32storm

The 454 with alpha combo was around for a couple of years. Can find examples in a number of name brands, ie: Formula, Donzi, etc., as well as other less known brands. As others stated previously, it has it's limitations, but with a little care when driving, will hold up. Yes, you could change it over to a Bravo. But if you plan on doing that, you might just as well buy one with that set-up.

The 242 is a great boat. Had one for a number of years with twins. Never had an issue with the alpha's or the boat not holding up. It's not a speed demon, but it's built like a little tank.

ThirdBird

The Bravo drive didn't become available until 1988. Previous to that, all big blocks and small blocks (aside from TRS models) came with Alphas. The Alphas worked fine for years but there was a need for a stronger drive for rough service.

I think an Alpha drive is OK within reason. If you're really going to beat on it like catching air off every other wave, it isn't going to survive very long. Of course, a Bravo or TRS won't survive long either if re-entries are not done correctly. Wave jumping beats the piss out of stuff. You have consider the age of the drive and also the boat for that matter. We're not talking spring chicken here.

I think if you want to go blasting off waves (like you referred to) you better be ready to do some wrenching.

Formula Outlaw

Well said "Third".

32storm

Supersport59

Well, I went and looked at the boat again today, and I'm sorry to say I won't be joining the Formula family soon. The boat made a horrible clunking noise when going into gear, vibrated like the prop shaft was bent, cavitated excessively on take off even with the tabs down and the drive tucked all the way in, and the boat hardly did 35 mph. It had some weird variable pitch prop on it. The dealer's gonna throw a normal prop on and see how it handles, but I think it's out of the running.

Btw, it did have a 454 Magnum, w/Alpha.

cuda

I bought an Alpha drive off ebay once that had a 454 Mag sticker on it. It's currently on my F20SC.

You are probably better off to find a newer one with a Bravo and bolsters. It's a buyer's market on boats right now, so if you see one you like, don't be afraid to lowball the owner, he just might take it.

formula1

Hey Supersport, if you're not interested, email me the dealer's contact info. I think I know someone who'd be interested in the boat. Thanks.

Supersport59

The boat was at Thurston's Marina in Weirs Beach, NH http://www.thurstonsmarina.com. (603) 366-4811

ElDiablo206

1)If you are not familiar with alpha's, that is how they shift they make a clunk into each gear
2)cavitation could just be the prop!
3) are you going by a 16 year old speedometer, because they are always wrong

Supersport59

I'm somewhat familar with the alpha's but have never heard the shreak/clunk when shifting into gear. I actually demoed the boat with a mechanic who also thought that that sounded akward.

The cavitation was the prop.

The mechanic I demoed the boat with has been in the business for 10 years, and I've been around boats for my whole life. We both concurred that the boat was moving pretty slowly, certainly not as fast as it should be.

Anyhow, I appreciate your feedback.

At this point that wasn't the right boat for me, so I'm glad things worked out the way they did.