1978 Grady 204 Walkaround

[FreeBeeTony]

I found a '78 Grady White 204 for sale. Owner says the engine has a knock when warm. 250 inline 6. Boat looks like its in good shape. Also needs an outdrive. I really like this boat but would rather have an outboard but the price maybe too good to pass up......<br /><br />Anybody have any comments on this set-up with the I/O? I haven't heard too many good things, everybody I talk to says go for the outboard.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: 1978 Grady 204 Walkaround

Grady White makes one of the best boats of it's kind in the world. If the boat itself is sound and you know going in what you're going to have to do, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if the price is right. All it takes is being willing to do the work necessary to get the engine in good shape. Some people prefer an I/O and at worst, I wouldn't think you'd lose a lot of money if you later decided to sell it. Just be sure the boat is sound. My suggestion would be to: Get an estimate on an engine rebuild, determine availability and cost of a rebuilt outdrive, add the cost of the boat and 10% for contingincies. Then look up the prices of used Grady Whites like it to see if the total cost is comparable. Of course, you have a plus in the rebuild in that you know exactly what shape the engine and outdrive is in. Could be a good project. Good luck. If you decide to do it, I would like to hear how it turns out.

 

[Hawkeye1]

Re: 1978 Grady 204 Walkaround

I owned a 1978 204c OB for 15 years. Tough boat that would beat the crap out of you in anything over 1.5' waves. Watch out for core rot in anything under the floor. Stringers,transom bulkheads,ect. Check out the fuel tank also. These old gradys usally sell cheap. I sold mine 3 years for 4500 with a good running 200 yamaha. Lots of better ridding boats in that class IMHO.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: 1978 Grady 204 Walkaround

I ditto hawkeye, older boat will have some kind of rot. Find out to what extent. If it is something you are comfortable with, then go ahead and purchase. Have you thought of taking out the motor and sealing up the hole in the transom and getting a outboard bracket and hanging a outboard motor? That is an option. Since it does sound like you will have to repower.?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 1978 Grady 204 Walkaround

Bump............<br /><br />Any other inputs?

 

[Trent]

Re: 1978 Grady 204 Walkaround

Knocking engine is not always the engine. See if it knocks with the outdrive off. Just hook up the water hose to the water intake going into the transom. U-Joints on the drive can make you think the engine is knocking And they dont do it all the time (sometimes).