Boat engine rating

Saltyone

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
292
Reaction score
85
Points
28
Location
St Helens, OR
Model
Express 265
I've been looking for a 265 for a bit now. They hardly ever come up for sale here on the west coast. When they do, they are usually way over priced. Kind of like this one.

Though I didn't think these were even rated for 600hp?

 

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
You are correct. Per the GW website and their archived brochures, the 2000 GW 265 Express has a maximum horsepower rating of only 500 hp. Whether the additional horsepower and weight would make for any issues, or not, I couldn't really say from personal experience. Perhaps someone else will chime in shortly, or a phone call to GW themselves or your local GW dealer might help out. Good luck.

 

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,531
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
The max hp for the 2000 265 was 500HP according to the brochure
 

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
8,033
Reaction score
1,286
Points
113
There won't be much weight difference for twins in the 500-600HP range. You probably can get away with it. My only concern would be insurance claim risk as you technically are overpowering the boat.
 

Saltyone

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
292
Reaction score
85
Points
28
Location
St Helens, OR
Model
Express 265
For what I can tell the difference in weight between say a OX66 250 and those Suzuki 300s is about 130ish lbs each. I guess my concern would be not only the extra 250lbs hanging off the transom, but can the transom handle that much more power without damaging it? A friend of mine is having his transom repaired on an aluminum boat, he put a 300hp motor on it, when it wasnt rated for it, and it started to crack.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mustang65fbk

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
For what I can tell the difference in weight between say a OX66 250 and those Suzuki 300s is about 130ish lbs each. I guess my concern would be not only the extra 250lbs hanging off the transom, but can the transom handle that much more power without damaging it? A friend of mine is having his transom repaired on an aluminum boat, he put a 300hp motor on it, when it wasnt rated for it, and it started to crack.
I agree... it looks like the approximate weight of an OX66 250 is around 520 lbs for the 25" version and then 540 lbs for the 30" version. I'm not sure if the GW 265 Express uses a 25" or 30" outboard, but am assuming it's a 30"? Comparatively, the Suzuki 300 is at 639 lbs for the 25" version and then 659 lbs for the 30" version. An extra 250 lbs sitting on the arse end of the boat consistently along with 2-3 batteries, 250 gallons of fuel, people, gear, food, water, ice, bait and so on makes me think she'll sit more than just a bit low in the water. If you're serious about a Grady White and don't want to pay insane prices out here on the west coast or the PNW, then do what I did and buy one back on the east coast for half the price or less. There's several on Boat Trader right now for less than $60k, which I highly doubt you'll ever find one even close to that price out here. Unless it's considerably older or in very poor condition. Here's a couple that I'd consider if you're serious, as always I like to recommend anyone use an accredited marine surveyor, and if the boat does have early 2000's Yamaha 4 strokes on it to have them scoped for the dry exhaust corrosion issues. Good luck!


 
  • Like
Reactions: Saltyone

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,531
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
The issue is not only weight but as if not more important, the thrust and the ability of the transom to handle the extra stresses.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Saltyone