Purchase of 228

[hoobite]

Newbie question...I am considering the purchase of a 1998 GW 228 powered by a Yamaha 225 ox66. Boat has been stored inside and engine has only 120 hrs. Extreamly clean boat and i have a seatrial scheduled for this weekend. Anything i should be concerned about with that year boat & motor? Is the 225 yamaha enough power? Any thoughs would be appreciated.

 

[striped bass]

The Yamaha 225 hp OX66 is plenty of power. Not to worry. But still it is a 1998 motor so be sure to have a Yamaha mechanic survey the engine for you. Be sure to obtain the Yamaha service manual with the engine. Make sure the console displays for the gas tank and trim motor as well as the other indicators are all working. The float sensors are famous for sticking in the up or down position.

The GW 228 should definitely be surveyed by a qualified surveyor, preferably by a fiberglass specialist if you can find one. Be sure to have the surveyor run a moisture meter over the entire exterior hull, transom and deck. The deck panels are notorious for wood core rot and not cheap to fix. If the electronics are original to the boat the electronics will be somewhat tired or outdated - be sure to use them all to check out their working order. If the original VHF and GPS are still on this boat, an upgrade is definitely called for. The horn usually gives up by this time as well. If the boat comes with a vista top and/or canvass side curtains be sure to put then on and take them off. The snaps generally wear out after about 5 or 6 years. The surveyor can help out with the full check list.

Good luck. Post some pics.

 

[BobP]

Welcome to site !

Interview surveyor to be sure he/she has experience in doing Gradys, if not, get someone else.

Ask here for surveyor recommendations.

Pre-purchase evaluation byYamaha tech on motor with written report, hours has nothing to do with it.

 

[Strikezone]

I agree with BobP and Stiped Bass's recommendations. As far as the power, 225HP should be plenty. I top out around 42MPH in smooth water.

 

[hoobite]

Thanks for the advice guys, i will definately get a survey on the package prior to turning over the money.

Any idea on what i should expect to pay for a survey?

 

[striped bass]

Anywhere from $100 to $200 for each. Depends on qualifications and experience. By way of my past experience, I found that a good fiberglass boat construction or repair person was every bit as good on the hull survey as was a "professional" surveyor.

 

[rorkin]

Newbie question...I am considering the purchase of a 1998 GW 228 powered by a Yamaha 225 ox66. Boat has been stored inside and engine has only 120 hrs. Extreamly clean boat and i have a seatrial scheduled for this weekend. Anything i should be concerned about with that year boat & motor? Is the 225 yamaha enough power? Any thoughs would be appreciated.

I bought a 228 Last year that was brokered by Norfolk Marine.. I had a very good survey done by local guy.. PM me if you want his name

 

[hoobite]

thanks for the offer rorkin but i have found a reputable surveyor in the myrtle beach area. survey scheduled for this friday morning...i feel much better about the purchase by doing the survey. what a great web site.

 

[BobP]

Make sure you have motor checked out by test, surveyors don't do motors.

 

[Bob's Cay]

Good luck! Also remember that your survey maybe needed by your insurance company.

 

[gwwannabe]

Speaking of insurance, be sure to get a quote from BoatUS and stay away from GEICO boat insurance as it sucks big time. Personal experience there.

Gary 89 Overnighter

 

[JUST-IN-TIME]

compression check
drain vst, check for debris
lower unit oil check
spark check


thats it

 

[rorkin]

Surveyor should participate in a sea trial

 

[hoobite]

I have received the surveyors report and list the boat in good condition with only minor issues like livewell pump not working and a courtesy light not working. Engine compression of the 225OX Yamaha was as follows: starboard 109,110,109 port 110, 110,109. How does the compression test sound? lower unit check out fine as well.

 

[rorkin]

Don't know what the compression is supposed to be but you are looking for the compression on all cylinders to be the same, which yours are.
Ask a mechanic familliar with that engine what compression is supposed to be. I suspect everything is fine. You might want to try a few gentle taps on that livewell pump with the switch on. . I use a hammer but VERY gently They can get sticky from lack of use..Might just work after all.

 

[JUST-IN-TIME]

ox66 are low comp motors like hpdi

100 is miniumum