Hardtop storage

PT G

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
54
Reaction score
36
Points
18
Age
79
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
Model
Voyager
I am in the process of purchasing a 2000 Voyager 248 and was wondering if anyone has added a storage compartment under the hardtop? If so can you tell me where it is sourced from? TIA
 

Uncle Joe

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
420
Reaction score
152
Points
43
Location
Jamaica Bay, NY
Model
Offshore
I added a soft bag under my hardtop for life jackets. Decided it was too difficult to get in the cabin and dig through my fishing gear to get to the storage compartment under the V berth...especially in a crisis.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JJMag and PT G

Uncle Joe

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
420
Reaction score
152
Points
43
Location
Jamaica Bay, NY
Model
Offshore
 

SkunkBoat

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Messages
4,508
Reaction score
1,614
Points
113
Location
Manasquan Inlet NJ
Website
www.youtube.com
Model
Express 265
You should do some measuring and a mockup with cardboard so you know what will fit your situation.
I'm guessing you don't a have a Grady OEM top with the bubble.
You don't want to have to duck to see and you don't want to hit your head in rough seas.


If you google you'll probably find more.
https://www.marinefiberglassdirect.com/collections/electronics-boxes

You can also make one from starboard or fiberglass & plywood(or pink foam)

or cheaper and lighter with pvc board

Overhead lifejacket storage is a great thing to have.
The t-top bag is a quick & cheap route if you only have basic TypeII jackets.
The OEM grady tops had a mesh enclosure with a zipper. It laced to the hardtop tubing.
You can get Type1 jackets in that.
 
Last edited:

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
I could be wrong, but I think the OP is looking for a replacement storage net for underneath the hardtop on his boat as it appears his doesn't come with one? If that's the case, I believe the original OEM storage nets are made by A&J Canvas in Vanceboro, NC. You also might be able to call Grady White and/or your local GW dealer to see if they can point you in the right direction as well as check Google or even eBay has a good deal or used GW items. If you're in the slightest bit handy... you could probably buy some netting material on Amazon or elsewhere, make your own and attach it under the hardtop as well. I can't image that would take very long or cost very much money at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ilmmct

SkunkBoat

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Messages
4,508
Reaction score
1,614
Points
113
Location
Manasquan Inlet NJ
Website
www.youtube.com
Model
Express 265
I could be wrong, but I think the OP is looking for a replacement storage net for underneath the hardtop on his boat as it appears his doesn't come with one? If that's the case, I believe the original OEM storage nets are made by A&J Canvas in Vanceboro, NC. You also might be able to call Grady White and/or your local GW dealer to see if they can point you in the right direction as well as check Google or even eBay has a good deal or used GW items. If you're in the slightest bit handy... you could probably buy some netting material on Amazon or elsewhere, make your own and attach it under the hardtop as well. I can't image that would take very long or cost very much money at all.
OP said "added storage compartment"
 

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
OP said "added storage compartment"
Per Google, the definition of compartment is... "a separate section of a structure or container in which certain items can be kept separate from others." Also per Google, a couple of different synonyms for a compartment would be a "pocket" or a "pouch". Based off the definition as well as the above mentioned synonyms of a compartment, I'm not sure why the stock OEM storage net that's attached to the underneath side of the hardtop for some reason wouldn't be considered as a compartment? If the OP's boat doesn't have one, which from the pictures it doesn't appear to, and the OP doesn't realize they came with one as an option from the factory, that could be what he means by "added storage compartment". Perhaps the OP will come back and clarify a bit better as to what they mean.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: SkunkBoat

PT G

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
54
Reaction score
36
Points
18
Age
79
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
Model
Voyager
Is "OP" = original poster? If so that would be me and: a) there is no storage under the hardtop; b) I did not know it was an option from the factory; c) I'm treading lightly because the boat has to be surveyed & sea trialed to complete the purchase. It looks to be a good boat but I have heard/listened to too much about bad transoms in Grady's. I'm baffled a company of the caliber of Grady would have this kind of problem over so many years. But I don't want to do work or secure supplies on a boat I may not own, and I know what Spring can be like if you haven't used the Winter to "get ready!" Conundrum is where I am!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mustang65fbk

