Gulfstream 232 W/ Single Yamaha 250 4S

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loggie

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Gulfstream
Hey everyone,

This setup is new to me and I’ve been going through the usual “learning curve” phase dialing everything in.

I’ve seen a few posts mentioning this boat can feel underpowered with a single 250. Right now I’m seeing about 18-20 knots at 48-4900RPM, which seems to be the sweet spot on my setup.

Do you think improper trim/tilt could account for much of a difference here? I’m not sure it would explain a such a major performance gap, but I’m open to suggestions.

One thing worth noting: while the hull doesn’t have much growth, it does have what looks like 20 years of bottom paint buildup. It’s pretty rough and chunky, so I’m wondering how much that might be affecting performance.

I didn’t buy the boat to be a speed demon, but I’ve seen some people reporting 37+ MPH so I’m curious what others are realistically seeing with a single 250.

Overall, I absolutely love the boat. It’s incredibly comfortable, dry, and easy to fish off of.
 
What do you mean by "major performance gap"? I don't see where you stated something to compare it to - the only thing you noted was your cruising speed and what may be stated max speed by others.

Also, keep things the same - either knots or MPH.

Comparing to my boat (see signature), that 37MPH sounds about right.

But... what's YOUR top speed fully trimmed out as high as practically possible?

Yes, chunky paint can have an effect.

Growth can, too - and it seems like you have at least some since you said it doesn't have "much".
 
I think that the reason why the boat could feel a bit underpowered is because it likely is. I've got a 2004 Grady White 228 Seafarer with a single Yamaha F225 on her... of which I honestly wouldn't want to go any lighter on the horsepower, especially since it's a decent sized, heavier boat. My top speed is around 43 mph or so, depending on load/weather/wind/conditions and so forth. I imagine a 232 Gulfstream weighing likely an extra 1k lbs more, but with only an additional 25 hp, is likely going to feel more than slightly underpowered. If you're going to stick with the current setup and keep the boat for the foreseeable future, I'd consider adding trim tabs to the boat, if they don't have them already. On top of that, I'd figure out the diameter/pitch of your propeller, then give Ken from Prop Gods a call, tell him what you've got and see if that's the correct prop for the boat. Oversized trim tabs and the correct propeller on the boat I'm sure will make a bit of a difference for the better, as opposed to the alternative. Also as mentioned, if you've got a ton of excess bottom paint on the boat, that's only going to add to the weight as well as resistance to the water. Of which whenever she needs to be bottom painted again, I'd scrape off everything currently on the boat and start over, if it hasn't been done already. Good luck!
 
Something isn’t right. While I am not a big proponent of that hull (My favorite GW) with the single screw, it should be performing better than that. Also, you shouldn’t need to run it at 4800-4900. Start with the basics:

1. Does it have tabs?….Are they retracted?
2. IS it propped correctly - Check the factory spec prop and compare what you’ve got. Someone may have put a prop on for the holeshot or trolling but not optimal cruising speed.
3. Weight - Do you have anything beyond normal running gear that would addd significant weight? ….Could the hull be waterlogged.
4. If the bottom paint is that bad it will DEFINITELY affect performance. Have it sandblasted and repainted properly.
5. Check the mounting holes on the engine and make sure it is mounted in the factory spot.

I had one with twins but I’ve run the single screw version as well once or twice. IIRC it should cruise around 29-30 MPH at 4200-4400.

Start with 1 and 2. Then get the bottom done as it needs to happen anyway. While it’s out of the water, have someone check the hull with a moisture meter just to be sure it’s not waterlogged (There’s always some moisture on the older boats so some doesn’t mean it’s a huge problem, but, if there’s a ton of moisture you have an issue).
 
Crusty hull will slow the boat but we can't say for sure without knowing what prop you are running and if it is in decent shape.
I do not know what your statement about 'Sweet Spot" means. Usually sweet spot refers to the best fuel consumption when on plane and cruising
 
seasick said:
Crusty hull will slow the boat but we can't say for sure without knowing what prop you are running and if it is in decent shape.
I do not know what your statement about 'Sweet Spot" means. Usually sweet spot refers to the best fuel consumption when on plane and cruising
Click to expand...

Probably the optimum cruising speed/rpm...
 
I have a 250 on my 228. Claimed top speed is 47, I've hit 45 WOT. I feel like a gulfstream wants more oompf, I mostly see them with twins, either 2x 150 or 2x 200.
When my boat is loaded up with gas, extra gas in 4 jugs, ice, and 3 people for tuna, it struggles to get on plane. It gets there but it takes some time. I think a 250 in a 232 loaded like that might not get on plane.
 
Fishermanbb said:
Something isn’t right. While I am not a big proponent of that hull (My favorite GW) with the single screw, it should be performing better than that. Also, you shouldn’t need to run it at 4800-4900. Start with the basics:

1. Does it have tabs?….Are they retracted?
2. IS it propped correctly - Check the factory spec prop and compare what you’ve got. Someone may have put a prop on for the holeshot or trolling but not optimal cruising speed.
3. Weight - Do you have anything beyond normal running gear that would addd significant weight? ….Could the hull be waterlogged.
4. If the bottom paint is that bad it will DEFINITELY affect performance. Have it sandblasted and repainted properly.
5. Check the mounting holes on the engine and make sure it is mounted in the factory spot.

