuel is $2.25 on the water in Maryland.
04-19-2004 | 01:02 PM
#65
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From: Annapolis, MD
Well I changed the fuel filter and still no start. After cranking for a good while I pulled the filter again...no fuel in the filter. Hmmm. Obstructed line? Bad fuel pump? Ignition problem? I'm not sure. The marina's mechanic will look at it this week. The boat ran well for the good part of Saturday so I just can't see how it could be something major.
04-29-2004 | 03:14 PM
#66
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From: Annapolis, MD
Well the boat is fixed, never really was broken. When I changed the fuel filter I didn't fill it up with gas to prime it. Duh! Changed the plugs, cap, rotor and set timing, so now I'm good to go. Looking for good weather this weekend.
08-17-2004 | 06:57 AM
#69
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From: Annapolis, MD
Re: Info about 242 formulas
OK fellas, I'm ready to move up (well next season) to a bigger formula...
This one is sorted and for sale:
http://www.cbpba.com/forums/showthre...8800#post18800
This one is sorted and for sale:
http://www.cbpba.com/forums/showthre...8800#post18800
08-17-2004 | 07:40 AM
#70
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From: In the Mountains
Re: Info about 242 formulas
I think that 52/5300 rpms is too high, I would swap to a 23 inch pitch prop. If you can experiment with different props. I'm not sure which would work best for your boat. The older Mirage props are kind of old technology as far as props go. I have an 89' 311 SR-1, and when I changed from Mirage to Hydromotive Quad IV's I saw a tremendous gain in performance, 6/7 mph at cruise (3200 rpms) and 3 mph at WOT. However my boat is much heavier in the stern than your boat is and the Quad IV's are a "stern lifting" prop, might not work as well with your boat. If it had twin small blocks would probably work better due to the more weight in the stern. The Bravo "four blade" might work better for you or the Mirage Plus. Just a thought anyway. Check the owner's manual, but I'd say 5000 rpm would be max you should be turning, maybe 4800. Check this.
I think with the right prop you should be seeing 60 plus mph. I've never known a 242 not to be at least a 60 mph boat. Russ
I think with the right prop you should be seeing 60 plus mph. I've never known a 242 not to be at least a 60 mph boat. Russ
