New Grady 208 Owner

[97208Adventure]

I would like to say hello, and thank everyone for all the good info here.
I have read every post since March and have gleaned a lot of tips.
One thing I could not find, is any posts relating to my propeller and engine. The boat (1997) came with a 150 Johnson (1995) and has a 15 x 17 prop. So far the highest rpm I have been able to achieve is 4500 (verified with photo tach). Fuel system is in perfect condition, timing set with factory tool, carbs cleaned and adjusted in the water, no stone has been left unturned.
My question is what prop are others running with this setup?

Thanks again

 

[Michigan Brian]

I have a 200 hp Johnson on my 208 so I can not be of any help.

I am curious about one thing, what is this factory tool to set the timing with you speak of?

I am interested in getting one. All I am aware of is a timing light

thanks

 

[97208Adventure]

Michigan Brian, The tool is called an OMC Ignitian Analyzer. Part number OMC434017. It plugs into the optical sensor and is powered by the battery. This allows you to do the idle and wot timing without the engine running. There is a good explanation in the factory shop manual. Mine also came with harness adapters for testing various items.

BTW what prop are you running?

Thanks

 

[against the wind]

Hi ,and congrats on ur new boat !! If u dont mind me asking how much did u pay for her. im in the market now for the same rig. also i wish i could help u out with ur question ,but i was ran a 200 + motor

 

[Michigan Brian]

to be honest I dont know

All I know is that its a ss prop that came with the boat. I never checked it since it works fine

the boat is at my cabin in Northern Michigan, I am going there over the holiday next week and I can check it for you then

I will look into this analyser, seems interesting

 

[97208Adventure]

Hi ,and congrats on ur new boat !! If u dont mind me asking how much did u pay for her. im in the market now for the same rig. also i wish i could help u out with ur question ,but i was ran a 200 + motor

Bought from a dealer, saw it sitting and had to have it. It came with all new pumps, wiring, 12 volt switch panel, lights, bilge pump, engine electronics, 2013 aluminum dual axle trailer, all newly upholstered cushions and I'm sure I am forgetting something.

$12399 on the rim and out the door.

I have had to chase a lot of small issues and make adjustments ect.

 

[97208Adventure]

to be honest I dont know

All I know is that its a ss prop that came with the boat. I never checked it since it works fine

the boat is at my cabin in Northern Michigan, I am going there over the holiday next week and I can check it for you then

I will look into this analyser, seems interesting

Thanks, I bought mine on ebay for about 180.00

 

[against the wind]

thanks much for the info.. From what i am seeing out there, you did very well !! just curious does it have a hardtop.. post some pics would love to see her

 

[97208Adventure]

thanks much for the info.. From what i am seeing out there, you did very well !! just curious does it have a hardtop.. post some pics would love to see her

No hard top, only a bimini. I'll have to work my way up to posting pictures

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Still not an apples to apples comparison but I have a 94 208 with a Johnson 175 motor and the OMC 15 X 17 prop. By myself and with less than half a tank of fuel I can get to 5500 rpm. Adding passengers and fuel will pull it down some but not less than 5100 rpm. I'm afraid I don't have any advice other than to consider how much weight you might have on board.
Good luck and congrats on your new Grady.

 

[97208Adventure]

Thanks for the replies, I found today that my stator had failed and leaked out all the sticky stuff that makes power.
Shopping for a new stator and rectifier/regulator now. Its the only thing that's not new, then soon I can start over!

 

[Jfchampl]

Recently purchased a 1994 Adventure 208 with 2004 Evinrude 150HP 2 stroke direct injection.
Have put 120 hours on boat since January 2016.
Would be very interested to hear other users experiences and any issues with this model year Adventure.

 

[97208Adventure]

jfchampl,
Please tell me the diameter and pitch of your prop

 

[Jonah]

Hi,

My boat and engine details are in the signature below. I have a 15x17 aluminum prop, but it sounds like you've already found your problem. Glad to be in touch since we have such similar boats.

 

[97208Adventure]

Yes, after changing stator that at least was in the process of failing, discovered optical sensor was bad. Used ignition analyzer to test). Now I am up to 36 mph gps and 5000 rpm. Also have a rough paint job on bottom.

I consulted the local prop shop today and he felt the 15 x 17 stainless prop was correct

I would recommend that anytime you have rough running of any kind on an optical ignition Johnson or Evinrude to test the optical sensor. You can remove it and your mechanic can bench test it.

 

[Parthery]

See if you can get your hands on a 15.5x15 prop. That should get your RPMS up to 5500 or close.

 

[Jfchampl]

97208Adventure...The next time I am at the boat will get you the prop specs. I am using the SS OEM Prop that came with the boat so I do not know at hand the specs. Under passenger/gear loads I am able to run 5000RPM WOT at 35 MPH GPS, slightly faster speed and higher RPM when lightly loaded. No bottom paint or marine growth, calm water for the numbers above. The full throttle range for the 2004 Evinrude 150HP DI motor is listed in the manual at 4750 to 5250 RPM, so the prop is placing me right in the middle under typical load profiles.

Glad to hear you fixed the optical ignition issues and are running better now.

 

[Jfchampl]

97208Adventure...I am running a 15 x 15 stainless steel prop.

 

[97208Adventure]

97208Adventure...I am running a 15 x 15 stainless steel prop.

Thank you

 

[Jfchampl]

Just replaced both batteries in my '94 Adventure. Could not fit two Group 24 battery boxes in the compartment under the rear starboard seat. Port side has the oil tank. Anyone else been able to fit 2 battery boxes under the rear seat? Ended up replacing the previous batteries with 2 Exide Edge AGM Dual Purpose. Since no battery box, hopefully the fact sealed AGM batteries and rubber boots over each of the terminals gives adequate protection.