2001 Grady 265 Express Repower Info needed

[Sketchywind]

Is the issue with your current motor just the powerhead? They have used or even remanufactured powerhead's on eBay and elsewhere. Might consider going with a remanufactured one, run it for a season or two and then sell? Or as mentioned before, you could always fix up and sell off what you've got, and then look at another different boat that's already been repowered or has newer outboards on it?

Remanufactured Yamaha 150/200HP 2.6l V6 HPDI Powerhead | eBay

Models/Hp: 150/200hp HPDI 2.6L. Genuine Yamaha OEM Powerhead(Long Block). This Is A Remanufactured Long Block Assembly. (OEM P/N: 67H-15100-00-1S Crankcase). Color: Grey.

www.ebay.com

I could be wrong, but it sounds like you're a bit hesitant on repowering as well as potentially not sure how long you'll keep the boat at this point? If you're not going to hold onto the boat for another say 10 years or so, then I don't think the repower option will be your best/cheapest option at this point. I'd definitely go the used route, unless your current outboard can be salvaged, fix up what you need to, then sell the boat and maybe look for something newer that's already been repowered? I think that would be the cheapest/easiest option at this point, unless again you plan on keeping the boat for 10+ years, can justify the costs of repowering, potentially doing other work to the boat like you said... fuel tanks, transom, etc. If you plan on doing those things and keeping the boat for that long then I'd repower without question.

If the tanks are original you should assume you need to replace. Pressure test only says they aren't leaking YET. Doesn't say they arent corroded at the bottom. Have you looked at them? In reality, you don't need 250 gallons with 4 strokes. You could stick with the forward 130 tank and use the space under the deck for a fish hold or another 60gals and a fish hold...
I don't think a moisture meter tells you anything definitive. I can tell you right now its wet... that doesn't mean its rotten, but it might be... You will never truly know unless its obvious or you rip it open. boating......
I agree if you aren't keeping it and using it for the foreseeable future, don't put money in it to sell it. 265 is a great FISHING boat. You can spend a lot less making it yours than buying a new boat. If you can do things yourself its a lot cheaper.

Thanks for great advice! I’m considering a “fire sale” with the blown port motor or try to find a used HPDI 200 to bolt on for a few more seasons. Save the $90K for a newer boat with 4 strokes.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Thanks for great advice! I’m considering a “fire sale” with the blown port motor or try to find a used HPDI 200 to bolt on for a few more seasons. Save the $90K for a newer boat with 4 strokes.

Sounds again as though you're not too terribly serious about keeping your current boat for the long run... of which yes, I'd definitely fix up what you can if possible, or buy a used 200 HPDI, install it and then sell the boat to get something you really want. And/or something that's already been repowered by the previous owner, which will save you considerably.

 

[Sketchywind]

Sounds again as though you're not too terribly serious about keeping your current boat for the long run... of which yes, I'd definitely fix up what you can if possible, or buy a used 200 HPDI, install it and then sell the boat to get something you really want. And/or something that's already been repowered by the previous owner, which will save you considerably.

My GW265 is really a great boat with awesome fishing layout. I should get it surveyed to figure out how much I’m diving into this rabbit hole. Decent used HPDI 200’s are getting scarce these days.