I had one with twins but I’ve run the single screw version as well once or twice. IIRC it should cruise around 29-30 MPH at 4200-4400.

Start with 1 and 2. Then get the bottom done as it needs to happen anyway. While it’s out of the water, have someone check the hull with a moisture meter just to be sure it’s not waterlogged (There’s always some moisture on the older boats so some doesn’t mean it’s a huge problem, but, if there’s a ton of moisture you have an issue).
Click to expand...
The boat does have trim tabs. I usually run with starboard tab slightly down to balance out the boat but nothing crazy. I'll double check the prop. I don't think the hull is waterlogged but never put a moisture meter on it. The stern scuppers sit about 2" above the water line.
I have 5 bent butt fishing rods, small tackle box, and a few hand tools. Theres really not much else on it. Even with a full tank and 2 adults on board I'm still seeing 18-20knots at 48-2900.
Here's a photo of the bottom.

I've only owned the boat for 2 weeks now. I'm hauling out this Friday and will check to see if the bracket is full of water too (maybe that could be contributing).
 

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luckydude said:
I have a 250 on my 228. Claimed top speed is 47, I've hit 45 WOT. I feel like a gulfstream wants more oompf, I mostly see them with twins, either 2x 150 or 2x 200.
When my boat is loaded up with gas, extra gas in 4 jugs, ice, and 3 people for tuna, it struggles to get on plane. It gets there but it takes some time. I think a 250 in a 232 loaded like that might not get on plane.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I knew going into this boat that the 250 is slightly underpowered. I'm thinking about upgrading to a new 300hp soon. The boat has a 2008 Yamaha 250 with 400 hours on it right now. It sounds/runs great and I've put about 20 hours on it since I've owned it. The age of it worries me somewhat but who knows, maybe it will last another 5-10 years.
I see some sell online for 9-10 grande with 1000 hours. If I can get a new 300 Suzuki for 22k, 12-13k doesn't sound bad.
 
I don't know if you missed my response or chose not to repsond to it for some reason, but there's a few things I brought up that should help if you could respond to them. One in particular is that you haven't told us how you are trimming the engine for WOT.

The speed you mentioned falls in line (assuming there's no fuel or engine issues) with not trimming properly or a dirty bottom.
 
DennisG01 said:
I don't know if you missed my response or chose not to repsond to it for some reason, but there's a few things I brought up that should help if you could respond to them. One in particular is that you haven't told us how you are trimming the engine for WOT.

The speed you mentioned falls in line (assuming there's no fuel or engine issues) with not trimming properly or a dirty bottom.
Click to expand...
I’m going to be brutally honest. I don’t know what I’m doing.
I’m coming from being a hardcore ocean sailor. Have a wife and kids coming soon so no more long distance sailing for me. I bought the power boat as it’s much more suitable for the current stage of my life.
Can you explain what you mean by trimming out? Are we talking about trim tabs or actually adjusting the engine’s tilt?
 
Once you get on plane you should trim the engines up (No more than to the “Tilt” point as thre props need to be submerged. As you trim up the motors the boat speed and economy will increase as will the RPM’s. Try this: Tabs all the way in, get up on place and set the throttles at 4200. Trim up to 4500 (Approx)….See what your performance is. You would only run trim down if you were in chop and trying to smooth it out. Trim Down = Smoother ride (More “V” hull in the water), slower, less economy. Trim up = Drier ride, better speed and economy.

It doesn’t sound like a weight problem but checking the bracket is a good idea. Paint is definitely a problem but not likely the main cause.
 
loggie said:
Max RPM is 5900. The highest speed I've seen at WOT is 23 knots.
Click to expand...
that is alarmingly terrible. what are the specs for your prop (diameter and pitch)? i think there is a good chance you have a spun hub or a horribly mis-matched prop for your boat

look at post 3 on this thread, his numbers are quite a bit better than yours

N

Post in thread 'Perfomance data on 232 with a 225 4 stroke'

I have a 2005 Gulfstream with a F250. I cruise at 29 mph @ 4500 rpm 12 gph and wot 39 mph @ 5800 rpm 20 gph. The boat is a little under powered with a heavy load, but I'am happy with it for what I use it for. I mostly fish and cruise the Chesapeake bay.
 
loggie said:
I’m going to be brutally honest. I don’t know what I’m doing.
I’m coming from being a hardcore ocean sailor. Have a wife and kids coming soon so no more long distance sailing for me. I bought the power boat as it’s much more suitable for the current stage of my life.
Can you explain what you mean by trimming out? Are we talking about trim tabs or actually adjusting the engine’s tilt?
Click to expand...
Totally fine! Actually, that helps tremendously that you mention that - I appreciate the honesty! This might be lengthy, but hopefully it's helpful...

So... for now, forget about the tabs. You can play with them after you get used to the boat using engine trim. Tabs a wonderful tool to have and use - but start simple and just get used to the boat.

