Hi all: Just put a 1998 Gulfstream under contract. She'll be used in the southern Chesapeake Bay. I was wondering if anyone could tell me some problem areas I should look for. I've read a lot about transom/stringer rot, but it seems like its mostly in older hulls. Has anyone seen any problems in 1998 hulls? I used a screwdriver to tap all around the transom and didn't find any dull areas, but should I still have a moisture check done? Any idea what kind of performance numbers I can expect out of twin 2002 f115's? I know it will be slow, but I'm no speed demon. I rarely go over 25 knots. I'm more concerned with staying on plane at slower speeds. Each has 4 blade props, but I couldn't read the pitch. Also, any way to add a bimini top to the cockpit area? Thanks for any information you can provide.
1998 Gulfstream
- Thread starter WestView
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Great boat. I would check all the usual stuff, soft spots etc. I would focus my attention to the engines. Have them checked out my a Yamaha guy. As far as the F115s I think they will go slow and will need higher RPMs to keep you on plane even with the 4 blades. You will have to play with the trim and trim tabs to find the sweet spot. I have F150s on mine and I get 2-2.5 mpg in any seas. Sea trial it 
1998 is no spring chicken - but I think Grady switched to rot-resistant Greenwood plywood cores that year which is good news for you.
Congratulations and good luck...!
Congratulations and good luck...!
Looks like this one isn't going to work. Fiberglass guy found about a 1'x2' area on the port side hull near a through hull with rot in the core (he found some other issues with hatches, etc. that didn't bother me). I think that's a deal breaker. 
Speed demon or not -- I would walk away from this under-powered boat. I have 150's and can't get my boat on plane with 1 engine. The 115's are not enough for the hull. They would be overworked and probably use MORE fuel then the 150's.