82 GW overnighter, need help

[Dan289]

I am thinking of buying a GW overnighter 1982. I can't find a similar boat with the same engine to do a comparison. This boat has a I/O 4 cyl original engine in good condition. Here in NYC boats are more expensive. He is asking 5k. If some one wouldn't mind answering some questions. Did they make the above boat with that engine ? Seller might be wrong on the model. If the boat is in good condition, is the price good? I am looking for a first boat for my sons and I and we want a GW. I dont want to spend a lot but do not want a money pit either.I expect high costs with boats. And would anybody have an idea of the boats weight? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pilotart]

Grady White has all the annual catalogs available for download as PDF (or Foxit Reader 8) ):

http://www.gradywhite.com/customer/catalogs/

If you don't see the model you want, look at the year before, or year after catalog,
it looks like they did not always include every model in the Annual Catalog.

 

[Dan289]

Thanks

Thank you.very helpfull. Appears the boat is most likely the Gulfstream.

 

[catch22]

I would say that's a pretty good price, provided the boat, (and engine) are in good shape. If your seriousely considering it, do yourself a favor and get a survey. It's worth the peace of mind. A boat that old has a high potential for water intrusion problems - transom, stringers and deck.... especially the forward part of the deck, (around the helm). Any serious water damage would end up costing almost as much as the purchase price, to repair.

As far as the engine goes, the catalog mentions a 120 hp model, (optional up to 260) so my guess would be either a 4 cylinder Volvo or an OMC, (based on the pic, it looks like Volvo). If it's an OMC, you might have a hard time getting parts. Not sure about parts availability for a Volvo that old. Also... Volvo parts are expensive. I'm not an i/o fan... I had a few i/o powered boats, they were all Volvo's. Very well designed and pretty dependable. Although I didn't have any problems with them, I would still take an outboard anyday, (sorry ). I/o's require more maintenence and attention, and I would think an older motor would need even more attention.

Is it freshwater cooled?

 

[Dan289]

Thanks.

Thanks, and yes,it is fresh water cooled.

 

['84Offshore]

I prefer the i/o's myself............I replaced the engine (Mercruiser) in my 24 Offshore in my driveway.

I also had a '78 Gulfstream............had an IL6...........was also a Merc.

If it's an OMC I would walk away from it. If it's a Merc 470 I would also think twice about it.

I would think you could get that boat cheaper in this market.

 

[JeffN]

Is it the mercruiser 470 or 488? Those were a four cylinder 226 or so cubic inch four of that era. I had two of them in a 25' Kingfish. They were 170 or 188 HP and are out of production. Perhaps it has been repowered since. If it is a 470 or 488 these were an aluminum block fresh water closed cooling system motor. they were ecconomical to run but if they are original they would be a little long in the tooth although I "think" parts are available. Mine were 24 years old when I replaced them. I didn't think it was worth throwing any more money at them. The 470s were a little quirky but I lived with mine 20 years and for the long haul they were a cheap date. If you wanted to repower a V-6 would probaly fit in nicely as the only new four cylinder merc. are 120 HP. The six cylinder replacement would probably be pretty resonable too, just check the transom before you buy!!! I replaced my twin 470s with a single 496 in the Kingfish.

I like the I/O too

See if you can identify the model of the motor.