2001 Grady 265 Express Repower Info needed

[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]

Going forward with new transom and Merc V6 repower. Attempted to wrench my HPDI back to life, but no luck. I’m actually relieved to put my HPDI tools away for good.

 

[Aussie_Boss]

Keen to see how this goes and what changes are made.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Keen to see how this goes and what changes are made.

Aussie, we are all anxiously awaiting more from your project!

 

[drbatts]

Good choice with the repower and the tanks. The 265 is a good choice of a boat to do a full refresh on. Not many new boats in that class can compete with the layout and design for a fishing boat.

 

[Sketchywind]

I searched for GW265 repower with Mercury V6 200Hp or 225 Hp and didn’t find any posts. The Mercury 3.4L V6 has an aggressive front cowling angle vs straight up front cowling like the Yamaha or Suzuki motors.

Want to verify if the Mercury V6 front cowling clearance is a good fit for the 265 splashwall door and full tilt clearance.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I can't imagine any motor having problems with the fold down tailgate. Somewhere there is a manual that will show all of the dimensions and the swing of the v6 motor

 

[Sketchywind]

Unfortunately, the Merc 225 front cowling midsection sticks out 2.5” more than HPDI 200. A 2.5” foam block on the HPDI hits the splash well door bracket. The Merc lower unit will be in the saltwater when correcting the tilt angle off the bracket. Back to the drawing board…

 

[SkunkBoat]

Unfortunately, the Merc 225 front cowling midsection sticks out 2.5” more than HPDI 200. A 2.5” foam block on the HPDI hits the splash well door bracket. The Merc lower unit will be in the saltwater when correcting the tilt angle off the bracket. Back to the drawing board…

Do you have this diagram but for 3.4L V6 mercury?

 

[Sketchywind]

Do you have this diagram but for 3.4L V6 mercury?
View attachment 38684

That’s exactly what I need from Mercury to check proper fitment of the GW 265! The Mercury front cowling isn't a traditional vertical shape like the Suzuki DF200 or Yamaha 200HP. A wet LU bullet isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but trying to avoid a LU beard like these motors in my marina.

 

[SkunkBoat]

That’s exactly what I need from Mercury to check proper fitment of the GW 265! The Mercury front cowling isn't a traditional vertical shape like the Suzuki DF200 or Yamaha 200HP. A wet LU bullet isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but trying to avoid a LU beard like these motors in my marina.

It exists somewhere. Its not in their brouchures, that I could find, so it must be in an installation or owner's manual.
You can't make assuptions based on your Yamahas.
Also, read through my Suzuki DF200AP post and pay attention to the Steering cylinder and Tie bar placement issues that I ran into.

 

[Sketchywind]

It exists somewhere. Its not in their brouchures, that I could find, so it must be in an installation or owner's manual.
You can't make assuptions based on your Yamahas.
Also, read through my Suzuki DF200AP post and pay attention to the Steering cylinder and Tie bar placement issues that I ran into.

Thanks Skunkboat! When full tilt up on your DF200, how much clearance on the splashwell hinge bracket? Also, I noticed you mounted bracket one hole down from top hole. Since we have the same boat, I’m leaning towards motors already working on the 265.
Here’s my seastar HC5345 with tie-rod on top.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I'd honestly listen to SkunkBoat as he has an entire post dedicated to the topic at hand and replicate what he did. The Suzuki's are great motors and wouldn't discredit them in the slightest, even if they aren't your first choice for a repower...

 

[Sketchywind]

I'd honestly listen to SkunkBoat as he has an entire post dedicated to the topic at hand and replicate what he did. The Suzuki's are great motors and wouldn't discredit them in the slightest, even if they aren't your first choice for a repower...

100% agree! The Mercs were my first pick for their lower weight and digital interface, but I was heading in uncharted territory. I’m definitely going with the Suzuki DF200 and grateful for Skunkboat sharing his 265 repower knowledge. I hope to lock in the 7 year warranty too.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Would have liked to see a set of the new lightweight v6 mercs on a 265. Several have talked about it but haven't seen it yet. They were first year when I was looking so no history. And it was covid and yu couldn't get them.
Merc is brunswick corp so I imagine the Navico/Lawrence/Simrad stuff interfaces the motor data?

I really like the Zuke dedicated SMG4 gauges vs having them on a touch screen....cuz I'm old....
Looks like they are now using Furuno as their rebranded MFDs.

In any case, you need to redo your dash and get a 12" mfd (or two) as part of your project

 

[Sketchywind]

Would have liked to see a set of the new lightweight v6 mercs on a 265. Several have talked about it but haven't seen it yet. They were first year when I was looking so no history. And it was covid and yu couldn't get them.
Merc is brunswick corp so I imagine the Navico/Lawrence/Simrad stuff interfaces the motor data?

I really like the Zuke dedicated SMG4 gauges vs having them on a touch screen....cuz I'm old....
Looks like they are now using Furuno as their rebranded MFDs.

In any case, you need to redo your dash and get a 12" mfd (or two) as part of your project

Yes, the 475# Mercs looked like a good fit with my lower scuppers and Simrad setup. Glad I took some last minute Merc V6 mock up measurements before hauling out to start the project. Thank you for trailblazing the GW 265 Suzuki repower and sharing excellent information. I have the Simrad MDFs with touch screen and knob option. This old dude still likes to turn the knobs!