1993 GW Seafarer 228 and what to look for.

[jmoneilthe2]

I’m going to be looking at a 1993 GW Seafarer 228 and was hoping I could get feedback on what to look for. I’m not to concerned about the engine because I have plans to refit it, though the owner says it run solid. It too is 1993 Yamaha 200 two stroke. I don’t know how many hours are on it.

 

[Norcoastal]

Be careful. Notched transoms were notorious for rot. I have a 1988 and it’s on a bracket which prevented a lot of the rot. Be careful. Also check for squishy floors and you’ll probably need a new gas tank. How much is he asking?

 

[jmoneilthe2]

Be careful. Notched transoms were notorious for rot. I have a 1988 and it’s on a bracket which prevented a lot of the rot. Be careful. Also check for squishy floors and you’ll probably need a new gas tank. How much is he asking?

Asking 15,000.00

 

[Captglasshole]

Not sure where you are located, but I picked up a 1988 242(bracketed) with a less than 200 hour 4 stroke for 13k a year ago. I think he is waaaay over priced at 15

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I agree on the price being a bit optimistic as I bought my setup, mentioned in my signature below, for $26.5k. Here’s a 1997 GW 228 Seafarer with a 2004 Yamaha F225 4 stroke and trailer for the same price at $15k. Also, the second link is a 1999 GW 228 Seafarer with a 2000 Yamaha 225 OX-66 and trailer for $20k. Those would be considerably higher up on my list as opposed to the one you linked. In regards to what to look for specifically… I always recommend any new/first time boat owner hire a marine surveyor to come out and look over the boat with them. They can look for moisture intrusion into the hull, swim step and other areas. They oftentimes will do compression tests on the motor, will go over everything for you and give you their opinion on condition, price, etc. If you want to try tackling it on your own, a moisture reader/meter can help going over the hull to check for moisture intrusion, as can a rubber mallet and tapping the hull to see if you hear/feel any soft spots. Up until 1997, GW also used standard marine grade plywood on their boats, and then from 1997 and on, they used a product called Greenwood XL, which is supposed to be better than the plywood at resisting rot. I personally always recommend buying as new of a boat as possible as well as doing it once, and doing it correctly the first time. A surveyor or a buddy who knows what he’s doing and looking for can help you avoid purchasing a can of worms and give you a second set of eyes on the boat. They also changed up the design of the 228 Seafarer between 1997 and 1998, where the latter imo looks much nicer and more modern.

https://www.boats.com/power-boats/1997-grady-white-228-seafarer-9505204/

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/1999-grady-white-228-seafarer-9540684/

 

[igblack87]

from the pictures...looks like a nice boat. Good luck! Get a survey!

 

[fishermanjim]

I agree that the price is way too high. That would be a more reasonable price if it had a newer motor. I just picked up a 1993 Seafarer 228G in the Fall of last year that I paid $14K. The engine is a 2004 Yamaha 225 four stroke that had 460 hours. I did have to pull the head off and replace the oil pump, replace the seals in the lower unit for my own piece of mind, and checked the exhaust system which is in okay condition. I will keep an eye one that the next few years. I looked for years to find a 228G and definitely love the boat. I don't think I would buy a 226 or 228 without the bracket. The full transom height is great. Spent $8K rigging it with a kicker and fishing accessories.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I agree that the price is way too high. That would be a more reasonable price if it had a newer motor. I just picked up a 1993 Seafarer 228G in the Fall of last year that I paid $14K. The engine is a 2004 Yamaha 225 four stroke that had 460 hours. I did have to pull the head off and replace the oil pump, replace the seals in the lower unit for my own piece of mind, and checked the exhaust system which is in okay condition. I will keep an eye one that the next few years. I looked for years to find a 228G and definitely love the boat. I don't think I would buy a 226 or 228 without the bracket. The full transom height is great. Spent $8K rigging it with a kicker and fishing accessories.

Good looking boat, especially for being now 31 years old. Looks like you, or the previous owner, replaced all of the teak inserts and panels? I think it looks a lot better without them. I don't believe the 228 was offered without a bracket, unless it's an early, early one from the 1980's or so forth, and they also offered a 227 Seafarer with an inboard/outboard, but that's a different story. But yes, I agree and I spent just over a year looking for my boat as well. Finally found one in Deale, Maryland at the local GW dealership in October of 2021, where they were asking $28k for the boat, I offered them $26.5k and they said sure. Been happy with it ever since, she's caught a ton of fish and I don't see myself selling her anytime soon, if ever.