Need Advice on Seafarer

[IwanaBrich]

I thinking about buying a 1988 Grady White Seafarer and need some advice that I found on the web. The boat is the closed transom model with 2006 250HP 4 cycle Suzuki OB and a 1993 trailer (no pics of that). I haven't seen the boat in person yet, but the seller (a broker I think) send me a bunch of pics. The boat hull is painted and seems okay..in the pics. The topside of the boat looks a tad beat up, meaning the teak woodwork looks like it needs attention, its dirty, without cushions, no hard top, but has a Bimini. The engine however looks brand new and the seller claims low hours, but doesn't know the number. I spoke to seller and I forgot to ask about the tank.

I'm not concerned about the wood work or clean up, but I am wondering about what could be going on under the deck. Meaning the stringers or deck could be rotten. Are there any tell tail signs I should look for? I'm also concerned about the transom, since it could has rot too. In spite of the fact I'm a really good carpenter and I've even done some glass work, I don't want to get involved with replacing stringers or rotten deck. If you folks could tell me what to look for I'd really appreciate it. If it passes my novice inspection, I intend to hire a surveyor to get an expert opinion on the boat. Can anyone recommend a surveyor in NJ (middle)??

Assuming the boat only has cosmetic issues and the engine is in good shape, what do you folks think its worth?

Thanks

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

What puzzels me is when I repowered my last boat with a new Yammaha, it came with Yammaha guages and controls. My 192 originally came with OMC/Johnson equipment. Anyway, seems to me if they repowered with a new 06 Suzuki would it not come with new guages too? If so there should be an hour meter on it. I would suggest if you want to afford it, pay to have it surveyed, then you will know what you are getting into and a better idea of her value.

 

[gwwannabe]

On these Suzuki motors, when you turn the key on watch the tach because it will indicate the number of hours on the motor. I have twin 03 four strokes and the tach for each motor goes up to a tad over the 3K line indicating that the motor has just over 300 hours on it. This is documented in the Suzuki Owners manuals.

Gary 93 Gulfstream

 

[IwanaBrich]

I got some more info on the boat from a guy at the marina who is selling the boat for the owner. The Marina sold the 2006 engine to the owner in Oct 2005 and it took the customer until August 2006 to put 20 hours on it (that is when he brought it in for its 20 hour service). According to the marina, the owner did not use the boat for two years due to health issues. Hmmm....seems like boating must be a tad unhealthy because I've been hearing that a lot lately... The marina also said the boat just came out of winter storage and has no batteries in it, but they estimated that it has about 100 to 150 hours on it. Could that be why he could give me a accurate number on the hours? So, the owner used the boat in 06, but not in 2007 or 2008 or 2010, which only leaves 2009 for any use.

Truthfully, I'm not so worried about the engine, I'm more worried about buying a rotten boat. Don't get me wrong, I know a lot of other stuff can go bad, but I think I can replace most of that myself. Its rotten stringers, transom and deck that scare me.

 

[gw204]

Call Bob Dunkelberger. He has a reputation for being the best.

http://str1p3r.addr.com/bluewatermarinesurveying.htm

 

[uncljohn]

I don't know what that engine weighs but in general the Seafarer doesn't sit well w/ 4-S power. Normally puts the scuppers below the waterline.

You will need to have the hull, deck, and transom checked for moisture saturation. If saturated in the transom(which is common), then it may need to be replaced. I would be cautious about an engine that has sat for 3 of the last 4 years without use, and only light use on the other years.

 

[IwanaBrich]

Uncljohn.....I think I owe you a beer! You are 100% right about the weight....thanks!

I took a real close look at the Pics and you can clearly see that the water line (by the stain) is at least 1" may 2" above the top of the scupper. I checked and this Suzuki engine weighs in around 590 lbs. I called Grady and they stated that the boat probably came with a 2 cycle 200HP that weighed in around 450Lbs. They recommended that that stay in that wt range, so the Suzuki is too heavy. I'll be willing to bet that the boat now has rot, since it couldn't drain properly....would you agree?

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Wait a minute. My 228 G has a an F250. I dont know the wieght off my the top of my head, but I would think it is heavier than a 2 stroke. I think the best to do is have it surveyed if you want the boat.

 

[JayT]

Wait a minute. My 228 G has a an F250. I dont know the wieght off my the top of my head, but I would think it is heavier than a 2 stroke. I think the best to do is have it surveyed if you want the boat.

Your boat is a newer boat designed for 4s power. In 1992 4 stroke was still a dream so the boat was not designed for the additional weight.

 

[uncljohn]

just b/c the scupper is below the waterline doesn't = rot, but more likely it = the potential for a hose failure and sinking.

I put a new 2003 Yam 200 OX66 on my seafarer 4 years ago. Though the craze is to repower w/ 4-S (and it may be the only alternative in some areas) but some boats are not designed to handle an extra 100# hanging 2' behind the transom.

And I drink Natty Boh.... raise

Good luck in your search!

 

[IwanaBrich]

All I can say is the PICs show that scuppers are about 2" below the water line. According to the techs at Grady, the boat (1988 Seafarer 228) was only deigned to handle an engine that weighed about 450 and 500 lbs and the 250 Suzuki weighes in at 591. He also said the newer boats were designed with the new 4 cycles in mind.

I'm glad that you don't think, this issue will lead to rot problems. I'm still interested in the boat, just not with that engine. Do you think swapping the engine out something lighter is worth while? I may be able to arange that with the Marina selling the boat.

 

[Legend]

The best engine for that boat is the yamaha 200 HPDI. Runs as good as a four stroke and gets good gas milage as well

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Got it... :doh ...was not thinking there on that one..

 

[uncljohn]

The engine is probably worth more than the hull at this time. Unless you have a approved set trade-in deal, you're gonna end up spending more $ to do an engine swap. So unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket....i'd keep looking. Maybe a cheaper one with old power.

 

[DB]

Walk away from this one...something smells fishy and it ain't the fish...the dealer's story sounds....like well...some made up BS....Health issues...sounds like mechanical issues were the real reason boat was not used...have been selling boats for the past 19 years...something seems wrong. :bang

 

[IwanaBrich]

I agree... you and others like uncljohn have talked me out of this one. I'll keep looking.

I've been looking for a boat for a while and I hear the "health issue" card played a lot.....A LOT!!

I'm looking for a Grady White 22 or 24 WA in virtually any condition, as long as the hull, transom and deck are sound (no rot). I don't care about the engine, condition of the wood work,cushions, etc. Ideally I'd like to find a sound hull, fix it up (replace pumps, wiring etc) and repower it with a new engine. I know all that isn't cheap, but after I'm done I figure I basically have a new boat. The search has not been easy.

 

[isurus22]

I have a 1988 Seafarer with the bracket and a honda 225 4 stroke. There has never been drainage problems. The 1988 model could be equipped with twin 140s which weigh more than a single 225 4 stroke (guessing). Something else to think about: we had a 9.9hp kicker mounted on the back when it had a 200 johnson. That extra engine plus the 60 lbs of 2 stroke oil was also much more than the four stroke, and it was fine. 4 stroke and kicker would be too much though. My boat has no rot, and the hull still shines like new. Not all the old gradys are bad.