Thrilled to have a Grady White to my name (I think - ha!). I just bought the boat a few wks ago. Previous owner had it for 3 yrs and it was kept in the water. I see some corrosion around the bang plate and although I'm a lil wary with all the transom stories, I don't see any swelling and it doesn't flex that I can tell when I bounce the motor or stand on cavitation plate. I did not have a survey done - I frequently "roll the dice", so we'll see if it bites me later. Worst case, I figure even if I do need a rebuild down the road, with the price of boats, I'll still likely be okay. Certainly can't afford a new one and even slightly newer 273's in FL are 70 grand (only found 3 for sale over last few months of looking).
Anyway, issue at hand......I LOVE the ride, but it's a dog. Single OX66 250. I'm not interested in 4 strokes b/c I simply can't justify that investment into a 20yr old boat....plus wife wants the backyard done (kitchen, fire pit, etc). I've found several OX66's for sale and since mine has great compression, it seems like a 'cheap' solution to add another. Mine is 30". Besides some unnecessary drag and increasing draft, is there a reason I can't grab another 30" for twins? (I assume twins are usually 25"). I considered a jackplate, but just seems like more $ and hassle. Counter-rotating is a needle in haystack, but did find a guy selling lower unit...just not sure if it's worth it? What is a realistic estimate to have motor moved, add another with rigging, and seal old holes? $2k too optimistic? Is it worth all this hassle? I'm guessing $6k total and know I'm still rocking 20yr old 2-strokes, but their reputation is solid and I figure $5k each to rebuild if needed.....$16k total is still less than one 4 stroke (and not an upfront cost as I expect motors will last a season, two, ten....)
Finally, anyone add a livewell in place of the trash can in port stern? I don't have the leaning post one and know the 273 has one in the stern. Trash can is useless to me, so figured I could try using trash can as a mold for fiberglass and plumb one up? It won't be as good as factory, but better than 5g bucket!
Anyway, issue at hand......I LOVE the ride, but it's a dog. Single OX66 250. I'm not interested in 4 strokes b/c I simply can't justify that investment into a 20yr old boat....plus wife wants the backyard done (kitchen, fire pit, etc). I've found several OX66's for sale and since mine has great compression, it seems like a 'cheap' solution to add another. Mine is 30". Besides some unnecessary drag and increasing draft, is there a reason I can't grab another 30" for twins? (I assume twins are usually 25"). I considered a jackplate, but just seems like more $ and hassle. Counter-rotating is a needle in haystack, but did find a guy selling lower unit...just not sure if it's worth it? What is a realistic estimate to have motor moved, add another with rigging, and seal old holes? $2k too optimistic? Is it worth all this hassle? I'm guessing $6k total and know I'm still rocking 20yr old 2-strokes, but their reputation is solid and I figure $5k each to rebuild if needed.....$16k total is still less than one 4 stroke (and not an upfront cost as I expect motors will last a season, two, ten....)
Finally, anyone add a livewell in place of the trash can in port stern? I don't have the leaning post one and know the 273 has one in the stern. Trash can is useless to me, so figured I could try using trash can as a mold for fiberglass and plumb one up? It won't be as good as factory, but better than 5g bucket!
