Happy new owner GW 226 seafarer

RTNEPTUNE

Active Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2017
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
Points
8
Location
Florida
I'm the happy new owner of a 1990 one owner 226 Seafarer , I can't wait to get this vessel out on the water . It came to me with a 225 2 stroke , I'm pulling that and going to install a
F225 or F250 . I hear that the F250 is a much better engine and is just a little heavier . Need to do some repairs and upgrades But the boat is in great condition . :D
 

Legend

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
1,462
Reaction score
201
Points
63
Location
Southern New England
Model
Sailfish
Congratulations on the new boat

You might want to check with Grady on the F225 or F250. I had a 1985 and Grady advised against the 4 stroke because of added torque on the stern. They suggested to go with and HPDI. Not sure what year they changed the stern construction to handle the 4 strokes.
 

SmokyMtnGrady

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2009
Messages
2,020
Reaction score
504
Points
113
I think Grady changed the hull in 2004. They shifted the gas tank forward to help balance the boat. I am not sure about stern issues and weight. If it is an issue look at a ETEC.
 

RTNEPTUNE

Active Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2017
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
Points
8
Location
Florida
Won't do a 2 stroke . I am on a canal . 45 min. of idle time to get to open water , the 2 stroke smell is horrible . I'll probably do a F225 . I see them all the time on mid 80's and up . I haven't
heard of anybody having a problem with weight .
 

Doc Stressor

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2009
Messages
1,186
Reaction score
295
Points
83
Location
Homosassa, FL
Model
Seafarer
You will have a problem with the weight if you go with an F225. Your scuppers will be submerged when the boat is a rest and it will cause stern squat when you are running.

My pre-SV2 hull 1986 Seafarer had a 200 hp Merc 2 stroke that weighed less than 400 lb. It pushed the boat fine, but if a passenger sat in a rear seat, the boat handled like crap.

Now handling like crap is a subjective feeling. I'd bet many folks running 4-stroke V6s on the old hulls don't know that their boats handle like crap. The pre-SV2 hull is a slapper and a pounder anyway in any kind of head sea.

I suggest that you take a ride with someone running an F225 on an old style hull before you decide about your repower. And a call to Grady before repowering is always good advice.
 

Ky Grady

GreatGrady Captain
Staff member
Joined
Mar 1, 2006
Messages
3,027
Reaction score
1,351
Points
113
Location
Berea, KY/Cross, SC
Model
Seafarer
RTNEPTUNE said:
Won't do a 2 stroke . I am on a canal . 45 min. of idle time to get to open water , the 2 stroke smell is horrible . I'll probably do a F225 . I see them all the time on mid 80's and up . I haven't
heard of anybody having a problem with weight .

Welcome!!

The E-Tec's are not your fathers old 2 strokes. Cleaner running than most motors out there. On an older hull, pre SeaV2, I would look hard at them for a repower.

E-Tec G1 225-250 is 503 lbs.
E-Tec G2 225-250 is 537 lbs. Fly by wire available.

Yamaha 3.3L 225-250 is 608 lbs.
Yamaha 4.2L 225-250 is 562 lbs. Fly by wire available.

A G1 would be 105 lbs lighter in the 250hp and major low end torque to pop you up on plane and go.
 

SmokyMtnGrady

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2009
Messages
2,020
Reaction score
504
Points
113
Does your boat have a hard top? If not, maybe consider the F200? Yes it is 50 less hp but it is also much lighter. The ETEc option to me is a solid one , I am almost went that route on my 228. Doc is the 226/228 guru here . His sage wisdom is sound.