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.

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!!!

I'm a 24 degree kinda guy

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.