I am in the market for an inshore/nearshore/bay boat and am considering the purchase of a new 2007 205 w/150 Yamaha with a quoted price, including trailer, at $48000.00. The published performance specs relating to gph, cruise & top speed appear to be acceptable. I have heard, however, that getting out of the hole with a load is overly sluggish and disappointing with this engine. Would appreciate response to using this powerplant for the 205. Thanks.
205 propulsion
- Thread starter cc
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I believe the V6s make better power for this hull. I have an F200 and am happy with the performance. Never considered the F150, so it may actually be quite accceptable.
However I believe the F150 gets worse economy and works pretty hard with a load. At a slow cruise I get 3.7mpg light, which I am happy with. WOT is around 43 depending on load. Never had a problem getting on plane quickly, even with large loads of people and beer. I switched to a Mirage+ prop and it made a big difference in planing speed, cruise efficiency and top end.
The hull is rated for 250 and I would love to have that on mine. For less money I would consider a year old V6 powered boat with low hours, warranty and maybe even some electronics already installed.
However I believe the F150 gets worse economy and works pretty hard with a load. At a slow cruise I get 3.7mpg light, which I am happy with. WOT is around 43 depending on load. Never had a problem getting on plane quickly, even with large loads of people and beer. I switched to a Mirage+ prop and it made a big difference in planing speed, cruise efficiency and top end.
The hull is rated for 250 and I would love to have that on mine. For less money I would consider a year old V6 powered boat with low hours, warranty and maybe even some electronics already installed.
I am wrong about the efficiency. Just checked the GW site and the F150 is well over 3 most of the time, right at 4 at 4000 rpm. The F200 numbers are actually worse than I see, even with bottom paint.
The 2 are actually pretty close on paper.
Here are the F150 numbers
Performance Tests at Optimum Conditions
RPM MPH GPH MPG
1500 6.2 1.2 5.17
2000 7.3 1.8 4.03
2500 8.1 3.0 2.75
3000 11.1 4.5 2.48
3500 19.9 5.3 3.79
4000 25.9 6.5 3.98
4200 28.2 7.4 3.84
4500 31.0 8.4 3.68
5000 35.3 10.5 3.36
5500 39.4 13.9 2.83
6000 42.7 16.6 2.58
F200.....
Performance Tests at Optimum Conditions
RPM MPH GPH MPG
1500 6.4 2.0 3.2
2000 7.5 2.7 2.8
2500 8.0 4.7 1.7
3000 11.7 6.9 1.7
3500 23.6 6.7 3.5
4000 28.6 9.0 3.2
4500 33.3 11.5 2.9
5000 37.1 13.8 2.7
5500 40.9 16.3 2.5
5900 43.0 17.0 2.5
The 2 are actually pretty close on paper.
Here are the F150 numbers
Performance Tests at Optimum Conditions
RPM MPH GPH MPG
1500 6.2 1.2 5.17
2000 7.3 1.8 4.03
2500 8.1 3.0 2.75
3000 11.1 4.5 2.48
3500 19.9 5.3 3.79
4000 25.9 6.5 3.98
4200 28.2 7.4 3.84
4500 31.0 8.4 3.68
5000 35.3 10.5 3.36
5500 39.4 13.9 2.83
6000 42.7 16.6 2.58
F200.....
Performance Tests at Optimum Conditions
RPM MPH GPH MPG
1500 6.4 2.0 3.2
2000 7.5 2.7 2.8
2500 8.0 4.7 1.7
3000 11.7 6.9 1.7
3500 23.6 6.7 3.5
4000 28.6 9.0 3.2
4500 33.3 11.5 2.9
5000 37.1 13.8 2.7
5500 40.9 16.3 2.5
5900 43.0 17.0 2.5
205
Those look like the numbers that I saw in some review the other day. As I noted in my original post, the performance looks pretty darn good from the perspective of the areas noted. It is the time to plane with a load, etc. that I am curious about. A friend of a friend with the 205/150 configuration had expressed some dissatisfaction in this area of operation. I wonder if he has some type of extension attachment for the motor that may affect performance. Perhaps I'm a bit naive, but I kind of find it hard to believe that the Grady folks would recommend an underpowered configuration. Go figure. I live several hours away from the dealer, but I suppose that I really need to try to find the time to test drive one (if they have it-the one I have priced is a looooooong way off) with this type of setup. Thanks for the reply.
