Repower Or Move On 306 GW

GWBimini306 · Sep 26, 2022

I have a 20 year old 306 bought in 07. I have a pair of ox66's on it and one is shot.
Boat has 600 hours on it and stored in my shop when not in use. Boats in good shape and looking to buy used motors or sell hull and trailer.
I don't use enough to sink 60 to 70 k in new motors as we have busy schedules at this time. Like the boat a good bit as had her 14 years and a lot of good
family memories!

Thanks for your input!!

family affair · Sep 26, 2022

What is the hull rated for?
Over on THT there are a lot of 800-1200 hour 250 and 300 4 strokes that come up for sale. An insanely clean set of 250's just sold for under $20k.

GWBimini306 · Sep 26, 2022

Here's a recent picture. I'll add more later. New to posting pictures on this forum. Fuzzy but if you click on pic it clears up. Thanks

GWBimini306 · Sep 26, 2022

family affair said:
What is the hull rated for?
Over on THT there are a lot of 800-1200 hour 250 and 300 4 strokes that come up for sale. An insanely clean set of 250's just sold for under $20k.

I believe 500 HP. I think that is do to 250 were about max hp then.

Mustang65fbk · Sep 26, 2022

Looks like 500 hp is the maximum horsepower for a 2002 GW 307 Bimini. When you say the one motor is shot, do you mean completely shot where she can't be rebuilt or to where there's still some life left in her? If the latter, I'd try rebuilding what you've got, if possible. If not, as family affair mentioned you could always buy a used set of 4 stroke motors and repower with them. I agree, $60k+ on a repower is a pretty big pill to swallow and if you can't justify it then you can't justify it. One thing to note with the early 2000's Yamaha F250's, as well as other early 2000's Yamaha 4 strokes is that they can have dry exhaust corrosion issues. It's a pretty common thing, and there are lots of threads on here as well as THT or other websites talking about the problem. If you were to buy some used Yamaha's from 2002 until about 2008 or 2009, I'd drop the lower units and make sure they don't have the problem. The only reason I wouldn't want to sell the boat and trailer by itself without the motors is because I don't think you'd get anywhere near as much money as you'd like to get with working motors on the boat. Good luck!

family affair · Sep 26, 2022

250's and 300's are the most commonly sold engines over there. Considering the midrange power of ox66's, I wouldn't pass up a set of 300's. Some claim it can cause insurance issues to go over the rated HP, others don't. IMO an extra 100hp on a hull that big is no big deal.

GWBimini306 · Sep 26, 2022

family affair said:
250's and 300's are the most commonly sold engines over there. Considering the midrange power of ox66's, I wouldn't pass up a set of 300's. Some claim it can cause insurance issues to go over the rated HP, others don't. IMO an extra 100hp on a hull that big is no big deal.

Mustang65fbk said:
Looks like 500 hp is the maximum horsepower for a 2002 GW 307 Bimini. When you say the one motor is shot, do you mean completely shot where she can't be rebuilt or to where there's still some life left in her? If the latter, I'd try rebuilding what you've got, if possible. If not, as family affair mentioned you could always buy a used set of 4 stroke motors and repower with them. I agree, $60k+ on a repower is a pretty big pill to swallow and if you can't justify it then you can't justify it. One thing to note with the early 2000's Yamaha F250's, as well as other early 2000's Yamaha 4 strokes is that they can have dry exhaust corrosion issues. It's a pretty common thing, and there are lots of threads on here as well as THT or other websites talking about the problem. If you were to buy some used Yamaha's from 2002 until about 2008 or 2009, I'd drop the lower units and make sure they don't have the problem. The only reason I wouldn't want to sell the boat and trailer by itself without the motors is because I don't think you'd get anywhere near as much money as you'd like to get with working motors on the boat. Good luck!

Book on boat is around 50k. Had some friends interested in it to update to 4 strokes.
I'll post on THT and maybe find a pair of motors. From the little research I've done you need newer than 2010's.

Fishtales · Sep 27, 2022

I’d def repowed and have the transom checked and glasses.

Angler Management · Sep 27, 2022

Just repowered with new 300 Verados. I wouldn't discount buying new... warranty, technology, etc. has been WORTH IT on my boat this past summer. Keep us posted! and X2 on checking transom at this time.

Mustang65fbk · Sep 27, 2022

GWBimini306 said:
Book on boat is around 50k. Had some friends interested in it to update to 4 strokes.
I'll post on THT and maybe find a pair of motors. From the little research I've done you need newer than 2010's.

Well I guess it just depends on what you want, what you want to do with the boat, your budget and if this is your "dream boat" or whatnot. If you're just content with the boat but wouldn't mind something else, then maybe consider selling it and buying another boat. But if you love everything about the boat except that one of the motors is bad and can't imagine having something else, then I say repower it and continue to enjoy it. Good luck!

GWBimini306 · Sep 27, 2022

Thanks for input...Live in SWFL and we have a little weather moving in now! Will get back on boat project after clean-up.

PointedRose · Sep 28, 2022

Personally I think that boat looks great and would be worth repower. Agree on checking transom and getting done at the same time if needed (maybe fuel tanks if alumn) and it’ll last another 20 years. Good luck with the weather this week.

Chessie246G · Sep 28, 2022

You can even find a low hour ox66 for cheap. Especially if normal rotation is the problem engine.

GWBimini306 · Nov 6, 2022

I wasn't having any luck with finding used power so I decided to order new. Last week I went to FLIBS and spoke to all motor brands and Grady reps.
I ordered a pair of Suzuki 300's. My first choice was Yamaha as all my boats I've owned had them but no dealer could give me a time frame plus had many units backordered.

family affair · Nov 6, 2022

Congrats on the new power. You won't be disappointed.
My twin df200ap's will be here in the next month. Christmas will be coming early for me this year!

JJF · Nov 7, 2022

Personally, I think you made the right decision going new. I don't see a down side. You are either good for the next ten years or if you sell the boat, the repower will be very attractive to buyers. This is especially true given the cost of a new 306. Just my $00.02.

Harrysea · Nov 7, 2022

I just repowered my Marlin with DF300s. You’ll be very happy when you get yours.

Fishtales · Nov 8, 2022

I agree. Very nice units. Hope you have good local service.

GWBimini306 · Nov 9, 2022

JJF said:
Personally, I think you made the right decision going new. I don't see a down side. You are either good for the next ten years or if you sell the boat, the repower will be very attractive to buyers. This is especially true given the cost of a new 306. Just my $00.02.

Yes...looking at the new boat prices made for a easy decision!! I've had this boat so long now it feels like family. When not in use it's kept in my shop on a trailer so in good shape for a 20 year old boat.

GWBimini306 · Nov 9, 2022

During this down time waiting for new power I'll go through the boat and check over a few things. Fuel tank and lines though hulls. It's been a very reliable boat to this point!! Thanks for the feedback!

Repower Or Move On 306 GW

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