Best GW, Trailerable, Off Shore, Post SeaV2

[conquest23]

I recently lost my 23 BW in a fire but I always secretly wanted to move to GW. I like to fish both inshore and off shore and love the fishing variety by towing through of NJ, VA and NC.

I upgraded engines on my previous boat, from single 225 Merc EFI to twin Honda 150 and was shocked how my MPG and range more than doubled. I like security and comfort of twin HPDI or 4 strokes.

Anyway now the question. I want a Grady and am a little confused what model/year to go with.

I want a SeaV2 Hull post 1992, twin OBs, 4Stroke or HPDI (or boat that I can repower), Towable under 8.5 Width, I tow with 2004 suburban 1500. I like walk arounds but would consider CC. Fish for Tuna, Mahi, flounder, Stripers, Blues.

I am familiar with some the models and brands but I have not sea trialed any.

I have read on this site that GW has changed Marketing over the years and some boats originally sold as 25s and now sold as 27s. (BW does the same, My 23 was resold 2 years later as the 255)

I am interested in your recommended GW model/Year and power option in a potential price not to exceed $70K.

Thanks in advance for your comments

 

[Grog]

You don't have a big choice after you put in your "wants". An Islander (walk-around) or the Chase (CC) are the ones with twins and 8'6" max width. The other problem is the tow vehicle. You can tow either one short distances but they would be beating on your truck if you wanted to do long hauls. The Chase is easier to tow but early April or late October/November days will be cold in a CC. I tow my Sailfish with a 02 Sub (it has the 4.10 gears which helps) twice a year. The power isn't a problem but it isn't made to haul that much weight all over the state. The $70K will get you a nice boat, the twin F150's seem to be a good match of speed and mileage.

If you had a 3/4 ton truck and woudn't mind stretching the tow limit (9' 6"), a 265 Express or 28' Sailfish would fit the bill. The Express is more suited for fishing where the Sailfish has more family options.

 

[DB]

Conquest 23..Sorry to hear about you loss to a fire, thats a real bummer. I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Dan Bren and I am a Salesman with Taylor Marine Center in Ocean City Maryland. We are a dealer for both Grady White and Boston Whaler. We slso specialise in select pre owned and brokerage boats. I would be more than happy to discuss the Grady product line and help yiou narrow down your search. Feel free to give me a call at 410-213-1391 or email me at dan@taylormarinecenteroc.com

Thank,s
Dan

 

[ocnslr]

Islander 270 is a great boat. Originally had a single 250HP OX66 (465hrs) and now have 665 hours on the twin F150s.

Fish 75nm offshore, five people, lots of gear, ice, etc.

Do not own a trailer, or a vehicle to tow it. But certainly doable.

 

[CJBROWN]

You don't have a big choice after you put in your "wants". An Islander (walk-around) or the Chase (CC) are the ones with twins and 8'6" max width. The other problem is the tow vehicle. You can tow either one short distances but they would be beating on your truck if you wanted to do long hauls. The Chase is easier to tow but early April or late October/November days will be cold in a CC. I tow my Sailfish with a 02 Sub (it has the 4.10 gears which helps) twice a year. The power isn't a problem but it isn't made to haul that much weight all over the state. The $70K will get you a nice boat, the twin F150's seem to be a good match of speed and mileage.

If you had a 3/4 ton truck and woudn't mind stretching the tow limit (9' 6"), a 265 Express or 28' Sailfish would fit the bill. The Express is more suited for fishing where the Sailfish has more family options.

Coudn't have been said better.

Yes, your tow vehicle is the limiter here. I wouldn't go bigger than one of the 22/23 footers with your truck. The weight will burn our your trans and diff, and you'll be bouncing all over the place from the trailer.

I have my eyes on one of the three, Islander, Sailfish, or 265 Express. I'll be hanging on to my duramax, it's a bit overkill for the Adventure, but exactly what we need for a bigger boat.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[LittleMrs]

I have a 265 Express and trailer it. Its heavy but we pull it with a 4WD Ram 1500 - definitely at the max for the truck. If you have bigger truck I wouldn't hesitate to tow it. Its wide so it takes a little getting used to and may need a permit depending upon where you live but the permits are fairly simple to apply for and get.
The boat is very comfortable and I'd not hesitate to take it as far out as I could.