Those look like the numbers that I saw in some review the other day. As I noted in my original post, the performance looks pretty darn good from the perspective of the areas noted. It is the time to plane with a load, etc. that I am curious about. A friend of a friend with the 205/150 configuration had expressed some dissatisfaction in this area of operation. I wonder if he has some type of extension attachment for the motor that may affect performance. Perhaps I'm a bit naive, but I kind of find it hard to believe that the Grady folks would recommend an underpowered configuration. Go figure. I live several hours away from the dealer, but I suppose that I really need to try to find the time to test drive one (if they have it-the one I have priced is a looooooong way off) with this type of setup. Thanks for the reply.
Imo, that Yamaha F150 is not quite enough for a 20' Grady. The F150 is a 4 cylinder, and regardless of the higher end speed numbers, I'll bet it would labor getting up on plane.
Look at the numbers - at 3500 rpm's, the 150 is only doing 19 mph, while the 200 is doing 23.
The 2 sroke 150's are 6 cylinder, and those are ok, but 175's and even 200's are more common. That boat, with a 2 stroke 175 would probably do around 27 mph, at 3500 rpm. I think the old saying applies, "there's no substitute for cubic inch's"
I'm certainly not against 4 strokes... I think there the way to go, but with that kind of serious investment, I'd want decent power on it.
You could insist on a sea trial, have 3 people on board, and atleast half a tank of fuel, and find out for sure how it performs.
Look at the numbers - at 3500 rpm's, the 150 is only doing 19 mph, while the 200 is doing 23.
The 2 sroke 150's are 6 cylinder, and those are ok, but 175's and even 200's are more common. That boat, with a 2 stroke 175 would probably do around 27 mph, at 3500 rpm. I think the old saying applies, "there's no substitute for cubic inch's"
I'm certainly not against 4 strokes... I think there the way to go, but with that kind of serious investment, I'd want decent power on it.
You could insist on a sea trial, have 3 people on board, and atleast half a tank of fuel, and find out for sure how it performs.
Probably need to just try it out heavy with this and a larger powerplant and see what happens. Seeing is believing. Thanks for the reply.
Something is odd here. The performance data for the 208 (my boat) lists the F200 at 4.1 mpg at 4000 rpm and F150 at 3.8. The 208 is a heavier boat. Wonder what gives?
Power on a 205
I repowered my 1999 208 with a Mercury Verado 150 (2006 and first generation) replacing a Mercury Optimax 200. The prop is an Enertia 16P. The boat gets on plane easily and at 4000 rpm it cruises between 22 and 24 mph. At WOT, the speed is between 38 and 40 mph. The economy is between 3.8 and 4.0 mpg at cruise, and this is probably not optimal as manufacturers' tests usually show. These results are for a full tank of fuel, two persons on board, two batteries, and the usual assorted gear. The data comes from a fuel flow gauge and GPS.
Remember, your boat is several hundred pounds lighter that this.
I repowered my 1999 208 with a Mercury Verado 150 (2006 and first generation) replacing a Mercury Optimax 200. The prop is an Enertia 16P. The boat gets on plane easily and at 4000 rpm it cruises between 22 and 24 mph. At WOT, the speed is between 38 and 40 mph. The economy is between 3.8 and 4.0 mpg at cruise, and this is probably not optimal as manufacturers' tests usually show. These results are for a full tank of fuel, two persons on board, two batteries, and the usual assorted gear. The data comes from a fuel flow gauge and GPS.
Remember, your boat is several hundred pounds lighter that this.
205
Not to quibble but the 2008 brochure indicates the 208 wt @2900 w/o engine and the 205 @ 2810. That's still almost 100 heavier and you're satisfied with a loaded hole start-to-plane. That's encouraging enough. Wonder how much difference your prop may make low-end wise. The performance dream sheet indicates a little higher top end numbers compared to yours (given optimum numbers used by the company) but yours still look pretty good.
BTW, I spoke with a GW salesman today and he stated that this issue had not come to his attention before. Not that I should rely on a salesman's advice, but we'll see. He's at the nearest dealer and says he has a 205/150 to test drive.