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
Is "OP" = original poster? If so that would be me and: a) there is no storage under the hardtop; b) I did not know it was an option from the factory; c) I'm treading lightly because the boat has to be surveyed & sea trialed to complete the purchase. It looks to be a good boat but I have heard/listened to too much about bad transoms in Grady's. I'm baffled a company of the caliber of Grady would have this kind of problem over so many years. But I don't want to do work or secure supplies on a boat I may not own, and I know what Spring can be like if you haven't used the Winter to "get ready!" Conundrum is where I am!!
Indeed, OP is the original poster. She looks like a very clean boat from the pictures and appears to have all of the cushions as well as the canvas. If the boat doesn't have those things, the price starts to go up very quickly. What are you going to do for a trailer? I like the aluminum I-beam style like the ones in the pictures but it says it's not included with the boat. Hopefully you've got one lined up as I hear they can be months out. As long as the hull and motor checks out, I think you're getting a pretty fair deal. I've heard about the transom rot before in the Grady's and think it's more often the older models before they switched to Greenwood XL, which was I believe in 1997? That supposedly helps resist the rot much better than the standard marine grade plywood that was used before. Fingers crossed! But at least you're going about doing it the right way with having a marine surveyor inspect it for you to give you a bit more peace of mind with the purchase. I've purchased 3 boats before, used a surveyor for two of those purchases and would've on the third but they were all 2-3 weeks out. With it being an out of state purchase, I couldn't wait 2-3 weeks for a surveyor so I took the dealer at their word on the motor being in good shape, as well as had a forum member on here come and look at the boat with me. Then when I got the boat back home to Seattle from Maryland, I had my local GW dealer drop the motor to inspect for the dry exhaust corrosion issue, of which there wasn't any. Back to the topic at hand though... I'd contact Grady White directly, or your local dealer to see what they recommend for a storage net or whatever you plan on using underneath the hardtop. I've got the storage net underneath the hardtop on my 2004 GW 228 Seafarer and it's mainly just used for life jackets, but you could put some other things in there as well. Good luck with the purchase, let us know how it all works out!
 
  • Like
Reactions: PT G

PT G

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
54
Reaction score
36
Points
18
Age
79
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
Model
Voyager
Indeed, OP is the original poster. She looks like a very clean boat from the pictures and appears to have all of the cushions as well as the canvas. If the boat doesn't have those things, the price starts to go up very quickly. What are you going to do for a trailer? I like the aluminum I-beam style like the ones in the pictures but it says it's not included with the boat. Hopefully you've got one lined up as I hear they can be months out. As long as the hull and motor checks out, I think you're getting a pretty fair deal. I've heard about the transom rot before in the Grady's and think it's more often the older models before they switched to Greenwood XL, which was I believe in 1997? That supposedly helps resist the rot much better than the standard marine grade plywood that was used before. Fingers crossed! But at least you're going about doing it the right way with having a marine surveyor inspect it for you to give you a bit more peace of mind with the purchase. I've purchased 3 boats before, used a surveyor for two of those purchases and would've on the third but they were all 2-3 weeks out. With it being an out of state purchase, I couldn't wait 2-3 weeks for a surveyor so I took the dealer at their word on the motor being in good shape, as well as had a forum member on here come and look at the boat with me. Then when I got the boat back home to Seattle from Maryland, I had my local GW dealer drop the motor to inspect for the dry exhaust corrosion issue, of which there wasn't any. Back to the topic at hand though... I'd contact Grady White directly, or your local dealer to see what they recommend for a storage net or whatever you plan on using underneath the hardtop. I've got the storage net underneath the hardtop on my 2004 GW 228 Seafarer and it's mainly just used for life jackets, but you could put some other things in there as well. Good luck with the purchase, let us know how it all works out!
The dealer & I worked a trailer into the deal so once I leave his yard I'm on my own hook, line & sinker (well boat, motor & trailer). I'm pretty sure it will be a steel not aluminum trailer, I know it will be bunks not rollers. My tow vehicle is a 2018 Durango SRT, so ive got horsepower and a "tow mode" setting, I just have to watch the weight. The vehicle is rated 8700lbs but I'm targeting 7800-8000lbs for road trips. I was trying to follow the Jeep thread but the wheels came off on that one. The fuel load is the one thing I have control over and I just have to pay attention to fuel burn as we use it. I keep hearing the F250 OX66 is a thirsty motor, but I just had twin 8.1L BB's, I think I know "thirsty!" 250HP on a 24 footer has to be better gaswise versus 850HP pushing a 41. If not I should get on the line to buy the bridge in Brooklyn! Anyway, with a good survey, 40+ mph on the sea trial I hope to be good to go by Easter. This forum has been a real bonus so far!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mustang65fbk

