Sportsman 242 Open — Quick-Reference Specs
- Boat Model: Sportsman 242 Open
- Cover Type: T-Top Boat Cover
- LOA: 23'8"
- Beam: 8'6"
- Dry Weight: ~3,400 lbs
- Engine: Single outboard, max 300 HP
- Fuel Capacity: ~118 gallons
- Deadrise: 18°
- Draft: ~16"
- Hull Type: Deep-V fiberglass, SportTech® no-wood all-fiberglass construction
- Status: Discontinued
Cover Features
- Fit: Custom-fitted T-Top cover for the Sportsman 242 Open
- Coverage: Full hull below the T-Top — hardtop remains exposed
- T-Top Integration: Fitted cutouts for T-Top support legs
- Fabric Options: 9oz solution-dyed polyester (most popular) or Sunbrella acrylic
- Construction: Reinforced stitching, hem cord at rubrail, adjustable tie-down straps
- Installation: ~20–25 minutes, two people recommended
- Warranty: Manufacturer warranty against UV and weather damage
Additional information
Choose Your Cover Fabric
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
| Weight | 34 lbs |
|---|
Install
Please watch the video below for installation instructions!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — this cover is pattern-cut specifically for the Sportsman 242 Open T-top configuration. It fits the 23-foot-8-inch length with 8-foot-6-inch beam, attaching at the T-top roof frame and enclosing the entire boat and single outboard as one continuous piece.
No — Sportsman has discontinued the 242 Open, though it was produced for several years as a mid-range model in the Open series. Our cover continues to protect every 242 Open model year with the same precision fit and full hull coverage.
The 242 Open supports a single outboard up to 300 horsepower. Our cover fully encloses the engine as part of the continuous fabric drape past the transom, creating a natural gathered pouch around the cowling regardless of which outboard is mounted.
The discontinued 242 Open sat between the 232 and 252 in the Open series lineup, offering a 23-foot-8-inch hull with 18 degrees of deadrise and 12-person capacity. While the current lineup skips this size range, our cover is pattern-cut specifically for the 242 Open's unique hull dimensions.
We offer two marine-grade fabrics: our heavy-duty 9oz solution-dyed polyester — the most popular choice for durability and colorfastness — and premium Sunbrella acrylic, which is lighter with exceptional UV resistance and breathability. Both resist mold, mildew, and fading through years of coastal exposure.
Installation takes about 20 to 25 minutes with two people. Start by draping the cover over the T-top roof frame, then pull the fabric panels down on all sides. Secure using the included adjustable tie-down straps that buckle underneath the hull and connect to the trailer frame. Works on trailers, boat lifts, and dry storage.
Yes — our covers for the 242 Open are manufactured on demand using the same pattern and materials as any current model cover. Since we hold the specific patterns for every Sportsman hull, you can reorder replacement covers, straps, or buckles at any time regardless of the model's production status.
A T-top mooring cover is a one-piece fitted cover that attaches at the T-top roof frame and wraps down to enclose the entire boat while in storage. It shields the console, seating, deck hardware, electronics, and T-top structure from UV damage, rain, bird droppings, pollen, and debris — extending the life of every component.
Our 9oz solution-dyed polyester is the most popular choice — it is heavier, extremely durable, and offers excellent water resistance at a lower price point. Sunbrella acrylic is lighter, more breathable, and provides superior UV protection, making it ideal for boats stored in intense sun year-round. Both fabrics come with manufacturer warranties.
Select your boat model, cover type, and fabric choice on the product page, then add to cart. Every cover ships with the fitted cover, all necessary tie-down straps and buckles, a storage bag, and a detailed installation guide. Most orders ship within 5 to 7 business days.
Sportsman 242 Open T-Top Boat Cover (Discontinued Model)
The Sportsman 242 Open is a 23-foot-8-inch center console with an 8-foot-6-inch beam and a dry weight around 3,400 pounds. Powered by a single outboard up to 300 horsepower with approximately 118 gallons of fuel capacity, this deep-V hull delivers 18 degrees of deadrise at the transom for a stable, dry ride in offshore conditions. With a person capacity of 12 and a draft around 16 inches, the 242 Open offered anglers a generous fishing platform that could still access most nearshore waters. Sportsman’s SportTech construction — a no-wood, all-fiberglass build with vinyl ester resin — gave the 242 Open a durable, low-maintenance hull backed by a 10-year structural warranty.
Our custom-fitted T-top mooring cover wraps the entire 242 Open as one continuous piece of solution-dyed marine fabric. The fabric attaches at the underside edges of the T-top roof frame and hangs down like curtain panels — angling forward toward the bow and rearward past the transom to fully enclose the single outboard engine in a natural, gathered drape. All four T-top support legs disappear completely inside the fabric, leaving only the flat fiberglass roof panel visible at the top like a low hat. The cover bottom edge extends well below the chine, with the hem sitting level with the top of the trailer tires.
Discontinued but Not Forgotten — Protect Your 242 Open Investment
Although the 242 Open is no longer in production, thousands remain active on the water logging serious offshore miles. These boats were built with the same SportTech no-wood construction and deep-V offshore hull design that defines the entire Open series — and they deserve top-tier protection. Choose our heavy-duty 9oz solution-dyed polyester — the most popular option among boat owners for its exceptional durability and colorfastness — or upgrade to premium Sunbrella acrylic for superior UV resistance and breathability. Both fabrics are solution-dyed through the entire fiber, locking in color permanently against mold, mildew, and fading.
Mid-Range Open, Full-Size Coverage
Installation on the 242 Open takes about 20 to 25 minutes with two people. The cover ships with all necessary tie-down straps, buckles, and hardware plus a detailed installation guide. Adjustable straps secure under the hull and connect to the trailer frame or lift, holding firm during highway trailering and seasonal storms. The 242’s 8-foot-6-inch beam and single-engine transom make for a straightforward fit with reinforced attachment points throughout.
Explore the Open Lineup and Beyond
Browse our center console boat cover collection for covers across every brand and hull size. Looking for the next size up in the Open series? See our Sportsman 252 Open T-top cover for a 25-foot platform with 350 horsepower and a 21-degree deadrise. Heritage series fans may also want to check out our Sportsman 241 Heritage T-top cover for a similar-sized family-comfort hull.
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