242LS inspection hatches location


CharlieWhiskey85

CharlieWhiskey85

New member
Hey gang, going to look at a new to me 1988 242LS and was just trying to see where abouts in the boat are the best places to find a hatch or get under something to take a look at stringers and etc. I belet I saw mentioned somewhere that under the step down into the cuddy was a good location to check. I've only ever seen these boats online and in pictures so haven't had a chance to get hands on it yet. Thanks in advance.
 
There isn’t much you are going to inspect under the step. The main areas you will be able to see, that were problem areas on these boats, are the bulkhead between engine compartment / fuel tank rots out and silent thunder platform can have either exhaust seal failure or platform rots out and will damage the transom of the boat. My ST platform rotted out and allowed exhaust to get between platform and transom damaging the transom with stains and damage to gel. Thankfully my transom was dry yet. I had my transom refinished in December and am now in the process of fabricating an aluminum platform for her. When I bought mine I used a moisture meter on the transom and hull in every area I could possibly access. They are great boats, we absolutely love our 242ls.
 
Here you go . . .

I did a bulkhead and stringer restoration on my 1991 242 SS . . . same as the LS except the rear seat. The structure from 1987 - 1992 is the same for this series of boats (242, 272, 292, etc . . . ) The link below should give you a good idea of how the boat is made and where to look.

The bulkhead in front of the engine is where most of the trouble starts happening, then it spreads front & back. That is where you will have the best view forward into the fuel tank bay where the main stringers are located. The fiberglass coating over the wood structure is fairly thick as compared to other boats, but you should look at the thinner areas inside where the fuel tank is located to see how the stringers look. also look at the outer engine mount stringers to see if there is any bow (inward) to them as it may indicate the wood core in that area has rotted.

They are nice boats for their size . . . old school hull design that is good in the chop.

https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1991-formula-242-stringer-bulkhead-repairs-w-many-pics.518654/
 
Last edited:
That would be correct! I'll post up some more pictures after this weekend when I get some time to play around with it. Stringers and transom we're solid as a rock. Also the small hatches under the vberth were as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top