1987 - first year of curved glass windshield
1988 - first year of Bravo 1 outdrive
1989 - first year of 'koozie -sized' cup holders
1992 - last year of production, lower numbers produced
There are some other minor differences in the later models 1990+ like different style of bench seat and sunpad, availibility of the 502 engine.

There's alot of wood in the boat, check it out carefully, a shiny black dash is usually a good indication the boat has been well cared for over time, if its faded/chalky its sat out in the sun alot...

Show us some photos - its amazing what people on speedwake know about specific boats.

 

I've never been in a pre 1987 242, but I can tell you 87 and up are fiberglass cockpit liners.

 

Thanks KJO.
I am looking at one up near Cleveland, Ohio.
It is a 1989 242LS with 454/Bravo. It is blue in color.
I do not know how to link the Boattrader add to this posting ....
Thanks

 

This the one? Low hours nice boat, no trailer??

 

also if you need some tips, I probally know of every 242 for sale in the country

 

Yes, that is the one.
I have not heard back from the seller yet so I do not know much about it other than it looks pretty clean and being from Ohio it probably is a freshwater boat.
I live in Nashville and driving is not a problem. Please let me know what you think of that boat and if you know other nice ones that are for sale in the $15-20K price range.

Thanks
CJ

 

That blue hull is great looking. There's a 88' I believe 357 in Midlle River with the same graphics. Very nice.

 

take into consideration a trailer, unless you can find a used one. figure on around 3k

 

You should look at this 242SS it comes with a trailer http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/592892901.html

 

You should look at this 242SS it comes with a trailer http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/592892901.html

Thats a very nice boat

 

It's listed here also. 3WOODs boat..

 

It's listed here also. 3WOODs boat..

 

if your not picky for power or bolsters this is the best buy on a 242ls right now

 

Other than the bow rail height and extra hatch on the deck what are the other major differences between the LS and SS?
Is the cabin larger on one of the models?
Same hull?

 

SS has a different seating configuration, back to back seats on the port side, captians chair - for the capitan and a rear bench.

The cabin is about 1foot smaller on the SS, and the sundeck behind the back bench is also smaller than the ls.

Its the same hull, but has alot more cockpit space due to the layout. Here's a picture of my old 223SS cockpit. Its a little less "sporty" but very practical - note the big cooler.

 

No real weak points or design/build flaws that I ever seen on any year 242. But, the newest one built is still from the early 90's, so a good look over is needed. Over the years, they upgraded instrumentation, seating,/upholstery and controls. But, structurally remained the same. The silent thunder platform was widely seen on the 87's. All later ones will have it. You will find wood swim platforms on the '86's and earlier, along with the old-school squared off windshields.

Keep in mind these are heavy boats. A single engine with an alpha may not be best combo, depending upon your speed requirements.

My 242-SR1 was a great package with twin small blocks. But, these are rare, and the last year for the twins option is '88, and not many of these were made.

 

Some things to check specifically on the 242:
Instruments in good condition & function-if it has the VDO Blue Line's, these can be difficult to find. But, they appear on market when guys are doing upgrades.
Battery Mount: They use a nice Gil retainer, but it's just lag bolted into glass cover plywood. I have seen these need to be re-inforced.
The upholstery pieces on the side are covering plywood that hassome type of preservative that leaches out over time and discolors the upholstery. Not a big deal to recover the pieces, but just a pain to get out each individual section.
Silent Thunder swim platform: Has a wood core inside that can rot over time.

 

I have 88 242 ls love the boat .

 

I have 88 242 ls love the boat .

you need to put up some pics :winker: we love pics, welcome to SW

 

waterluvr did you ever buy?

 

1990 Forumula Thunderbird 242 LS For Sale

We have a 1990 Forumula Thunderbird 242 LS for sale. Bravo outdrive by Mercruiser, 410 hr on boat, Two battery system, Safe-T-Alert, Computer Sonar, Air Horn, Power Trim Depth, Sounder, Halon Fire Extinguish System, Porta Potty, Heritage Custom Trailer, Swim Deck w/Ladder, Silent Thunder Exhaust, 4 Alpine Speakers, Hydraulic Engine Hatch, Cockpit Carpet, Cockpit Cover, VHF Radio, Captain Seats w/drop bottoms, 50 hours on rebuilt engine, Miami Vice color combo. An awesome boat! Photos to come. Located in Spokane Washington.

 

1990 Formula TBird 242 LS For Sale W Trailer

We have a 1990 Formula TBird 242 LS for sale including a Heritage Custom Trailer. Bravo outdrive by Mercruiser 410 hr on boat, 50 hr on rebuilt 502 Magnum, Two battery system, Safe-T-Alert, Computer Sonar, Air Horn, Power Trim, Depth Sounder, Halon Fire Extinguish System, Porta Potty, Swim Deck w/Ladder, Silent Thunder Exhaust, 4 Alpine Speakers, Hydraulic Engine Hatch, Cockpit Carpet, Cockpit Cover, VHF Radio, Captain Seats w/drop bottoms, Miami Vice color combo Photos to come. Located in Spokane Washington
Great boat! $24,500

 

You should put up a free Speedwake Classified ad for your boat. Classifieds are frowned upon in the forums here.

Sam,
Just one more example that proves your theory about 502's not making it beyond 400 hours

I've got 375 right now, and am already shopping for a replacement :laugher: :laugher:

 

We have an 89 formula 242 LS for sale or trade - are you looking to buy

 

I am looking for a used 242LS and was wondering if anyone could give me an outline on the history of the 242? What years to avoid, things to look for etc...
When did they come out with a fiberglass liner. What year did they start using the Bravo drive.
I would really appreciate it. I have seen a fairly nice 89 model in Ohio.
Thanks

I have one for sale with a trailer 89 242ls with a 454 bravo drive. great interior, great runing, keep in a high dry storage. The boat is located in New Castle, Delaware. no reasonable offer refused. e-mail me at danteauto@comcast.net if you would like to take alook at and take for a ride.