Looking at a 1988 formula 242Ls with a 496 mercruiser. Have not gotten to ride in one yet. How well do they ride in rough water? Will be putting up to 6 people in the boat. How well do they plane with a big load. See that they have a 24 degree deadrise. I currently have a cobalt with a 24 degree deadrise and it is very sensitive to people moving around when on plane. How stable is the 242 while under way? Thank you.

Great boat. Rough water reletive to the size of the boat, and it'll do just fine. Six people in a 24' i/o is 6 people in a 24' i/o......it's going to effect the characteristics.

Check out the Formula section, lots of info over there.

I have a 242LS with the 454 and it come on plane ok with six I would use the trim tabs. Maybe the 496 with over 400hp should help it come out of the hole better. It`s a very solid rig and it will handle some pretty good water

Great boat!

For it's size, it handles rough water great. They seem to ride better and better the faster they go. Big change just over 65 mph. As BowenCT stated, lots of good info in the Formula section.

Insert shameless plug here - We have one for sale with a 502