Thanks for the response.
Not to quibble but the 2008 brochure indicates the 208 wt @2900 w/o engine and the 205 @ 2810. That's still almost 100 heavier and you're satisfied with a loaded hole start-to-plane. That's encouraging enough. Wonder how much difference your prop may make low-end wise. The performance dream sheet indicates a little higher top end numbers compared to yours (given optimum numbers used by the company) but yours still look pretty good.
BTW, I spoke with a GW salesman today and he stated that this issue had not come to his attention before. Not that I should rely on a salesman's advice, but we'll see. He's at the nearest dealer and says he has a 205/150 to test drive.
Thanks for the response.
Test driving the boat is your best action. The Yamaha F150 will produce less torque than the supercharged Verado, but I did test drive the 208 with the F150 on it. It was satisfactory with three persons on board and about 1/3 tank of gas. This is the standard engine that is being delivered on this boat. I also see it on the 205 on the sales lot.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
It depends on how you will use it.
I tested a 205 with an F150 and top speed is around 39 mph. If you will be cruising, fishing, etc..that may be fine. If you are pulling a skier with 3-4 people in the boat, you will be disappointed.
My 205 had a F225 and the performance numbers were similar to what GWCpa is seeing with his F200. I did not experiment with props, (just ran the stock Yam SWSII Wheel) although I think I probably could have improved the mpg at cruise and picked up a mile or two on the top end with a different prop.
I tested a 205 with an F150 and top speed is around 39 mph. If you will be cruising, fishing, etc..that may be fine. If you are pulling a skier with 3-4 people in the boat, you will be disappointed.
My 205 had a F225 and the performance numbers were similar to what GWCpa is seeing with his F200. I did not experiment with props, (just ran the stock Yam SWSII Wheel) although I think I probably could have improved the mpg at cruise and picked up a mile or two on the top end with a different prop.
It's easier for me to spend your money than mine..
With that in mind, buy more power...
I have had 2 Grady's and I was never sorry that I equipped them with the most power they could handle.
Your gonna have coolers, fuel, gear, people, bags of gear, clothes..livewells full of water..
You'd be shocked how fast it adds up.
The very 1st Grady I demoed was an Adventure 208 with the 150 Yamaha, and I immediately said this sucks, it's underpowered....
And NO, I'm not a top-speed freak..I don't care about going 45 vs. 38 MPH. The advantage of a larger engine is..
1.)Mid-range punch(going thru seas)
2.)Longer engine life..The engine will not labor as much getting the boat up, and will not continually rev as high at a cruising speed.
3.) The fuel burn will be similar between the two.The difference should not affect your decision.
Keep in mind too, that Grady offers these boats as a package, and putting less HP on one can allow them to lower the price, potentially attracting more buyers.
Yes, it'll run the boat, but Grady won't have to live with the sluggishness that can happen when real-world situations take over and the engine is overmatched.
I have a 232 Gulfstream with twin 200 Four-Strokes..
I wish I had 225's......
With that in mind, buy more power...
I have had 2 Grady's and I was never sorry that I equipped them with the most power they could handle.
Your gonna have coolers, fuel, gear, people, bags of gear, clothes..livewells full of water..
You'd be shocked how fast it adds up.
The very 1st Grady I demoed was an Adventure 208 with the 150 Yamaha, and I immediately said this sucks, it's underpowered....
And NO, I'm not a top-speed freak..I don't care about going 45 vs. 38 MPH. The advantage of a larger engine is..
1.)Mid-range punch(going thru seas)
2.)Longer engine life..The engine will not labor as much getting the boat up, and will not continually rev as high at a cruising speed.
3.) The fuel burn will be similar between the two.The difference should not affect your decision.
Keep in mind too, that Grady offers these boats as a package, and putting less HP on one can allow them to lower the price, potentially attracting more buyers.
Yes, it'll run the boat, but Grady won't have to live with the sluggishness that can happen when real-world situations take over and the engine is overmatched.
I have a 232 Gulfstream with twin 200 Four-Strokes..
I wish I had 225's......
CC - take a few of your beer buddies (for ballast) for a test ride, and hammer it. Then take another one out same model, with a bigger motor.
