Power Plant for Adventure 218

[Great Lakes Grady]

Doing some more research on the GW Adventure 218. I saw a very nice '26 model for sale loaded with options but with the older Yamaha 250 HP 3.3L V6 (Mechanical). It seems the newer 4.2L V6 would be a better engine with the DEC fly-by-wire.

What are your thoughts on power plant options for the Adventure 218, keeping in mind this would be used almost exclusively on fresh water? I truly appreciate your expertise and many years of experience.

 

[Ky Grady]

Sounds like a dealer had a leftover 3.3 and they ordered a 218 without a motor, if that's even possible? The new 4.2 has been around 15 years or so and Grady would have rigged a 2026 218 with a 4.2 from the factory. Something odd going on there?
Whatever boat you get, try and get it close to max horsepower. Freshwater or salt, never heard anyone complain they have too much horsepower.

 

[Ekea]

i agree with Ky, that is an odd motor to be on a new boat for the reason stated. is there any chance you have the year wrong?

that being said, the 3.3 is a great motor and can serve very well. the only thing to watch out for is the dry exhaust issue. thats easy to catch before it becomes a big problem.

 

[family affair]

My guess is it is typo in the add. The 3.3 hasn't been made in a long time. I wouldn't buy a 218 with a 3.3 due to the weight alone. The 218 was designed for the lighter 4.2. Serviceability will be better on the 4.2 also.
I wouldn't pay the Yamaha mark up for digital on a single engine set-up. Twins are a different story.

 

[Great Lakes Grady]

My guess is it is typo in the add. The 3.3 hasn't been made in a long time. I wouldn't buy a 218 with a 3.3 due to the weight alone. The 218 was designed for the lighter 4.2. Serviceability will be better on the 4.2 also.
I wouldn't pay the Yamaha mark up for digital on a single engine set-up. Twins are a different story.

No, this listing was for a 2026 model at Cataumet Boats on Cape Cod. I think Ky Grady has hit the nail on the head.

I also agree with the max HP available principle if/when possible. The more research I do on the Adventure 218, the more appealing it becomes for me, especially powered with the 300.

When is the best time of year to place an order/buy a boat? The end of summer/fall timeframe would be my guess for current stock or maybe wait and order a '27 model?

As always gentlemen, I appreciate your input!

 

[Ky Grady]

Is it this boat in the showroom? Pretty sure that's an older 4.2 F250 that had never been registered and put into service yet with YAMAHA. They quit doing year model on motors awhile back, so if that's the case, that's how they're advertising it as a 2026 F250, '26 being the year it's put into service.

 

[Great Lakes Grady]

Is it this boat in the showroom? Pretty sure that's an older 4.2 F250 that had never been registered and put into service yet with YAMAHA. They quit doing year model on motors awhile back, so if that's the case, that's how they're advertising it as a 2026 F250, '26 being the year it's put into service.

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Yes, that's the 218 I was referencing. When I said '26 model, I was referring to the as advertised Adventure 218 model. What jumped out at me about the motor is it's the traditional Yamaha gray, not the Pearl White you normally see now with the new GW boats.

I do like the Yamaha gray motor though, I think it looks great with the Coastal Fog hull.

 

[family affair]

3.3 are the top engines. 4.2 at the bottom. Typo