Firsttimer here. I am very close to making the leap. I have narrowed it down to a 1985 Offshore in great shape or a mint 2000 Seafarer 226 w/original Yam 200 efi 2-stroke. Does anyone know if Grady White sold the Offshore 240 in 1985 without trim tabs? The transom was replaced when the boat was repowered in 2003 with a new Yamaha 4-stroke. Could they have just been removed when the work was done and never put back? Many thanks in advance!
'85 Offshore without Trim tabs?
- Thread starter rayonthecape
- Start date
As far as I know, trim tabs have always been an option. I bought a used 24 Offshore, (84 or 85, I forget).. no tabs. I installed them asap. Imo, every boat over 17' should have them.
If it were me, I would go for the 2000 Seafarer. Don't get me wrong, I liked the Offshore, (larger hull, more room) but the Seafarer has the Sea V2 hull, (better ride), decent room, more economical, easier to trailer and is much newer. I think you can do just as much, or go anywhere, with the Seafarer, as you could the Offshore. Becuase of it's extra weight, the Offshore might offer a "hair" more in protection, but it's definitely a trade off against the Sea V2 hull. The Seafarer will cut through a head sea better and the Offshore will have a wetter ride. Another draw back with the Offshore was, it would roll pretty bad when hit with a decent wave from the side, (broach). I think it was due to the high profile and narrow beam.
If it were me, I would go for the 2000 Seafarer. Don't get me wrong, I liked the Offshore, (larger hull, more room) but the Seafarer has the Sea V2 hull, (better ride), decent room, more economical, easier to trailer and is much newer. I think you can do just as much, or go anywhere, with the Seafarer, as you could the Offshore. Becuase of it's extra weight, the Offshore might offer a "hair" more in protection, but it's definitely a trade off against the Sea V2 hull. The Seafarer will cut through a head sea better and the Offshore will have a wetter ride. Another draw back with the Offshore was, it would roll pretty bad when hit with a decent wave from the side, (broach). I think it was due to the high profile and narrow beam.
You can always add the tabs, no big deal of a job.
I bet the 24 being older is a lot lower priced !
I bet the 24 being older is a lot lower priced !
It is a tough decision. Both boats are nearly the same price.
The '85 was repowered in 2004 with a Yamaha 225 4-stroke and has only 17 hours on it. Warranty good through August 2009. New hydraulic steering installed at the same time. The hull is in mint condition. Electronics replaced in 2005. All hardware is like the day it was commissioned. The current owner has owned it since '87 and I can tell it is a tough decision to sell.
The Seafarer is a 2000 bought in 2001 with approx. 350 hours on the 200 H.P. 2 stroke Yamaha. It too has been extremely well taken care of. Mint.
Each has a cloth top with no trailer.
decisions, decisions...
The '85 was repowered in 2004 with a Yamaha 225 4-stroke and has only 17 hours on it. Warranty good through August 2009. New hydraulic steering installed at the same time. The hull is in mint condition. Electronics replaced in 2005. All hardware is like the day it was commissioned. The current owner has owned it since '87 and I can tell it is a tough decision to sell.
The Seafarer is a 2000 bought in 2001 with approx. 350 hours on the 200 H.P. 2 stroke Yamaha. It too has been extremely well taken care of. Mint.
Each has a cloth top with no trailer.
decisions, decisions...
What about the fuel system on the '85? Has it been replaced? If not, you're on borrowed time. Figure a tank replacement cost of $10/gal + the cost of new fill, vent and supply lines.
If it were me, I wouldn't even be looking at the Offshore...
If it were me, I wouldn't even be looking at the Offshore...
I had an 85 24 for 13 years and loved that boat first few years with a single 200hp merc then a repower to twin 150 hp mercs totaly diffrent boat with the twins, the boat would pound a little in a head sea we just pulled the throttles back a bit, it's a great boat
rayonthecape said:
I can relate... it is a tough call.
The newer 4 stroke makes the Offshore attractive and the newer hull makes the Seafarer attractice. :?
Like I said, I did like the Offshore. Lots of fishing room and the heavy feel were a plus. But the pounding in a head sea and the rolling were drawbacks. The pounding is greatly reduced with trim tabs, but not on par with the Seafarer.
As far as performance, the Offshore, due to it's weight, will need to be around 4000+ rpm for slow cruise. It will also be slower out of the hole, (which adds up), and less agile. You could look at it almost the same as if it were a Gulfstream with a 225.. it get's the job done, but a little sluggish. Certainly not the same beam, but the weights are almost identical. The Seafarer will need to be around 3700. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but again, it adds up. In reality, you would probably be running the Offshore around 4600 and the Seafarer around 4200. The 4 stroke, compared to the 200 2 stroke, will close the gap somewhat, but I think the Seafarer will still have an edge in over-all performance/economy. The OX 66's have a great reputation. They're a bit thirsty, but very reliable. 350 hours is very good, (low).
Do some sea trails and hopefully that will help you to decide.
Also, make sure you walk around and thoroughly check the decks out, especially the fuel tank covers, (on both boats). Up until recently, almost all of them, were subject to water intrusion and weakening.
gw204 has a very good point about the fuel tank on the 24... that's a major concern. If it has the optional auxilary tank, you'll have 2 to worry about.
As a newbie, I really appreciate all the input. I talk to friends who are avid fisherman but none of them own Grady's. It's helps to get the word from those that have been there before.
I've been looking for a long time at a lot of different manufacturers. Reading the forums help. From what I read, there is nothing like a GW.
My mooring is going in in 2 weeks!
I've been looking for a long time at a lot of different manufacturers. Reading the forums help. From what I read, there is nothing like a GW.
My mooring is going in in 2 weeks!