Simple as that. Don't be embarrassed to ask the salesman, he or she already works for you. If he says he doesn't have another same model with bigger motor, ask him to find you one to address your concerns, then leave your phone number and walk away. If he doesn't call you by end of next business day, PM me and I'd advise next step.
If the initial price is of no concern, it's about acceleration and top speed (that sounds like cars too !!).
Simple as that. Don't be embarrassed to ask the salesman, he or she already works for you. If he says he doesn't have another same model with bigger motor, ask him to find you one to address your concerns, then leave your phone number and walk away. If he doesn't call you by end of next business day, PM me and I'd advise next step.
If the initial price is of no concern, it's about acceleration and top speed (that sounds like cars too !!).
I agree with what Magicbill said. All of those issues hit home. The gear adding up, the performance, and less strain on the motor....all good points.
One other, I can think of is, re-sale later on. If the boat is well powered, not only will it have better value, but you'll attract more customers.
It's a shame Yamaha doesn't offer a V-6, 175 4 stroke. That would be a good match. Then again, the weight probably wouldn't be much different from the F200, which is probably why they don't make it.
I think the only negative, going from the F150 to the F200, is the weight difference, (120lbs heavier). If those are your only choices, I'd go with the F200.
One other, I can think of is, re-sale later on. If the boat is well powered, not only will it have better value, but you'll attract more customers.
It's a shame Yamaha doesn't offer a V-6, 175 4 stroke. That would be a good match. Then again, the weight probably wouldn't be much different from the F200, which is probably why they don't make it.
I think the only negative, going from the F150 to the F200, is the weight difference, (120lbs heavier). If those are your only choices, I'd go with the F200.
cc,
Here's another thread about the F200.
http://www.greatgrady.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6926
Thought it might interest you.
Here's another thread about the F200.
http://www.greatgrady.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6926
Thought it might interest you.
Thanks Catch..
Again, it's a personal preference, but I'd rather be overpowered than under..
I hadn't thought about the resale factor, but that's true also.
Again, it's a personal preference, but I'd rather be overpowered than under..
I hadn't thought about the resale factor, but that's true also.
No doubt about it. I always go with the maximum horsepower the boat is rated for. Having it doesn't mean you have to use it, but you can't use it if you don't have it. I have never met any one with a boat who ever complained about having too much motor. I can't say the reverse is true.
When it comes to power, more is better!
When it comes to power, more is better!
If I have it correctly the 150 HP engine is fine when the load is not high but is marginal with a full load (three big people and a tank of gas).
If you can afford it go to the 200hp, if you can leave one buddy on the dock. I have found that with a marginally powered boats you really only regret not having the power when you need it the most. I have had a number of events over the years where I was very very thankful that my boat was over powered as it enabled me to power my way out of a bad situation. The advantage, again if you can afford it, is that the power is there when you need it otherwise you don't have to use it. Also, hands down the wear and tear on the engine at 200 hp is much less than with a 150 hp with that boat.
In this market at that boat size your dealer should be begging you to buy. Remember this simple axiom that is so so true “You do not get what you do not ask for”. Ask for the 200 hp at what you can afford to pay and walk away if you don’t like the answer, they will call you back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In this market you should be able to get to at least 15% under list and I would guess 20% is within reach.
If you can afford it go to the 200hp, if you can leave one buddy on the dock. I have found that with a marginally powered boats you really only regret not having the power when you need it the most. I have had a number of events over the years where I was very very thankful that my boat was over powered as it enabled me to power my way out of a bad situation. The advantage, again if you can afford it, is that the power is there when you need it otherwise you don't have to use it. Also, hands down the wear and tear on the engine at 200 hp is much less than with a 150 hp with that boat.
In this market at that boat size your dealer should be begging you to buy. Remember this simple axiom that is so so true “You do not get what you do not ask for”. Ask for the 200 hp at what you can afford to pay and walk away if you don’t like the answer, they will call you back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In this market you should be able to get to at least 15% under list and I would guess 20% is within reach.
Re: Power on a 205
I see you're from Cleveland. Do you deal w/ Beaver ParK? That's where my new 225 is coming from.R Ballou said: