Fman

Hey everyone. Me and the wife have been looking for our first boat. I have been mainly looking at formulas specifically the 242ls/ss. While looking it seems that their are way more PQ's for sale in my area (probably because I live 5 minutes from where they were built haha). I have not done as much research on them as I have formulas which leads me to my question(s). The 257 legend seems to fit most the want list. Is their a model near the 257 that's more desierable or comparable? Any options i should look for besides the usual drop down bolsters, docking lights,... What years should I look for? For instants most like the 1988+Formula 242 due to the change in outdrive and silent thunder swim platform instead of the teak wood. Also prefered over the 223 due to the 24 degree hull on the 242.

What I'm looking for is
*SINGLE*454 bravo 1 combo
*mid 20ft boat capable of Lake michigan
*15k max budget

Just looking for some better understanding of the mid 20ft powerquest boats.

Thanks everyone!

32fever

Are you going to use it on Lake MI, say 20% of the time or 80% of the time?

If you are on Lake MI most of the time, I'd go with a 257, 260 or 270 for a single engine Lake MI boat. The lake changes fast, and the extra length will never be something you regret on the big lake. Formulas are nice boats as well, but it's hard to find a single 271.

I started with a Baja 250ES which was 26'9" OAL. That is about as small as I'd want to go on Lake MI. My Powerplay 185 does okay when it's flat. The hull cuts through small lake waves great, but it beats the snot out of you on Lake MI with anything more than 1'ers. And you get wet.

Drock78

iTrader: (2)

+1. There are a few 257 out there in that range. The 260 is just a newer 257. The 270 is really great too. There are a couple in that mid to high teens range. Check grand rapids craigslist. PQ made a very solid boat wit alot of room and great ride.

Fman

Well it will be launched 90% of the time in lake macatawa (unless I travel somewhere new or upstate with the boat) which leads into lake michigan. Lake mac. Is a lot of the time less rough then michigan but would like to take it out on lake michigan as much as possible.

Their are about four 96 257's for sale in my town. All asking 20k. Are their any major differences between the 257, 260, 270 besides the obvious length?

78ranger jet

Ours is the Whipple charged.

Fman

I like yours the best haha. Wish I had a little higher budget. But I'm sure yours will be gone by then.

78ranger jet

I don't think you have to worry about that. I have not had 1 person come look at it. It seems you have to give these things away. We will be on hardy pond this weekend if by any chance you are up this way. I'll take you for a ride. We will put it in heated winter storage at the end of sept.

RSCHAP1

I had a 237 Stryker I liked that boat and for under 24 it did real well.

jus roamn

Yep, like Derek said, the 257, 260 Legend hull never changed, just look for one with the options you want. I too always liked the 242 Formulas and I think the 260 Pq is very similar in design and size. It'll handle Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan just fine and you can run fast in Spring Lake!

RBOT

I have a 270 with the 502 and it handles Lake Michigan,Lake Erie with ease and comfort. It has a decent amount of room for a 27 as well. It's not the fastest hull but it handles big water very well in my opinion.