Grady 258 & 282 input

[Scale Chaser]

I sold my 208 Adventure a few months ago and am currently researching my next Grady. The #1 model on my short list is the 265 Express (2003 & newer). I'm also researching the 258 Journey and the 282 Sailfish. I'm looking at the 258 for it's trailerability and the 282 for it's capabilities of sleeping 2 adults and 2 children, if need be. I would really like to hear some feedback on both the 258 & the 282. Please let me know of both good and bad of these models. The area I live (Upper Michigan) really limits me on being able to set foot on these without driving 500 to 1000 miles to do so. I appreciate any input. Thanks!

Brad

 

[family affair]

I drove 1100 miles to get my Voyager (same as the Journey) back in October. Long drive, but worth it for a perfect machine at an unreal price.

I had considered an islander for better on board livability, but ended up going with the Voyager for the lower operating cost and better performance for playing (single outboard vs twins).
As for trailering, getting this thing in and out of the water with 2 people is a chore (at least with my trailer), but it least it is still trailerable. With some more practice and modification, I think I can make it more convenient. Any of the newer half ton pick-ups will trailer without issue as long as you don't settle for less than a Ford 5.4 v8 with a 6-speed automatic. I rented a 5.7 Tundra to bring mine back and aside from the gas mileage it was easy to forget it was behind the truck!

If you truly think you will do regular overnights, you don't mind twice the fuel consumption, don't plan on skiing or tubing, and don't mind being unable to trailer the boat; go big!

 

[LUNDINROOF]

I have a 283 that is close to the weight of the 282 and I pull it with a 1/2 ton suburban. I pull it on 100 mile trips three or four times/year and once on a 550 mile trip. I pull it at 60 mph on the interstate and between 50 and 60 on smaller roads and have had no problem.

We have a pretty good launch to use and the suburban groans a little pulling it out of the water but gets the job done. I have 4-wheel drive on the suburban but never use it to come out of the water.

Go big!

 

[Scale Chaser]

Thanks for the input so far, guys! I have a 2007 Suburban that will be my tow vehicle. We will have a dock slip here in my hometown but do have a few trips per year about 100 miles from home. Nice to here my vehicle could get this done.

Is there anything about either of these boats that you owner would like to see different or things that are great. For example, my favorite model is the 265 Express and some feedback I have received is that the center helm can make it kind of tight getting into the cabin. Some also say its not a problem either and love the center helm while under way. Any pros and cons of any of these models is much appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[wdlfbio]

2007 282 12,500# and my 2007 2500HD Chevy cc, longbed, with Duramax/Allison knows full well the boat is back there. No way you should consider safely towing that boat with a 1/2ton.

I suspect you could sleep mom and small kid in the midberth and dad and small kid in the forward V-berth. But I don't think it would be comfy for two adults in the V-berth.

 

[Scale Chaser]

Great info wdlfbio. I luckily have (2) GMC 3/4 ton diesels (dad & father-in law) and (1) GMC 1 ton dually diesel (stepdad) that I can use just about anytime. So, I won't even bother thinking my Suburban would do the job.

How is that 282 for rockiness while trolling. That is one thing that concerns me about the 282. My father-in law has an Albemarle 26' with a 8'6" beam and boy does that boat lean with 2 guys in one corner. So I was wondering how a 28' boat would be with a 9'6" beam, hopefully not the same!

Thanks for the info, all very valuable!

 

[wdlfbio]

very stable. We fished the Pacific NW for tuna this summer with 5 guys aboard each trip. had some pretty cruddy stuff to deal with. Search wdlfbio in youtube for some of the ugly stuff.

 

[Scale Chaser]

Thanks for the valuable info wdlibio!

Great video clips....they speak a thousand words for the boat and it fishability. I love the video titled " dance". Done that sort of things with multiple salmon on at once here in the Great Lakes. It a terrible problem to have!

 

[Desperado]

I trailer my 272 (same hull as 282) without a problem other than height. I use a F350 or diesel Excursion. My wife and I can launch and recover the boat with me doing all of the work. Once you get it down the only thing the second person needs to do is give you hand signals on which direction the bow eye needs to go to the roller. I have overnighted with two adults and two small kids. My wife and I in the V berth and the kids (4 & 5 years old) in the aft berth. Good luck, I am sure either boat will make you happy.

 

[reelbeliever]

Hi,

I got a 2006 GW 258 last June. Love the boat. Mine has a bimini, single F250. Very economical to operate. I have a trailer for it although I keep the boat in a slip most of the time.

