Good boat and outdrive?

[KellyC]

Hello all,
I am fairly new to this site and this is my second post to the board. I am also fairly new to the boating community as well. I am thinking of by this boat, Grady White 1986 224 Tournament open bow and was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it. This is the listing http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/boa/1938515355.html. It seems like a nice boat but have not gone and looked at it yet as I just found it. I have not heard of a VRO Outboard and was wondering if it is good or not. It does say it is a OMC and have heard that I should stay away from them. So just would like to know if it is a good or bad thing. I know that the condition of the boat makes a big difference as well, but want to make sure on the motor as well as I have no freaking idea at all. Thanks for all the information in advance from everyone that adds to it.

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

The information that you refer to as stay away on OMC are for I/Os mostly. I do not know about the VRO series, sorry.

Gradys are great boats

 

[Beefer]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

Not only is it an OMC, but a wa-a-a-a-y under powered OMC. 2.5L? What is that, about 100hp? Nada lists it at $1785 - $2235. It does look like it's in great condition, but still, and OMC on a 24 yr old boat for $8500? No thanks.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

Grady White is a quality boat. OMC outboards are not bad either, that said, there can be a problem with the VRO system. VRO is Variable Ratio Oiling it is an automatic oiling system so you don't have to premix gas and oil. The problem with this system is it is oil pump and fuel pump in one and it is plastic and inside the engine cowling. After time as with all things plastic it can warp and crack. When this happens, usually without warning, you run the risk of engine failure. If the engine is in good condition you can simply remove (have someone familiar with the system) it and resort to mixing oil and go on your way.
If you do buy this boat (and the VRO alone would not be a reason not to) have someone point out the system, usually on the port side right behind the air box, and keep close eye on it. Look for any cracks or signs stress from heat exposure. If they show up remove the system and re-plumb. This is not a hard task and should take a shop about an hour of less to do.

 

[KellyC]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

Thanks for all the advice guys, it is muchly appreciated. I have an appointment to go look at the boat on Thursday as it is my first day off. I will be sure and check things out that were mentioned with the motor.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

An OMC SeaDrive uses a standard Johnson/Evinrude powerhead so parts and service for that shouldn't be a problem. Your only issue would be anything related to the mouting bracket and maybe the tilt/trim. I don't think I'd avoid a SeaDrive but I would probably not want to pay as much for one as for a boat with a more standard set-up. Looks like a nice boat.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

Not only is it an OMC, but a wa-a-a-a-y under powered OMC. 2.5L? What is that, about 100hp? Nada lists it at $1785 - $2235. It does look like it's in great condition, but still, and OMC on a 24 yr old boat for $8500? No thanks.

I'm pretty sure the 2.5L is a V-6 so it should be at least 150 HP . Ezmobee is 100% correct as it is the bracket and tilt system that have become hard to find. It is a nice boat though especially with the dual console set up and should you truly love it if the Sea Drive ever goes you could put a bracket and outboard on it and still get that full transom in the back which will make for a nice boat. That all being said I know Grady's hold their value pretty well but I think $8500 is on the very high side considering the Sea Drive power.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

I have a pair of 1988 OMC Sea Drives (1.6L) that I have had since 1994. Never a lick of problems with the Sea Drives themselves but have had the power heads rebuilt.

The Grady is a quality boat with a great reputation here. The 2.5 is in fact a V-6.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Good boat and outdrive?

If i remember right the 2.5 was 150 or 175 hp...
Same powerhead as any other Johnson or Evinrude of those years.
Parts are no problem except for the tilt bracket.
The VRO is easy to bypass....And i would if i bought it.
Easy enough to mix the oil and gas and you know for sure it is not going to start eating pistons due to lack of oil.