Wow, thank you. I was about to goof. I had looked at an older model boat with 450 max hp. I validated what you said on the GW site.
Thank You. This is a giant learning experience for me, as my world has been diesel. The ability to simply be able to change rotation is huge. I am learning a lot. I just hope to apply it correctly.
Idk... my 2004 GW 228 Seafarer has a maximum horsepower rating of 250 hp, of which my boat has a single F225 on it and is definitely "adequate" in terms of horsepower, though I definitely wouldn't want to go less than that. My boat has a supposed dry weight of 3,510 lbs if you can believe the brochure, comparatively a 232 Gulfstream of the same vintage weighs 4,025 lbs. Then, a 2004 GW 270 Islander weighs somewhat more than that at 4,660 lbs, and then supposedly a 2005 GW 270 Islander had a dry weight of a whopping 5,600 lbs. I'm not sure if that is an error or typo on the brochure or exactly why they changed the weight of the 270 Islander for only one year and then discontinued it right after. That being said, I can't imagine a boat like mine having "adequate" power with a single F225 on it, or "optimal" power with an F250, compared to a boat like a 268/270 Islander that weighs between 1k-2k lbs more and only having between 0-25 more hp than that. That seems like it would be extremely difficult to get it up, as well as stay on a plane. Comparatively, I've even heard about guys with a single 225/250 hp outboard on their 232 Gulfstream complaining about the same thing, and that boat weighs anywhere from 600-1,600 lbs less than a 268/270 Islander. I guess my point would be that I wouldn't even consider a boat of that size with a mere single 225/250 hp outboard. If one truly wanted to go with a single main motor and/or wanted to add a kicker motor on top of that, I'd say go with a minimum of a Suzuki/Mercury 350, or mercury even makes a 400-500 hp single outboard as well. Can't imagine how much a 400-500 hp Mercury would cost, but there is that option out there. On top of that, Yamaha also makes a single F425, though I think the considerably cheaper option would be twin Suzuki's. Just my opinion, of course.
Thanks. I am always in chop, and I don't push hard. After much thought, I am going with 200 4's. It just makes sense, especially since I don't make long runs and don't care about max speed. Cost savings are also pretty big.
Thanks for the detailed information. These are all things that I would not know or think to ask. My boating has primarily been diesel. The speed and consumption information is especially helpful. For the most part I will hold about 25 knots. Two MPG is phenomenal in my book. For now, I will be using Garmin as the boat has a new XSV. It is good to know about the guages being adequate as the XSV is a small screen. I am going to go digital. It seems there are almost no complaints about the Drive by Wire.Being a narrow beam boat, the v6s also take up a lot of real estate on the transom. The inline 4s give you more access for servicing and also more room for boarding from the water.
Depending on what props you choose, you will have a 48-50 mph boat.
I did my homework and the df200 APs are the perfect engines for this hull:
Cons:
- Weight for balance is just right. The Mercs and Yamahas are a little light IMO
- Physical size
- Power - heavy loads, tubing, rough seas - I have never had a want for more power. I can fast cruise at 40 mph and still get over 2 mpg.
- Efficiency - with the right props, you will be amazed what you can get out of the set up.
- Digital controls for twins are worth every penny. Pushing one button to perfectly sync both engines makes rough condition boating much easier.
- The select rotation enables you to carry just one prop. If your counter gets damaged, you can change the rotation and use a standard prop.
- White - the upcharge is minimal. The white engines don't show water spots like the black so they don't constantly look dirty. If you slip your boat, you might want to consider black. To each their own.
- They are definitely quieter than the Yamahas.
- No timing belt.
- Oil capacity is over 2 gallons per engine. No timing belt has its trade offs.
- The tilt switch on the engine can only be mounted on the left. If trailering or servicing engines, you have to squeeze between the engines to tilt them from the ground. Your feet will get wet.
- Gage display options are limited with Garmin systems. Simrad is the most compatible. Fortunately the SMG4 gages tell you all you need to know.
- At GW events, your fellow GW owners will question why you went to Suzuki - till you start them!
To be clear, I use Garmin. You can still display gages, but Simrad gives more options.
I would like to go to a flat panel setup. One boat I looked at had used starboard and filled in the old lexan. It was a very clean look.
I believe the upcharge to the AP is worth it. It's a detuned 300 it is a 4 L not a 3 L like the original 250 mechanical. if you flash it you can be at 300hp. I had a df300 only had one issue in ten years. I had my gauges intergraded into my Lowrance worked nice.
