Re-Power Islander 270

dfox912

dfox912

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Got a 2002 Islander that needs to be re-powered. Original engines were 2 Yamaha 225's. We were happy with the performance of the 225's but Yamaha doesn't do counter rotation 225's any more. For servicing issues, we want to stay with the Yammies. The recommendation from the dealer is either 200's or 250's. Interested in a discussion on the difference in performance. 200's are four cylinder; the 250's are 6. The cost bogy between the 2 is about $20,000. Thoughts???? Thanks
 
75 lb weight difference per engine between 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder blocks. 6V vs 4 inline. Narrow beam boat. Compare to the old engines.
 
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Break in twin F150 on 1999 268 islander

See video of the islander running. I’m putting about two hours of run time on her a weekend trying to get up to the 20 hour mark so I can change the fluids. So far so good. 3500 rpm cruise, 25-26 mph, 10-11 gph. Everything is working out well. Engines are loosening up. Wot is going up each time...
www.greatgrady.com www.greatgrady.com
 
I suspect 400 ho would push an islander fine. Saving some weight might help make up the difference. Take the cost savings and throw in a helmaster control system.
 
There is no law that says that one engine has to be counter rotating on a twin setup.
Handling will be a bit different but assuming the trim anodes are set up correctly, not much different at low speed than a single motor.

That said, twin 4cyl 200s with digital throttle and shift would be sweet but at a premium
 
If it were mine, I would re-power with the 200 Yamaha 4 cyl. They are really nice engines, and that Islander will like them just fine.
 
A friend on mine bought a 27' Sea Hunt with twin Yamaha F250's. Has 9' 9" beam. Engines look too big for the boat. Boat sits low in the water. Pulling boat in August to re-stripe waterline bottom paint.

SeaHunt 2.jpeg SeaHunt 1.jpeg

A GW 270 Islander has a 8' 6" beam. Personally I wouldn't go to a V6 block. Propped correctly my GW 268 runs great with F150's. F200's should be fine. The F225 is a V6 so if you take the hit on size and weight might as well go to 250hp. I wasn't aware you could not get counter rotating F225's. Don't know if that would be a problem but I would investigate this more.

I'll take my bow thruster any day over those automatic controls. My mechanic told me he wouldn't put them on his boat. Abusive to the gears. After warranty they could get expensive.
 
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Hookup1 said:
A friend on mine bought a 27' Sea Hunt with twin Yamaha F250's. Wider beam than a GW 270. Boat sits low in the water. Engines look too big for the boat. Pulling boat in August to re-stripe waterline bottom paint.

Personally I wouldn't go to a vV6 block. Propped correctly my GW 268 runs great with F150's. F200's should be fine. I wasn't aware you could not get counter rotating F225's. Don't know if that would be a problem but I would investigate this more.

I'll take my bow thruster any day over those automatic controls any day. My mechanic told me he wouldn't put them on his boat. Abusive to the gears. After warranty they could get expensive.
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That's interesting comments on the DTS systems. I will have to keep an ear open for issues.
 
I have new i4 200s (zukes) on a 265 express and they are plenty. Max out low 40s mph. great cruise mpg. 4 blade props with plenty of grip.
I've heard the Yammie 200s are same on a 265.
Probably be even better on a narrower and lighter Islander.
 
SkunkBoat said:
I have new i4 200s (zukes) on a 265 express and they are plenty. Max out low 40s mph. great cruise mpg. 4 blade props with plenty of grip.
I've heard the Yammie 200s are same on a 265.
Probably be even better on a narrower and lighter Islander.
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Would you want to sell that 265 express? Been looking for a wile now.
 
dfox912 said:
Got a 2002 Islander that needs to be re-powered. Original engines were 2 Yamaha 225's. We were happy with the performance of the 225's but Yamaha doesn't do counter rotation 225's any more. For servicing issues, we want to stay with the Yammies. The recommendation from the dealer is either 200's or 250's. Interested in a discussion on the difference in performance. 200's are four cylinder; the 250's are 6. The cost bogy between the 2 is about $20,000. Thoughts???? Thanks
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I went with 200 Zukes; a lot of boats at my marina have seemed to go that route lately. Compared to the 225's, I don't seem to see any real differences. So far everything has been great and I definitely saved some money. On another similar note, I would sometimes be asked if I wanted the Yamaha part or the Suzuki part at the parts counter of the dealership. The parts guy read off the same numbers, byt the Yamaha price was always 3-4 times more expensive. Sadly, I have had to replace a couple of Yammies from the infamous 2003 and 2004 years. Hope this helps someone, although I'm replying to an older post.
 
GypsyRover said:
I went with 200 Zukes; a lot of boats at my marina have seemed to go that route lately. Compared to the 225's, I don't seem to see any real differences. So far everything has been great and I definitely saved some money. On another similar note, I would sometimes be asked if I wanted the Yamaha part or the Suzuki part at the parts counter of the dealership. The parts guy read off the same numbers, byt the Yamaha price was always 3-4 times more expensive. Sadly, I have had to replace a couple of Yammies from the infamous 2003 and 2004 years. Hope this helps someone, although I'm replying to an older post.
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Congrats on the repower. I have done the same and have had 2 great seasons with mine. I might tweak props a little for better performance, but otherwise the Zukes have been excellent.
Please share details. I'm curious about:
* Engine mounting hole
* Prop type and pitch
* Fuel burn at cruise
* WOT speed
 
family affair said:
Congrats on the repower. I have done the same and have had 2 great seasons with mine. I might tweak props a little for better performance, but otherwise the Zukes have been excellent.
Please share details. I'm curious about:
* Engine mounting hole
* Prop type and pitch
* Fuel burn at cruise
* WOT speed
Click to expand...
Congrats to you as well. The WOT speed is usually in the lower 40's, but sadly that has not been on any flat seas. I was able to go 47 mph with the 225's with 1' or less; previous owner said he could get boat up to 50 mph with some good conditions and trimming. I don't really care about going all that fast, just want a good comfortable ride.
The props are whatever came with the motors. I'm not sure, but I think they're a 19 pitch.
The fuel economy is pretty good. I usually cruise anywhere from 25 to 32 mph and gas is around 7.5 to 10 gph.
The dealer mounted the the new motors through the same holes that the Yamahas were previously in.
I hope this helps.
 
Your fuel economy numbers are exceptional. If your props are indeed 19's, you are likely a bit under propped. A 21 or 22 would be closer to optimal.
I've been fighting traction issues and made some adjustments today, but I'm not confident it will help. My anti ventilation plate is level with the bottom of the hull and I think my 16" props are grabbing air at low speeds or in nasty chop. My next step would be to try to lower my engines to the last hole, but I don't know if the transom will interfere.
 
I like the Yamaha 200s too but would be worried about counter rotation (performance and resale). If you have local service the Zukes would be the ticket.
I'm leaning with the comments regarding a thruster vs a DTS. Don't see the value on a less than 35' boat and even then I'd have to have a solid use case that demands it. KISS in the marine world pays dividends down the road. Complexity kills boating fun.
 
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