"Trimming out" would normally refer to the engine and trimming (up/down) the engine for the conditions. Trim "in" is the same as "down" while trim "out" is the same as up.

Do you remember Newton's 3rd law? That's what we're working with here with the engine (and, for reference, the tabs).

For the engine, it's about the propeller thrust and it's relation to the boat (how far the thrust is away from parallel to the hull). If the engine is trimmed all the way down, the thrust is directed downward (below parallel). Back to Newton, the opposite effect here is LIFTING the stern... and, again, Newton, the opposite effect is lowering the bow. Flip things around and trimming the engine up results in pushing the transom down... and lifting the bow.

For hole shot always trim the engine all the way down. Once on plane, start trimming up and you will FEEL the boat get smoother/lighter as the hull comes more out of the water. Based on speed and conditions, play with the throttle and trim to find your "sweet spot" for cruising... and you can pay attention to your GPH numbers (gallons per hour) vs your speed and figure out your most economical cruise speed under nice conditions.

For max speed... go WOT (wide open throttle) under nice conditions and start trimming up a little bit at a time. Keep going until the speed no longer increases or the prop ventilates (sucks air).... which means the RPM's will shoot up all of sudden. The spot RIGHT BEFORE those things happens is your max speed. Go no more than about 100 or 150 above your 6,000 max RPM for this. FYI, there is a rev limiter for safety built into the computer program.

Now... for fun... and to also teach yourself more about trim... Do your hole shot with the engine trimmed UP at various heights.. and play with how much. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt anything. You will see a drastic difference in the hole shot.

That's enough school for now... any questions? :)
 
Oh, wait... re-reading some things... did you ALREADY go WOT with the engine trimmed up? It kinda sounds like you may have done that. In that case, there's a problem. But maybe verify so we know for sure that you did that test already?
 
Ekea said:
that is alarmingly terrible. what are the specs for your prop (diameter and pitch)? i think there is a good chance you have a spun hub or a horribly mis-matched prop for your boat

look at post 3 on this thread, his numbers are quite a bit better than yours

N

Post in thread 'Perfomance data on 232 with a 225 4 stroke'

I have a 2005 Gulfstream with a F250. I cruise at 29 mph @ 4500 rpm 12 gph and wot 39 mph @ 5800 rpm 20 gph. The boat is a little under powered with a heavy load, but I'am happy with it for what I use it for. I mostly fish and cruise the Chesapeake bay.
Click to expand...
I’m hauling out tomorrow and will report back. Thank you for the response
 
DennisG01 said:
Totally fine! Actually, that helps tremendously that you mention that - I appreciate the honesty! This might be lengthy, but hopefully it's helpful...

So... for now, forget about the tabs. You can play with them after you get used to the boat using engine trim. Tabs a wonderful tool to have and use - but start simple and just get used to the boat.

"Trimming out" would normally refer to the engine and trimming (up/down) the engine for the conditions. Trim "in" is the same as "down" while trim "out" is the same as up.

Do you remember Newton's 3rd law? That's what we're working with here with the engine (and, for reference, the tabs).

For the engine, it's about the propeller thrust and it's relation to the boat (how far the thrust is away from parallel to the hull). If the engine is trimmed all the way down, the thrust is directed downward (below parallel). Back to Newton, the opposite effect here is LIFTING the stern... and, again, Newton, the opposite effect is lowering the bow. Flip things around and trimming the engine up results in pushing the transom down... and lifting the bow.

For hole shot always trim the engine all the way down. Once on plane, start trimming up and you will FEEL the boat get smoother/lighter as the hull comes more out of the water. Based on speed and conditions, play with the throttle and trim to find your "sweet spot" for cruising... and you can pay attention to your GPH numbers (gallons per hour) vs your speed and figure out your most economical cruise speed under nice conditions.

For max speed... go WOT (wide open throttle) under nice conditions and start trimming up a little bit at a time. Keep going until the speed no longer increases or the prop ventilates (sucks air).... which means the RPM's will shoot up all of sudden. The spot RIGHT BEFORE those things happens is your max speed. Go no more than about 100 or 150 above your 6,000 max RPM for this. FYI, there is a rev limiter for safety built into the computer program.

Now... for fun... and to also teach yourself more about trim... Do your hole shot with the engine trimmed UP at various heights.. and play with how much. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt anything. You will see a drastic difference in the hole shot.

That's enough school for now... any questions? :)
Click to expand...
Thank you for the lesson!
I appreciate you taking the time to write up such a detailed response. I will try everything you mentioned.
 
DennisG01 said:
Oh, wait... re-reading some things... did you ALREADY go WOT with the engine trimmed up? It kinda sounds like you may have done that. In that case, there's a problem. But maybe verify so we know for sure that you did that test already?
Click to expand...
The engine has always been trimmed all the way down as far as it goes. I didn’t know any better. Now that you explained how/why to trim the engine, I see how it could be affecting performance.
I’m hauling the boat tomorrow and will see if I can have the bottom paint completely stripped. I’ll also report back on the propeller condition and specs.
Is it common to be able to hit 23 knots with a spun prop?
I’ve owned smaller Outboards and typically when the propeller goes, I won’t even be able to get up on plane.
 
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