2003 Grady White Sailfish Purchase

[WestCoast282]

I have almost finalized the purchase of a 2003 GW Sailfish running twin Yamaha 225 Four Strokes with 400hrs on the boat and motor. This is a one owner boat has been rack kept since new with no bottom paint. From the pictures I have seen and after speaking to the Dealership the boat appears to be in fantastic shape. These boats are very hard to find on the West Coast of Canada where I live so I had to purchase the boat in the USA and bring it to Canada.
Can anyone tell me some common problems or issues to look for that these boats had, it is being inspected next week and then I will be closing the deal.
I plan on putting this boat boat on a 12,500GVW Tri-Axle Nextrail trailer, the price of a Loadmaster is over 35% more.
Also what can I expect for speeds with this boat and motor combination??
Thanks for your help in advance and I look forward to be a GW Owner.

 

[megabytes]

Congrats on a fine boat! The Sailfish is legendary. If you post the kind of fishing and cruising you like to do I am sure folks can weigh in with suggestions. I have the same engines. They have been flawless so far

(knock on wood). :lol:

PS: Post pix and your option/electronics pkg

 

[Legend]

I got a 2004 2 years ago and have had virtually no major issue. The only thing that was not working correctly on mine was the remote raio switch which the dealer took care of.
Check the waterpumps, pumps, swithces etc and you should be good to go. The Sailfish is a great boat and you will really enjoy it
Good Luck with your purchase

 

[WestCoast282]

Can anyone comment on the trailer issue. Speaking with Nextrail they have suggested the 10,500GVW tri-axle trailer to me as its not as stiff as the 12,500GVW trailer and will give the boat a better ride.
Also can anyone comment on the quality of these trailers?
What kind of speed can I expect out of this boat with the twin Yamaha 225's Four Strokes?
Lastly I paid $65,000 for the boat on the brand new trailer. I think this was a good buy, can anyone comment??
Thanks in advance!!

 

[Motivator]

I have a Road King RKAV 26-28 TRB3 with electric over hydraulic brakes on all six wheels for my 06 Sailfish. I upgraded the tires to load range "D" for added benefit. Boat tows great and is no problem to stop with the brake setup. Can't comment on anything regarding Nextrail quality as I have no experience.
My Sailfish has the 250's and prior to bottom paint I could get into the low 50's with a light load.
Enjoy your new boat! A good deal is one that you are happy with and on the seller is happy with...get it home and don't think twice about the cost.

 

[Cocoliso VI]

I have almost finalized the purchase of a 2003 GW Sailfish running twin Yamaha 225 Four Strokes with 400hrs on the boat and motor. This is a one owner boat has been rack kept since new with no bottom paint. From the pictures I have seen and after speaking to the Dealership the boat appears to be in fantastic shape. These boats are very hard to find on the West Coast of Canada where I live so I had to purchase the boat in the USA and bring it to Canada.
Can anyone tell me some common problems or issues to look for that these boats had, it is being inspected next week and then I will be closing the deal.
I plan on putting this boat boat on a 12,500GVW Tri-Axle Nextrail trailer, the price of a Loadmaster is over 35% more.
Also what can I expect for speeds with this boat and motor combination??
Thanks for your help in advance and I look forward to be a GW Owner.

Congratulations its a great boat. I just got a 2002 with the same motors no issues to report. I don't trailer mine but friends of mine do with no problem, some are two axle trailers made by Float-On and Performace. Good luck and enjoy the boat.

 

[Legend]

I paid 100K 2 years ago for 2004 - given the economy it sound ike the price is right in the ball park

 

[Capt Bill]

Congratulations on your Sailfish. I think you got an excellent deal. I bought mine, also lift-stored, and also a one-owner, about 3 years ago. Mine is an '02, same engines, and have had no isues. You may notice a squeaking sound clming from the engines while at idle.

There is a bushing at the top of the shaft, from the power head to the lower unit. Yamaha says it is nothing to be concerned about, but there is a simple fix you can do, the next time you drop the lower units. Mine does it once in a while.

 

[Grady678]

I have almost finalized the purchase of a 2003 GW Sailfish running twin Yamaha 225 Four Strokes with 400hrs on the boat and motor. This is a one owner boat has been rack kept since new with no bottom paint. From the pictures I have seen and after speaking to the Dealership the boat appears to be in fantastic shape. These boats are very hard to find on the West Coast of Canada where I live so I had to purchase the boat in the USA and bring it to Canada.
Can anyone tell me some common problems or issues to look for that these boats had, it is being inspected next week and then I will be closing the deal.
I plan on putting this boat boat on a 12,500GVW Tri-Axle Nextrail trailer, the price of a Loadmaster is over 35% more.
Also what can I expect for speeds with this boat and motor combination??
Thanks for your help in advance and I look forward to be a GW Owner.

Rarely, but, there are a few Exhaust Corrosion problems on 02 and 03 F225's. This is a 3K fix per engine. Have certified Yamaha mechanic do a leak down test and check for water in the engine oil and lower unit. If you are really concerned....drop the lower unit and visually inspect for excessive corrosion. I have the same engines and did all the above except drop lower unit.