Gulfstream 232 W/ Single Yamaha 250 4S

L

loggie

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Gulfstream
Hey everyone,

This setup is new to me and I’ve been going through the usual “learning curve” phase dialing everything in.

I’ve seen a few posts mentioning this boat can feel underpowered with a single 250. Right now I’m seeing about 18-20 knots at 48-4900RPM, which seems to be the sweet spot on my setup.

Do you think improper trim/tilt could account for much of a difference here? I’m not sure it would explain a such a major performance gap, but I’m open to suggestions.

One thing worth noting: while the hull doesn’t have much growth, it does have what looks like 20 years of bottom paint buildup. It’s pretty rough and chunky, so I’m wondering how much that might be affecting performance.

I didn’t buy the boat to be a speed demon, but I’ve seen some people reporting 37+ MPH so I’m curious what others are realistically seeing with a single 250.

Overall, I absolutely love the boat. It’s incredibly comfortable, dry, and easy to fish off of.
 
What do you mean by "major performance gap"? I don't see where you stated something to compare it to - the only thing you noted was your cruising speed and what may be stated max speed by others.

Also, keep things the same - either knots or MPH.

Comparing to my boat (see signature), that 37MPH sounds about right.

But... what's YOUR top speed fully trimmed out as high as practically possible?

Yes, chunky paint can have an effect.

Growth can, too - and it seems like you have at least some since you said it doesn't have "much".
 
I think that the reason why the boat could feel a bit underpowered is because it likely is. I've got a 2004 Grady White 228 Seafarer with a single Yamaha F225 on her... of which I honestly wouldn't want to go any lighter on the horsepower, especially since it's a decent sized, heavier boat. My top speed is around 43 mph or so, depending on load/weather/wind/conditions and so forth. I imagine a 232 Gulfstream weighing likely an extra 1k lbs more, but with only an additional 25 hp, is likely going to feel more than slightly underpowered. If you're going to stick with the current setup and keep the boat for the foreseeable future, I'd consider adding trim tabs to the boat, if they don't have them already. On top of that, I'd figure out the diameter/pitch of your propeller, then give Ken from Prop Gods a call, tell him what you've got and see if that's the correct prop for the boat. Oversized trim tabs and the correct propeller on the boat I'm sure will make a bit of a difference for the better, as opposed to the alternative. Also as mentioned, if you've got a ton of excess bottom paint on the boat, that's only going to add to the weight as well as resistance to the water. Of which whenever she needs to be bottom painted again, I'd scrape off everything currently on the boat and start over, if it hasn't been done already. Good luck!
 
Something isn’t right. While I am not a big proponent of that hull (My favorite GW) with the single screw, it should be performing better than that. Also, you shouldn’t need to run it at 4800-4900. Start with the basics:

1. Does it have tabs?….Are they retracted?
2. IS it propped correctly - Check the factory spec prop and compare what you’ve got. Someone may have put a prop on for the holeshot or trolling but not optimal cruising speed.
3. Weight - Do you have anything beyond normal running gear that would addd significant weight? ….Could the hull be waterlogged.
4. If the bottom paint is that bad it will DEFINITELY affect performance. Have it sandblasted and repainted properly.
5. Check the mounting holes on the engine and make sure it is mounted in the factory spot.

I had one with twins but I’ve run the single screw version as well once or twice. IIRC it should cruise around 29-30 MPH at 4200-4400.

Start with 1 and 2. Then get the bottom done as it needs to happen anyway. While it’s out of the water, have someone check the hull with a moisture meter just to be sure it’s not waterlogged (There’s always some moisture on the older boats so some doesn’t mean it’s a huge problem, but, if there’s a ton of moisture you have an issue).
 
Crusty hull will slow the boat but we can't say for sure without knowing what prop you are running and if it is in decent shape.
I do not know what your statement about 'Sweet Spot" means. Usually sweet spot refers to the best fuel consumption when on plane and cruising
 
seasick said:
Crusty hull will slow the boat but we can't say for sure without knowing what prop you are running and if it is in decent shape.
I do not know what your statement about 'Sweet Spot" means. Usually sweet spot refers to the best fuel consumption when on plane and cruising
Click to expand...

Probably the optimum cruising speed/rpm...
 
I have a 250 on my 228. Claimed top speed is 47, I've hit 45 WOT. I feel like a gulfstream wants more oompf, I mostly see them with twins, either 2x 150 or 2x 200.
When my boat is loaded up with gas, extra gas in 4 jugs, ice, and 3 people for tuna, it struggles to get on plane. It gets there but it takes some time. I think a 250 in a 232 loaded like that might not get on plane.
 
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