115hp on 204 grady white walk around

[lmidden]

i just got a 77 grady white 204 walk around and i was wondering if anyone has heard of putting a 115 on it. the out board id be using is either an 83 johnson 115 or a 85 evinrude 115

 

[DC20]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

I think the general rule of thumb is don't go any lower then 75% of the max rating.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

What is the hull rated for? What does the rating plate say is the Maximum Horse Power? The 1985 is a better motor then the 1983 provided they have both been cared for.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

Just a gut feel, nor knowing the ratings is that you are significantly under powered. I would think a 150 would be a better choice to handle rough water and to outrun a squall in a GW of that length. They are well made boats and that involves weight to support the structure. BTDT If you were down to a 115 with a 2:1 gearbox, you would have to run a 15" or less pitch to do any good and 27mph with a fishing load would probably be tops. In rough water, I realize you wouldn't be running 27, but you would be short on ponies to handle the waves and all. Just my 2c, worth exactly what you paid for it.

Mark

 

[lmidden]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

couldnt find a data plate on the boat. the reason why i said 115 is because thats what i have right now on my other boat and id pull it off and put it on the grady. just trying to get the boat working again. the guy i got the boat from said it had a 200 merc on it. but i dont wanna pay for a 200 merc gas bill. im basicly asking for someones 2c. never thought id would have a grady. this is off topic but how do you measure a steering cable for a gill bracket

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

Measuring questions / answers http://www.teleflexmarine.com/support-2/faqs-2/mechanical-steering-systems/

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

i just got a 77 grady white 204 walk around and i was wondering if anyone has heard of putting a 115 on it. the out board id be using is either an 83 johnson 115 or a 85 evinrude 115

Just understand your limitations and live with them.......they were YOUR decision. I mean it will run out OK, just not what you probably would want. On the fuel bill, that is up for grabs. Big engine running at a light load vs a small engine maxed out all the time is not an in an economists best interest. Tons of folks (several at least) on here will substantiate that. I can. Have been doing it for years. Big engine, light boat, loop charging, cheap to operate.

Mark

 

[dingbat]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

Gradys are heavy boats with a hull design that requires a lot of HP to perform properly.

The 204 had a maximum HP rating of 210 HP. I had a 1986 204C with a 175HP on it. The hull performed OK only after I installed helm adjustable trim tabs. A friend had one with 200 HP on the back and it preformed noticeably better. I can't imagine trying to run that boat with 115HP on it. Good luck getting it up on plane.

 

[lmidden]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

i accually was looking at a 200 merc black max to put on the back of since every one is saying a 115 wont work. it my boat doesnt say max hp bc it has a gil bracket so its probably even heavier

 

[dingbat]

Re: 115hp on 204 grady white walk around

it my boat doesnt say max hp bc it has a gil bracket so its probably even heavier

Your bracket is after market. Grady has never offered a bracket on their 20X boats. Even if they did, the bracket does not affect the max. HP rating.

According to the catalog, the max. HP rating of your boat is 230HP. The I/O version was 210


You can download a copy of the 1977 Grady White Catalog here
http://www.gradywhite.com/customer/catalogs/1977/