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convincor 242 questions

82 Predictor

Active member
Hi all, looking to upgrade from my predictor to a convicor and I had a few questions. looking at a '97 convincor 242 with a 454 mag (300hp?), bravo 1 and a galvy trailer with about 80hrs. #1 Anyone know of any problems with this boat (structural, ride and handling (porposing, chinewalk etc.), what type of speed should I see out of this thing, and is $23k a deal for boat and trailer pending a sea trial and visual inspection (pics show this thing in nice shape but I am about 400 miles from it). Also how do these ride in rough water. I know it will be night and day from my predictor but I want to be able to go out in a 2-3 chop and be able to make it home. Thanks for your input, hopefully summer will be here soon!
 
I don't know if I will be much help.... but I own a "253 I think" A 25 foot convincor, but a 1984. Close to the same hull I believe.

The Mag should be a 365Hp.

My boat takes the big choppy waves of Lake Erie like a 35 footer. I love the ride. We are constantly in 3 foot cross-chop. I've been in some 5-7 footers.. a little wet and a beating, but it handled it fine.

the only problem I have had is with the cockpit floor cracking and the bolster seats breaking. I had a passanger fall right down when the seat opened up in some rough water. They hit their head pretty hard.

I do get some porposing, but the big tabs I installed help that somewhat.

Hope that helps.
 
thanks for the replies guys. TPCTEC, yes it is the boat in derby. I think I may be making the trip out on Sunday to look at the boat, I appreciate the offer to take a look at it but I don't have the guys address yet. Where do you guys boat around that area? He said it was only in salt water twice, is there that much fresh water near you? thanks again for the help, this board is great!
 
Maybe upper CT river,Candlewood lake or theres a smaller lake around Derby area called lake Zoar. I saw it in the Bargainnews a few times and I noticed it on trader.com I think its a 7.4 litre not a Mag. Its 310 HP. Sunday is going to be decent weather. Make him Take you to New Haven Harbor area(salt) May be a little windy and snotty so you could really see if you like how it handles. My guestimate would be no more than 60-62 with that engine. let us know how you make out. if its truly an 80 hour boat and minimal salt it should be pretty sweet. Its got the fairing so thats pretty unique. good luck.
 
I talked to the owner tonight and he said mostly lake zoar was where he took it. Said he was one of the largest boats on that lake. We are going to look at it Sunday, thanks for all your help! It is a sweet looking boat w/out the windshield, that is what really got us looking. I'll update you when we get back, have a great weekend!
 
After all that the boat ran like crap and looked like it had been sitting out for 3 years. Pulled the carb apart and it was totally gummed up and there was a ton of water in the gas and it smelled really varnishy. Changed the water separator 3 times and each time it was completely full of water. I wonder if the boat sank or filled up w/ a lot of water from sitting outside. Tank looked really hard to get out (remove bolsters, rear seat and front cockpit liner?) Stay away from this one! Still looking for another mate about this size and price ~25k or less, let me know if you know of anything. Thanks for all your help!
 
That sucks.not much around in that price range and year.I have to tell you I talked to the guy sounded a little vague when I asked him some questions. sounded very young.
 
checkrocket I think you are a little out of my price range! I had that guy down to 23k and that fit in my budget nice w/ taxes and all.

TPCTEC I got my eye on another one in Illinois for about the same money but it has a 502. Only downside is I'm not too big on the graphics with the giant rook on the side. Other than that the boat looks great but it does have 400hrs. How long to these motors and drives last before they need a rebuild (I am an outboard guy now and that old merc just runs every year w/ out hesitation).
 
well, that can vary with maint/abuse but ive heard of them up to 800 hours. fishinmaster/gtx on this board just lunched his 251/502 he bought from Kip at 450.Then there is the stupid little things that happen with a new engine too.so its really a crap shoot.
 
oh yea I forgot how about the red 251 on ebay in auburn NY? a little pricy (19k)for the year but claims its got 278 hrs and hes the original owner.looks pretty good in the pics I'd like to see an engine pic.The guys phone # is on the bottom of the page I forgot what it is . let me know what you think.Tom
 
yeah i saw that one too tom. The pricing seems crazy (its at 19000 and the reserve still isn't met). I fell in love with a zt280 in Michigan but even that is at least $10k overpriced. Seems like everyone is way over NADA value but if they are getting it I guess they are not over priced. I will just have to hold out and keep running the predictor until a good deal comes along. what mate do you run? later Vance
 
I'm BOATLESS right now.I had a 251 Convincor from 2000-2003. Looking for something else but like many people 30-35k is the budget.I loved my 251 it has classic lines and was pretty fast it did'nt have the small windows for the cabin and the clean sides where in my opinion better looking.I think its pretty rare Ive never seen another one without the windows.
 
Yeah I know what you mean about the windows, I like the clean look too, thats why I'm trying to find a sport model with out a windshield. I haven't seen too many other 251 without the cabin windows either. There is a '98 253 up near me but the guy wants 35k for it, has low hours though and I think a 502, little out of my price range, would fit nice in yours!
 
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