With the trailer I can bring it home to do my own maintenance. Saves me money. I also take a couple of side trips to add variety. I think it adds value to having the boat. It is a bit of chore to load and unload. I have a bunk trailer, might be easier with a roller trailer. I tow with a Jeep Commander V-8. It's OK for occasional towing.

The 258 has great ride and handling for the most part. I do take it off shore to about 20-30 miles. Handles a 3-4 sea just fine for its size. With a single it can be a little hard to maneuver into a slip. I find it hard to turn, especially if the wind is blowing directly on the beam.

I think the cabin is fine for 1-2 people for maybe one night. But that is subjective.

-reelbeliever

 

[wdlfbio]

A couple weekends ago we made a 100 mile RT ride, most of it in either head on or following 2-3' windwaves, with the occassional 3'+. After getting pounded trying to do about 18-20 mph, I increased the rpms to 4,500 and lowered the tabs to about 70% and we rode right on top of EVERYTHING at 32ish mph (GPS), with just a little bouncing. We even hit a few of those 3'+ guys and looked at each other with grimmaces as we held on for the expected pounding. Nope. Went from peak to peak and had big smiles on our faces. There were a few times when I needed to go beam to the wind and waves and that flat out sucked. I really slowed for that until I could get a better tack.

Contrary to what one poster is saying about the 282 in tight 3-5' chop, I'm very happy with this rig.

 

[journeyman]

Any of the boats you are looking at in this range will make you a happy boater. The size difference will definitely add to the number of boating days next season for you.

We have had our 258 for 4 years now and absolutely love this boat! It was a huge jump and difference from our 208 which we had for 8 years before that. We trailered it for a year with no issues before getting a slip and, as Reelbeliever said, I like the option of having a trailer for the convenience. We go out on many days that wouldn't have been at all comfortable with our Adventure.

That being said, there are a few things that we wish we had. The first is for the Admiral. A separate head. Moving cushions and gear around to access the john is a little bit of a PIA. Next, the 258 is a great boat for what it is. What it is not is a weekender. The cabin is great for storage and changing but rather small to be spending much time in. The only other thing is for me. I wish I had Twins. Getting into our slip can be a challenge sometimes. I watch my neighbors come in with 2 screws with some jealousy. This though can be rectified if I ever need to repower.

No matter which you end up with, isn't it great fun looking at new(er) boats? Good Luck!!!

 

[Grady678]

Thanks for the input so far, guys! I have a 2007 Suburban that will be my tow vehicle. We will have a dock slip here in my hometown but do have a few trips per year about 100 miles from home. Nice to here my vehicle could get this done.

Is there anything about either of these boats that you owner would like to see different or things that are great. For example, my favorite model is the 265 Express and some feedback I have received is that the center helm can make it kind of tight getting into the cabin. Some also say its not a problem either and love the center helm while under way. Any pros and cons of any of these models is much appreciated.

Thanks!!

Looks like trailering is going to steer the decision. Roundtrip 3 times a year is going to be 600 too many miles with a 1/2 ton. The 258 is fine for trailering in-town with the 1/2 ton. Keep it under 50, if possible. Good luck....all nice boats and I have been on all you mentioned.

 

[Scale Chaser]

Thanks for all the input, guys! I think I would be happy with any of the models I'm looking at, too! I always want to ask questions before I purchase a boat rather then after.

 

[family affair]

Is trailering in excess of 8'6" an issue in MI? It is a big deal here in Ohio especially if you need to hit the turnpike.

 

[Scale Chaser]

Trailering anything wider then 8'6" can an issue. The state law is 8'6". However in the U.P. the roads are not as crowded and patrolled. It usually takes something pretty obvious (10' +) to really draw attention. The boat would be slipped in Marquette 95% of the time. It would get moved to Lake Michigan for the month of July and that's about it. So, 9'6" or so doesn't worry me much!

 

[GW VOYAGER]

The issue may lie in if you have a wreck with towing oversize without a permit.
The lawyers for other party will eat your lunch even if the other party is at fault. JMO so be careful.

 

[Scale Chaser]

Great point GW Voyager! For the low price of a permit it would be a good idea to get one! Thanks!!

 

[Scale Chaser]

Ok.......let's say I decided on the 258 Journey out of these 2 models. Now I need some feedback and opinions about single F250 vs twin F150's. I will need to put a small kicker (9.9 4-stroke is ideal) off the back as well for the type of trolling we do here in the Great Lakes so keep that in mind. Thanks in advance.

 

[Scale Chaser]

:hmm Doesn't anybody have any experience or opinion about the GW 258 Journey with the single F250 setup or the twin F150 setup? Please let me know if anyone has experience with either of these options. I know each has its pros and cons but I'm wondering what would be the better way to go in your opinion. Thanks alot!