 

[jekyl]

I am not familar with your different towing rules in the US however In Australia we are allowed to tow up to 3.5 Tonne (7,700lbs) with a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4.
My 265 express on an All American alloy trailer is 3.4 Tonne dry.
I tow it to my local ramp which is 30 mins away as well as up the highway 2 hours away and I originally picked it up in the port of Brisbane which is 2 days drive away.
The boat is perfect for my style of fishing and cruising, the width is a really big bonus when you are out there.
Whilst it is not an simple thing to tow , if you take your time, I travel at 55mph on the highway, then it's fine.
Big American tow vehicles are at prohibitive prices here(up to $100,000)
so it is important for me to keep my current tow vehicle. The Landcruiser is superb. After 210,000 km's in 4 years only ever had one problem with the power steering blowing a seal. I love my 4x4 and boat.

 

[gilpri]

Conquest

Some shameless self promotion here:

I have a 265 Express for sale, getting cheaper by the week. You could save enough to buy a trailer, some permits and still have a few years worth of fuel money left

If you're interested take a look:

http://www.greatgrady.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8542

Thanks - Gil

 

[PA228G]

If you had a 3/4 ton truck and woudn't mind stretching the tow limit (9' 6"), a 265 Express or 28' Sailfish would fit the bill. The Express is more suited for fishing where the Sailfish has more family options.

Love my 228 but in a perfect world would "want" the same capabilities/fishing options listed above. Have the 3/4 ton truck (not sure that is a good thing these days) :roll:. Curious as to why the Express is better for fishing.

 

[wahoo33417]

And I will (predictably) put in a vote for the 258. Can be well powered with a pair of F150s, small enough to trailer okay, walk-around gives some weather protection and has one of Grady's more fishing-friendly transoms, IMHO.

Rob

 

[Frank]

With your tow vehicle and the amount of towing you plan, the 22 should be fine and I wouldn't go any bigger than the 257/258. The boats beyond this size become quity heavy and will exceed your tow rating (it must be 7,000 - 7,500, right?).

 

[Grog]

..............Curious as to why the Express is better for fishing.

Larger fuel capacity
Deeper "V"
No walk around (that one's debatable but kids can get around easier and safer with the walk)
No aft cabin
No euto-transom (makes more of a difference to some)


The Sailfish has more family friendly features where the Express cut out some of the family extras.

 

[conquest23]

Thanks for all the comments.

What is the name of the 265? Is it also called a sailfish. I do like the express but not the closed transom since I dive also and need ease for getting on board.

As for the truck, I figured I would find the right boat then find the right truck. I agree the 1500 pushes the limit on towing.

The walk around does give you that extra hard top for he shade and also the cold weather cover.

 

[plymouthgrady]

I know the 23' Gulfstream has a 9'3" beam but it will take twins, is an all around awesome boat and if you get pulled over for being 9" over the max the cop is having a REALLY slow day.

 

[CJBROWN]

Thanks for all the comments.

What is the name of the 265? Is it also called a sailfish. I do like the express but not the closed transom since I dive also and need ease for getting on board.

As for the truck, I figured I would find the right boat then find the right truck. I agree the 1500 pushes the limit on towing.

The walk around does give you that extra hard top for he shade and also the cold weather cover.

The 265 Express is it's name. Sounds like you should check out the Grady factory site. In the CUSTOMER SERVICE section there are PDF brochures for all models, all years, offer all specs.

The Express has a boarding ladder like all of the other models, although the euro-style transom on the Sailfish and Islander offer more room back there. The downside is that for fishing the motors are about four feet from standing in the cockpit. The Express allows you to stand almost directly in front of the motors. Rear seat is fold-up option, not built in like the IS/SF. For diving I suppose there would be an edge to the euro transom.

All boats can have a hardtop. Without a hardtop, most boats have a bimini and canvas package that encloses the helm in inclement weather. The hardtop does offer more handholds and rodholders, and an electronics box overhead. It also adds windage, weight, and fixed height if you're trailering. Good place to mount a radar and antennas tho.

Walk arounds have a recessed walking deck around the house, the Express is flush and more narrow.

EDIT: Couple'a more differences...
The Express has a center helm position with passenger seating both sides, which a lot of people really like. The WA's have a pilot helm to starboard with a passenger seat or optional built-in seating bench/area. The Express has no dinette/table, the refer mounts under the v-bunk. The WA's have a foot well and convertible dinette. The Sailfish and larger models have an additional berth in the aft cabin under the helm area.

 

[Gmanoffshore]

I will throw my vote in for a 268/270 Islander with twins,8.5 beam,cabin and I tow mine a good bit with a 2006 F150 Super Crew and have had no problems.