New Grady Owner - Looking for info on 1981

[Big Chief]

First time to the site... Looks good so far...

I was searching the net for some info on a boat I picked up several months back. Didnt seem to find too much about the boat on the net though.

Its a 1981 Grady... Stamped Model 196. Motor is a Mercruiser 470. From what I can tell the model is "Atlantic" made from 1980-1982... but the motors dont match what I have. I'm 99% sure the 470 came standard. I see Atlantic models picked up in 1991 also... What Gives?

Anyhow, is there any other owners out there with this model? Can anyone point me to the "wiki" site about this model, LOL...

Suppose I could post pics if it helps...

BTW: I picked up the boat not running... Paid next to nothing for the deal... spent 6 months working on it... Had my first sea trial the other day... And I LOVE IT! Dry boat, easy ride, strong motor...

I'm sold on Grady's...

 

[wahoo33417]

Big Chief; First, welcome to the forum. I'm afraid that I don't know anything about the 1981 Atlantic 196. If you haven't already, look at the 1981 catalog on Grady's website. It lists engine HP from 120 to 260, but is not specific. Try giving Grady a call. there may be some folks there who recall.

Rob

 

[VeroWing]

I can't tell you about that model boat, but I can tell you that those 470 Mercruisers are stout engines, and very fuel efficient. They had 170hp, or with a larger carb, 185. I've had a few of them, and they served me well.
The only problem I recall with these engines was that the water pump was on the end of the camshaft, and after many hours use, the seal used to cut a groove in the camshaft and create a leak. There is an after market sleeve available for this problem that works perfectly.
By the way, I know those 470s came in 1979 Gradys, I had a pair in a 25' Kingfisher.

 

[Big Chief]

Yup... Sounds like ill be getting in touch with Grady... Thanks for the replies though.

Vero... Your right about the motor. Ive only had it out once, but damn it ran smooth and strong. Fires on a dime now... I've heard nothing but good things about the motor... Only issues I heard were the seal you mentioned, the alternator upgrade (which is done already) and the closed cooling being too small, 3 inch is standard, but 4 inch is recommended for the upgrade.

Just for kicks... when I ran the boat the other day, at 3500rpm for 20 minutes I reached 165 degrees. Idle was in the range of 145 degree. What kind of temp readings were you getting on your 470?

Thanks again for the replies...

 

[VeroWing]

I don't recall therunning temps on my 470s, but I never had any overheat problems with them. Mine had heat exchangers with freshwater cooling.
Another thing, if I recall right, that those engines are actually a half of a Ford 460 big block, and uses the same rods, heads, etc.. Confirm that before you get any Ford parts though.