228 or 258

[dzwaters]

Looking to buy a 03' 228 Seafarer or 04' 258 Voyager. Looking for some advise on making this decision. I would be using the boat mainly for cruising with the occasional offshore fishing trip. Would typically be riding with 4-5 persons on board. What I like about the 228 is the cockpit space feels huge and provides a comfortable platform whereas the 258 aft bench encroaches into this space. What I like about the 258 is the added running surface for those rough days and the slightly more comfortable vee berth.
It should be noted that both are priced pretty close to each other.

I do my boating in South Florida.

 

[bc282]

generally, the bigger the boat the more stable and comfortable especially when seas kick up.
the 258 is IMO significantly a bigger boat than the 228.
if u mainly do cruising, the 258's rear bench is nice for added seating space, for fishing, i prefer as open a cockpit as possible.
if you are a fair weather fisherman and boater, the 228 will do albeit a bit crowded with 4-5 (especially 5) as the extra beam of th 258 will be roomer with your crew. if you boat in the chop or are not afraid to get bumpy, the larger and heavier 258 will feel much nicer in the long run.

you did not state the power of each boat being considered. the 228 will be a single OB and depending on its power, may be "anemic" with a full load of crew and gear and lead to buyer's regret. same goes wth the 258 which likely is twin OBs. make sure the boats are set up with the typical crew # and load in mind with what kind of performance you are wanting.

personally, i had a 22' WA (not grady) and upgraded to the largest trailerable (without permits) boat (282) to help smooth out the seas. 22 to 28 was a very big difference in ride and myself and my crew definitely enjoy all the benefits of the bigger and heavier boat as we usually head offshore.

always a good time when you're boat shopping, good luck

 

[dzwaters]

Thank you for your input. You make some very calid points. I would be curious to hear from owners who have owned both boats too.

Unfortunately the 258 is currently powered with a single 250hpdi. Before anyone states the obvious, I've done my research on the motor and am well aware of its shortcomings. Needless to say, I plan on eventually re powering with twin 150's. This is also being considered into my purchase price for the 258.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

I own a 228 and just got back from the Keys. Last week the seas were 2 to 4s with a 15 knot wind. It was choppy. We fished out to the Islamorada humps. When seas were big we ran without pounding around 21into a head sea and 23 or so in a following sea.

We had 5 aboard with 2 being teenagers. I like the boat's cockpit a lot. My friend who just sold his 330 noted the amount of room my boat has. Now with that said I have 2 footitis. the 258 is a more capable hull. It rides better.
My boat is powered by a F250. I hung a 4 blade prop on her to get better lift and cruise performance. I have taken my boat to the Abacos and it got us back safely. Dont under estimate its capabilities. If I lived in Fla and had a choice in boats I would lean toward the 258. Good luck.