265 express

[photodave]

I am about to pull the trigger on a grady white 265 express.I have driven the boat and it drives like a freight train !!!
I do have some concerns and could use some opinions.There are some cosmetic issues that i would like to know if they are more than that .
also it has twin Yamaha 4 strokes from 2003 the hours are low but the exhaust was done on one but not both,should I be concerned about the second one.
I am attaching photos please let me know what you think.

 

[Sharkbait282]

Yes you should be seeking the seller to compensate price by the cost to have the second exhaust mid-section repaired. We had the power heads pulled of a pair of 2002 four strokes pre-purchase as due diligence, and immediately had the work done once we had confirmed the power head was in sound condition. While you're at it I'd recommend having all four thermostats pulled to check for block damage, and to have the updated thermostat housing (2005 or 2006+) which includes a small anode.

The second picture, a local grady white dealership should be able to get you replacement arm covers for those seats, that's a common issue. Most pictures where you see "clean" armrests are just the factory "cover" which can also end up degrading. Pull off/glue on new cover, easy fix.

The second picture looks like cracked gelcoat/glass where something might have been caught/wedged in the hatch when someone tried to force it closed. Third picture looks like a cracked off piece of the transom/motor well gate, probably where it was slammed or fell on something hard. Any decent glass shop should be able to repair both and match the gelcoat for a couple of hundred bucks.

Best of luck! Our boat of similar vintage has generated no regrets!

Bob.

 

[eppem]

1) armrest easy
2) Is that the starboard backrest?
3) is that the fold down transom?

I have history with all and here to help - def get the other motor done or $$ for. Boat and engines are a beast if like anything maintained. My 03 has 1,600 hours and looks and runs like it brand new. Lots of dedicated 265 owners on the site - cult for sure!

Tip - do not overtab and hit those throttles - she wants to run on plane!

 

[photodave]

Yes that is where the backrest slides in and the missing chunk is from the transom.

 

[Fishtales]

The seat is manufactured by Pompanette. They should be able to get you the arm rests. Call them direct. I got new arms this past year for my HelmII seats (next version from those).
Check with the Wise company. You can get all the interior and exterior cushions and bolsters from them. If not, a local firm can re-wrap. As for the cosmetic stuff, once you get the cushions/bolsters off you can fix that stuff pretty easy. Grady gel coat is available from suppliers as well. Might want to match it though, as I whitens as it ages.