Grady White 204c

[redneckn]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1979 204c refurbished 2 years ago with blown motor for 3000.00.It has a 150 evinrude at present which looks a little small for the size of the boat.Has anyone had this combo and how did it perform?I have a 2.4l merc which I could carb up to a 200,would this work ok? What approximate cruise speed do ypu think I may get. I regularly run 25 miles from the landing to fish. Any info you have would be appreciated.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Grady White 204c

I've have a 1985 204C with a 175hp Merc on the back and cruise right around 26-27kts @ 4200 rpm with a top end of just under 35 kts. The boat is heavy so be perpared to visit the fuel dock regularly.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Grady White 204c

I have a 1978 20' Gulfstream (I/O). It has a 165 Mercruiser IL6. It is a heavy boat as dingbat says. I cruise about 25mph @ ~3000rpm. My IL6 doesn't use much gas though!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Grady White 204c

Check with the Merc guys before you spend a bunch of bucks on the carb up. From what I read very few of the attempts to get more power by changing this or that work or work up to expectations.<br /><br />Is the Rude rebuildable?

 

[redneckn]

Re: Grady White 204c

The heads are off the motor(evinrude) Looks like it hung a ring. Probably rebuildable.I just have a 2.0l and a 2.4l merc. Both run. the 2.4 is in service on another boat.Not sure of max hp on the 204c. Kinda thinking 200 optimax for gas mileage.Pretty far from the landing to my spots. Would like a better cruise speed in case of foul weather too.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Grady White 204c

The 204C is rated to 235 HP. <br /><br />The 150hp seemd to be the "stock" motor for that boat. The one thing you may want to think about is how much the new motor will weight. The boat has a cut out transom and it's pretty easy for water to come in over the back. My motor only weighs 305 lbs. and with 2 guys in the back my scuppers are under water. That Optimax will bury your rear end.