Considering a '85 242LS


sprink49

sprink49

New member
I have found a decent deal on a '85 242LS with twin 260's and have a couple of questions.

In researching the specs for this model in the Formula brochures, I notice that the capacity of this model, in single or twin is 1600 lbs. Comparing to the F3LS (22') which has a capacity of 2500+ lbs or the older 233LS which is at 2600 lbs...I am wondering why this model is rated at a capacity nearly 1000lbs less. It's interesting to note that even the 242SS, which is the same hull with a different deck/cockpit configuration has a capacity of 2500 lbs.

Anyone have an idea as to why the 242LS is penalized in the capacity rating? Is the capacity rating a function of the structure of the boat as well as the seating arrangement? Understand that the seating arrangement for the F3LS and the 233LS is the same as the 242LS.

Just wondering...

John F
 
The way i have seen it figured is

Length X Beam
15

to get maximum number of persons then multiply by 150 (150 Lbs average weight of an adult, I think this is a little low but I'm going by the book) to get max weight
so for the 242LS:

24 x 8 192 = 12.8
15 15

12.8 X 150 = 1920 Pounds

I bet 1600 is a conservative number assuming that most people wont count gear, food, water, fuel ect. But it doesn't add up because the two examples your cited are smaller boats so im not really sure.
 
OK...I'll run with it...until I look at the spec on a F3 which is 2 feet shorter but gets a load rating of 2500 vs 1600 for the 242LS!!!??? Then look at a 242SS which is exactly the same hull...just a different deck and cockpit...and it's also rated at 2500 lbs.

What puzzles me is why the 242LS is capacity rated 900lbs less than the 3: boats I mentioned in the original post?

I think I'll make a call the Formula customer service and ask them.

Stay tuned.
 
This answer is a no brainer. Now think about it for a minute.....didn't you say it had twin small blocks? I'll bet the others had singles ;).
SBC/Alpha is about 1000 lbs additional so hence the lower capacity ::)

Answer = no brainer ;D
 
I'm all in on the twin explanation except for one thing....the factory published numbers don't make a distinction as to single or twin power in any of their specs....for any of the aforementioned boats.

So I guess this remains a bit of a mystery. :-\
 
sprink49 said:
I'm all in on the twin explanation except for one thing....the factory published numbers don't make a distinction as to single or twin power in any of their specs....for any of the aforementioned boats.

So I guess this remains a bit of a mystery. :-\
Click to expand...

Mystery? Not really. The factory simply forgot to make the distinction. Do the math, it works out ;D
 
So the published number for capacity assumes the worst case scenario...equiped with twins. Makes total sense...I think an official clarification should have been made showing a single power set up capacity as well but....what the hell that was 25 years ago.
 
Thought it might be interesting to note....I now have a '79 255 Liberator with twin 260s and it't BIA/USCG rating is....you guessed it...2500 lbs!!!
 
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