F-26 Tigercat Repower with G2’s

[Bazz]

I thought this would be interesting to talk about since it involves the new G2’s and a Grady cat. I ran the cat for four years with Yammie 250 HPDIs which ran like champs. The extra weight did actually help as you read on post about the F26. I had been cleared for either a new boat or new engines by the misses so I started looking.
I had a very reasonable quote for new 200hp Zuks installed and I had a reasonable quote for the inline Yammies. A co-worker told me about the G2’s and his experience with them so I started looking around. I found a pair of 250 HO’s with controls and everything so I decided to go that route and do the install myself.
I was amazing how much wire came out with the Yammies. Pounds and pounds. But I believe the 3” set back of these engines made up for the weight I took off. The reinstall was very easy with two small cables only to pull. I rushed the dash and cut a new one and changed the config of the start buttons etc. The back end is so open and clean now that it is unbelievable. The DPS makes it possible to removed everything. The engines were also installed two holes higher than the Yammies.
Here is the best part. Took it out for the first run. WOT was 52 @ 5950 and 1.2. That is a change from 44 @5700 and .8. Cruise was now 36, up from 29. I think I had a gain of .2 for fuel but I am goin to have o map that out. The wildest thing was the hole shot. It basically ripped my head off with how fast it got on plane.

Why did I do it to this boat, It is an awesome ride in all conditions.

 

[mhinch]

I miss my F-26. So glad to hear that an another actual owner has nothing but real world positive things to say. Keep her in great shape and she'll treat you right. And you're right, these are probably the best riding boat I've ever owned. Post up some pictures for all to see.

 

[Finest Kind]

Great to see others keeping these classic Grady's updated, and welcome to the G2 club!
More torque, better fuel economy, electronic fly by wire controls, no maintenance at all for 5 years or 500 hours and a TEN YEAR warranty!
What's not to like?

 

[wahoo33417]

Bazz: Nice post. What year is your cat?

Also, some pictures of the new engines on her would be nice too!

Rob

 

[Fishtales]

Have not heard anything negative about the G2's. Let us know how she runs. I think they look nice on the Grady.

 

[Another Distraction]

Great motors!!!!!!

 

[Fishtales]

Go to THT and search the boating forum. Great thread on "who has a bad experience with G2s" or something like that.
No negative press at all. Everyone seems to love the engines.

 

[Bazz]

I did get to finally make my first run to blue water recently with them and all went very well. I took a crew high speed trolling for Wahoo and was getting about 1.5 at 16-18 mpg. I had replaced my old autopilot with the new EV150 since I could not get the older model to work and it took a while to get that up and running while out.

I can not say enough about the change. I would post pics but I can not figure it out. Working on it. :hmm :hmm

 

[teaklejr]

Wife and I have owned our 1997 Tigercat since 2006 and love her. Repowered in 2007 with Yamaha 200 HPDI and have had zero problems. Over the years we have talked about selling and getting a Marlin or 330 Express but still enjoy our Tigercat “Sunny Life” to much. Every time I walk away from marina I still look back at her and smile. I love the looks we get from people who I know are thinking “I never knew Grady made a cat”

 

[Halfhitch]

I see a Tigercat every once in awhile. I am always intrigued but have never got to board one. I wonder what made Grady drop the line?

 

[Fishtales]

I've heard a the following: costly to make. didn't have a strong following. sales less than stellar. some complained about early version ride. hull wasn't versatile enough (think of how many boat styles they get out of one hull). just not in their wheel house and they could make better use of the time, people, process and tools eliminating the line. they may have been just ahead of the cat craze. not sure how cats are doing today, the dual console design seems to be the rage.

 

[1998sailfish]

I've been running a pair of G2 250's on my Marlin since their release. Welcome to the club !!