gju42486

I finally decided to sell my 1990 Thompson 240 fisherman hardtop and pull the trigger on a 1997 232 grady white gulfstream with a single 250. Being a Lake Erie walleye angler, i feel the 250 will provide more than enough speed (i was able to get 35.8 mph out of it at WOT and both gas tanks 3/4 full, i am going to play with different props to see if i can bump it up to the low 40's but im not to concerned. I also feel the single 250 with a 15hp kicker is going to be the best option since i troll 99.9% of the time.

As some of you know, the older Thompson's were a back breaker- and the maiden voyage on the grady was 3-4's and it easily cruised 26-28 mph.

****** I see alot of threads on here in regards to kicker install, to me- this kicker setup is the cats ass. Heres the details.

The kicker is a 15hp merc 4 stroke with no power tilt/trim. I removed the swim platform, installed a panther 35 power lift and bolted the engine on. I was having a hard time deciding where to put the throttle for the kicker and after some decision, i decided it was best to cut the hole in the dash bigger, and install a dual control setup, it wasnt cheap but it looks real clean.

I think my favorite addition is how both the kicker and main motor steering is all hydraulic. I added another hydraulic cylinder to the motor, and "y'd" off the hydraulic line to connect the kicker and the main. I can post more pics on request, all in all- im real happy with the boat.

jpv

Hey Hey Hey!!!!! Congrats!!!!! Thats a very clean looking 97. You have her set up nicely. I too have recently bought a 232....1999......after years of boating in various boats.....I believe that I have found the boat that best fits me........the beauty of your new rig is......she is stable......hardly have to tab.....tons of room on deck.....built like a tank.....sooooo solid. Heavy duty hardware...........Sea V hull...........love the two boxes on top of the transom......and trolls like a dream.

All that being said....she doesnt ride like a sports car.......she is tank like.......and for me that works out just fine........I have same engine as you...250 ox66.....

awesome boat.......

your gunna love it!!!!

gju42486

i agree, definitly a sweet ride and super clean for a 97. The previous owner took real good care of it and used it as a sunset cruise boat, it never went out past the breakwall from what he told me.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA WHY IT LOOKS LIKE THE "250 HP" SIGN ON THE YAMAHA LOOKS LIKE ITS BURNT?? IS THAT JUST FROM AGING AND THE SUN OR WHAT?? Is there a way to access that sticker and get a new one made as well??

jpv

regarding the burn marks on your cowling......hard to see in the pics....but mine has similar rubbings but not burnt........my thought is that it could have come from criss cross stern lines with piling tar on them...rubbing the cowling while in her slip

gju42486

definitly a very good possibility. in the next year or so id like to get the whole engine and cowling repainted anyhow with some new decals....thats a "nice to have" project though

Bird Rock

Great boat. I have the same model. We put a 300 hpdi on when we re-powered and it's a good improvement. Especially when you've got 4 guys and full gear. She's definitely a tank not a race car but a solid boat that super comfortable to fish. Enjoy!

gnel

Beautifull boat! I´m jelous.

thecubanfishy

Nice!!! Congrats on the new toyI have a Sailfish snd love it!!

4/0

I love mine a 92. I new they had changed the deck layout but I did not know what.
Think I like the old style a little more, I like having the fish box all across the transom.




You will love her for trolling.

Butch

Locke N Load

A Merc next to a Yammie on the transom! Blasphemy or schizophrenia?!

Nice looking setup you got there.

gju42486

when someone is willing to trade you a brand new merc kicker with 10 hours on it for a few walleye trips........it could be pink for all i care, im taking the deal every time

Pursuit2470

Great boat! Best of luck.

Bird Rock

Agreed. The older models have the full fish box across the back as well as a huge one under the starboard seat. I've filled them both up! We don't cocktail cruise so no extra seating needed.

gju42486

Yea i have two small compartments back aft on the transom, i think i would rather one large one though like the older models. the 97 i own still has the large storage locker on the port aft seat that i use as a cooler and under the starboard aft seat is the livewell that currently stores my lifejackets, i have a 160qt cooler used to hold fish.