1991 Grady 20 Center Console

[John F.]

I found a 1991 20' Grady cc that looks to be in pretty good shape--from the pics. I've seen so far. I plan on going to look at it this week. Anything in particular I should look out for (transom)? From what I've read, the 20 didn't get the SV2 hull until 1993, so this boat has the older hull style. Any experience with ride?

Before I buy, I'll have the motor checked out and the hull surveyed--and she'll be gone over with a moisture meter.

Thanks.

 

[plymouthgrady]

Sounds like you have all your bases covered. Survey the boat- be there for it and ask questions. Have a tech look @ the engine and be sure to have more than just a compression test done (wire harnesses, pumps, hoses, clamps, etc.). Do not take delivery w/o a sea-trial.

 

[John F.]

Thanks. Any comments on ride of older hull v. SV2 in the 20? The older hull doesn't have alot of V--looks pretty stable, but will it pound? She'll be fished in the Chesapeake.

 

[gw204]

I ran an '85 204 Fisherman (same boat) all over the mid-Bay, down at the CBBT and up to 30 miles out. If the hull is solid, it will take everything you can. That being said, you do have to slow down when it get's nasty or she will hurt you.

 

[catch22]

I agree with what gw204 said. Also, does it have trim tabs? They make a world of difference in a head sea. They're a "must", imo.

 

[cdwood]

Yes she'll pound the snot outta you. Trim tabs? Absolutely!!! I think the tradeoff is the SV2 cuts the water sharper giving a smoother ride but you'll be hard pressed to stuff the bow with the older hull. My old 85 pops up like a cork coming down off of 6 footers.

 

[John F.]

I looked at the boat yesterday. She's in pretty nice shape, but the transom has me concerned. There are cracks in the gel, and on the port side all the way through the gelcoat, that radiate out from where the aluminum trim (where the motor bolts on) transitions from horizontal to vertical. The transom sounds OK except for the top 3" or so--dead sounding there. She's on Craigslist Baltimore in St. Marys/Solomons. No trim tabs. I'd have her surveyed, but don't feel like wasting my time if she needs a transom or transom work. I asked about the transom on the phone, and the owner (who wasn't there when I looked at her), said it was fine as far as he knew. Next step?

 

[gw204]

Is this boat at a house right near (almost under) the Solomons bridge?

 

[John F.]

That's the one. Over the bridge towards St. Mary's, right then right onto Wild Rose Lane. Any info?

 

[gw204]

The only thing I can tell you is it seems to say in the water year round and I've never seen anyone actually get on it.

I admire that boat from the bridge on my way to work every day. I'd take a peek on my way home as well, but I can't see it from the Northbound lane. If you want, I can stop by and have a look since I'm very familiar with the model.

 

[John F.]

The owner's name is Harry...seemed like a nice guy on the phone. He's away until Sunday, but told me that I could look at the boat anytime. He also told me that it had been in-water stored only one season, and other than that had been on a trailer or lift or something like that. If you could take a look I'd appreciate it--check out the transom. Thanks.

 

[gw204]

I can swing by tomorrow around 5:30 PM. Can you give the owner a call just to give him a heads up that nobody will be trying to steal his boat then.

 

[John F.]

Thanks. I left a message on the owner's phone that another person was coming by to look at the boat tomorrow. He told me on Sunday that he would be out of town, and I could check out the boat, so I'm sure its OK. I really appreciate this...cold ones on me when/if we meet.