New to board

[GreatWhite23]

Hi
I would like to introduce myself. My name is Dave, I have purchased my first Grady :dance . It is a 1991 Gulfstream with twin yamaha 150.(900hrs) The previous owner had it two years when it was sent back to grady for warranty issues. They replaced the hull with a 93 cool right. I fish the NC coastline with my family . Heading to Wrightsville beach this weekend. Will be taking it 2 hours south of Tampa for some Thanksgiving action in acouple of weeks. I have two concerns 1. how much wood is the the 93 hulls (early 90s was a transition time for boats) 2. I would like to replace misc steering and brackets,being 91 is there any repatriable outboard salvage yards????

 

[VeroWing]

Welcome Dave! Show us some pics of your Gulfstream. I've never owned a Gulfstream, but I would imagine it has a wood transom core, as well as other areas, but I could be mistaken. I'm sure a fellow Gulfstream owner will be along shortly to let you know for sure? You can always call/email Grady themselves and they will tell you. I've done well picking up parts on Craigslist, eBay, etc., but if I were replacing important steering parts I would probably try and buy new. Hope your new boat serves you well! :welcome

 

[GreatWhite23]

Well gents took her out today blew a trim tap seal. Lost one cylinder on port side. I will have it repowered next week with two 2001 Yamaha EFI 225. They test at 105-110 are clean and price is good. I did not pay much for they boat compared to what it is worth after repower I will still have done good on the price point. What do you all think about the 225 EFI.

 

[magicalbill]

Two Comments;
1.) I always thought 225's were the perfect power for the Gulfstream. I have twin 200 4-strokes and love mine. (The EFI's are 2-stroke, right?) They would be lighter than the 4-stroke 225's, so a good match.
Unfortunately, I think the Gulfstream is rated for 400 HP max. I would not exceed Grady's capacity. If something went wrong, you would be liable, I would think.

2nd comment..
Since you plan to trailer it, be advised the beam is 9' 3" which is over the legal limit of 8' 6". You will need permits which vary from state to state, or take the gamble you won't get caught.

 

[GreatWhite23]

Thanks for the response. The 225 EFI are a two stroke. I would of preferred 200 s but the 225 were there and I felt the boat would handle them. I am not sure about liability my correct craft is over manufactures hp as well but is easily hid. I will have to look into this thew. I picked it up in Maryland Fri am got her home that night(Winston Salom NC) dropped it off at Willimington today. Towed great. Most of the boats of that design are not that wide. I am going to gamble on the police not knowing there Grady boats Going to take it out this weekend, I must say Grady White boats are very impressive boats.

 

[gw204]

Wood core is in pretty much everything. Plywood in the transom, stringers, bulkheads, decks, washboards and I'm pretty sure there is balsa in the hull sides.

 

[DogBone]

I have a '93 Gulfstream as well. My rating plate says 350 Hp max. I know newer ones are rated for 400 Hp. In regards to Balsa in the hull sides: I drilled a hole for a new thru-hull well above the water line on the aft port side and it was plywood there. I don't know if there is Balsa anywhere else. I hope you enjoy your boat as much as I enjoy mine, it has to be the largest 23 foot boat ever built.

 

[mboyatt]

I would not worry about going over the manufacturer horsepower rating based on the idea that you would be liable for anything that went wrong with the boat due to the overpower. Bottom line, with a 1993 hull, Grady White is out of the picture in terms of correcting any defects with that hull, whether caused by design or otherwise. The hull is just too old. I have a Grady tournament circa 1992. I know that any defect, even if due to design, is my problem and not Grady White's. Same as getting a used car with no warranty. I knew that to be the case when I purchased her used, and I am ok with that. Bottom line, if you want to overpower on a hull that is out of warranty, go for it, assuming you feel safe doing it. It seems to me that what you are suggesting with the 225s is reasonable. What is the weight difference? I wouldn't think it would be that much to go from twin 200s to 225s. Let us know what you decide! Final note is insurance coverage. Just make sure that your insurance company will cover the boat with those 225s. If so, you would be good to go.

 

[GreatWhite23]

I went ahead and had the 225 installed. I will be sure to post pics mon of boat. I am going to end up in the 14,000 range when done. I was trying to to better but still alot of boat for the money. Was hoping to get acouple years out of the motors.It has a hard top,full enclosure, raytheon l755 with no instructions :bang , outriggers, and is pretty clean. Good safe boat for the family.

 

[magicalbill]

mboyatt;
I had heard somewhere that exceeding the cap. plate for HP would make the owner liable for problems resulting from the overpower. If the age of his Gulfstream exempts him from that, then 225's are the way to go. I wish I had 'em on mine.
Insurance might be another story but it never hurts to ask.
He should top 50 with that combo.