Grady Voyager vs Journey

[Gern]

Hello there,

New guy here. I've owned three Grady's over the past 20 years and currently have a 248 with twin F150's. She's a great boat but wondering if the extra length of the 258 hull makes her a bit more gentle on the ride. I know with my 248, the hole shot is a bit lagging and she needs a lot of trim to keep her from slapping in chop but on the other hand, I've never had a boat that drifts as well as the 248 with twins. You just aim her down wind and wherever you steer, she will drift that way and never get sideways. I'd hate to loose that factor should I step into the 258; if the full hull length effects that. Anyone compare the two?

thanks

 

[family affair]

When I have talked to GW customer service, I was told the added running surface was for buoyancy and better overall performance. We only run a single, but like you we have often noticed the 248 needs to be trimmed way down with tabs well above planing speed to get the bow down when loaded. I would think the 258 would be better, but dont have 1st hand experience.

 

[wahoo33417]

Gern: I owned a 2005 258 for 14 years. I loved that boat. But in a closely-spaced, 2' chop, I would have to use a lot of trim tab to push the bow down to keep from pounding. The boat did not like to take waves beyond about where I was standing. But with the tabs, I would get a good ride in a closely-spaced chop of about 2'. By an honest 3' and closely spaced, I could not stay on plane reasonably comfortably. I would have to slow down and plow through.

I have not ridden in a 248 to say just how much difference there is.