Advice for 84 Grady / 02 Volvo Penta

[PointedRose]

Hi, I recently purchased and launched my 1984 Overnighter 205 I/O with 2002 Volvo Penta 4.3GL (GM engine) this past week in San Rafael CA. I’d welcome any advice/feedback for this model GW/VP. My experience has largely been with outboards but I couldn’t pass up a pretty Grady at a reasonable price. Excited to get out on the water.

 

[Bilpep]

I just sold my 208 with a 3.8 merc which has a Ford block.
It was and will be the only boat I own with an I/O. I didnt have any luck with mine. Tough to change the belts and maintance on an I/O.
Had to rebuild the carb 3 times in 4 seasons. Not sure if its the new ethonal gas. I did use all the right additives. The cover for the motor is great for using as a table/cutting/fillet board. I loved the boat but hated the power so I upgraded to an Islander.
I hope you have MUCH better luck than I did..

 

[PointedRose]

Thanks, I may need some luck. The trailer is a bit of a mess even though a 2008, a little adventurous getting it launched last week. Engine seems to fire up nicely, might need new batteries soon. Added a 9.9 Nissan kicker. Hoping to get a few years then upgrade. There is not a lot of availability of quality boats for sale in the Bay Area, and they sell quickly when they pop up.

 

[Bilpep]

Thanks, I may need some luck. The trailer is a bit of a mess even though a 2008, a little adventurous getting it launched last week. Engine seems to fire up nicely, might need new batteries soon. Added a 9.9 Nissan kicker. Hoping to get a few years then upgrade. There is not a lot of availability of quality boats for sale in the Bay Area, and they sell quickly when they pop up.

Enjoy it. Im in NY and cant wait till march to get back in the water. When I was looking for a new boat I had to keep expanding my search distance till I found what I wanted.
Hopefully it wil be may years before you need to do that.

 

[DennisG01]

Good engine - both from the block and the drive standpoint. Access to the side (plugs, for example) isn't horrible - I've worked in tighter spots. You'll just be doing some of it by feel only. A shaved-down (thinned) socket will often help as the space around middle plugs on the V-6's are sometimes tight.

Belts are easy.

How are the bellows?

Since you can't tilt the drive out of the water, make sure you keep on top of painting and anodes.

 

[PointedRose]

Good engine - both from the block and the drive standpoint. Access to the side (plugs, for example) isn't horrible - I've worked in tighter spots. You'll just be doing some of it by feel only. A shaved-down (thinned) socket will often help as the space around middle plugs on the V-6's are sometimes tight.

Belts are easy.

How are the bellows?

Since you can't tilt the drive out of the water, make sure you keep on top of painting and anodes.

thanks for the tips. Bellows look fine from what I can tell but I might change them sooner than later just in case.

outdrive looks great so far but it was trailered.