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
The dealer & I worked a trailer into the deal so once I leave his yard I'm on my own hook, line & sinker (well boat, motor & trailer). I'm pretty sure it will be a steel not aluminum trailer, I know it will be bunks not rollers. My tow vehicle is a 2018 Durango SRT, so ive got horsepower and a "tow mode" setting, I just have to watch the weight. The vehicle is rated 8700lbs but I'm targeting 7800-8000lbs for road trips. I was trying to follow the Jeep thread but the wheels came off on that one. The fuel load is the one thing I have control over and I just have to pay attention to fuel burn as we use it. I keep hearing the F250 OX66 is a thirsty motor, but I just had twin 8.1L BB's, I think I know "thirsty!" 250HP on a 24 footer has to be better gaswise versus 850HP pushing a 41. If not I should get on the line to buy the bridge in Brooklyn! Anyway, with a good survey, 40+ mph on the sea trial I hope to be good to go by Easter. This forum has been a real bonus so far!
That's awesome, and good luck on the purchase of the boat! I prefer the aluminum trailers for the sole purpose that they don't tend to rust like the galvanized ones do, but it sounds like you're still getting a good deal. And yes, I definitely prefer bunks over rollers for the trailer. Your tow rig definitely sounds a bit more reassuring with a maximum tow rating at 8,700lbs as opposed to the other OP's Jeep with a maximum tow rating at 7,200lbs and him basically being at that, if not greater. Good luck with the purchase and let us know how it works out for you!
 

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
8,029
Reaction score
1,286
Points
113
I'd go to a boat show and see what comes stock on boats and what is aftermarket. GW uses pfifertex material puts grommets on the edges and lashes it into the hardtop frame. Nice storage for PFDs and other like sized items. Tbags and others as some have stated are nice too. Educate yourself on the options and pick one that best fits your use case.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PT G

PT G

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
54
Reaction score
36
Points
18
Age
79
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
Model
Voyager
How come I can't find the pictures ???
From what I can tell mustang did a search and found the boat I am in the process of buying as it is labeled "sale pending." In reading his reply I was wondering the same thing as I hadn't posted anything except my avatar. Some pretty good stealth action if that's the case! It's not like you are looking for a Sea Ray, even though there are a lot of Grady-Whites out there if you narrow down to models and year they can be found. I will say coming from a couple of Formula sites my bar for boating standards is high but this site is measuring up for the most part, the Jeep towing thread was a disappointment but otherwise the information here has been on point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Uncle Joe

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,577
Reaction score
682
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
From what I can tell mustang did a search and found the boat I am in the process of buying as it is labeled "sale pending." In reading his reply I was wondering the same thing as I hadn't posted anything except my avatar. Some pretty good stealth action if that's the case! It's not like you are looking for a Sea Ray, even though there are a lot of Grady-Whites out there if you narrow down to models and year they can be found. I will say coming from a couple of Formula sites my bar for boating standards is high but this site is measuring up for the most part, the Jeep towing thread was a disappointment but otherwise the information here has been on point.
I swear I'm not that creepy haha! In your first post you mentioned the boat in question was a "2000 Voyager 248", of which I then went to Google and typed in "2000 Grady White 248 Voyager for sale". The search results popped up with both BoatTrader.com as well as Boats.com and there was only one 2000 model year boat on each of those sites for sale. I looked at the small avatar picture for your username and the boat/trailer looked very similar, and enlarging your avatar picture showed the two to be the same boats/trailers. With the location that you have listed on your profile as well as the location of the boat, that was also another give away that it was the boat you were considering buying. With there being a "Sale Pending" flag on Boats.com I'm assuming it's ok to share the link? Looks like a nice, clean boat. Hopefully everything falls into place with the survey/purchase of it!

 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Uncle Joe and PT G

PT G

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
54
Reaction score
36
Points
18
Age
79
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
Model
Voyager
I swear I'm not that creepy haha! In your first post you mentioned the boat in question was a "2000 Voyager 248", of which I then went to Google and typed in "2000 Grady White 248 Voyager for sale". The search results popped up with both BoatTrader.com as well as Boats.com and there was only one 2000 model year boat on each of those sites for sale. I looked at the small avatar picture for your username and the boat/trailer looked very similar, and enlarging your avatar picture showed the two to be the same boats/trailers. With the location that you have listed on your profile as well as the location of the boat, that was also another give away that it was the boat you were considering buying. With there being a "Sale Pending" flag on Boats.com I'm assuming it's ok to share the link? Looks like a nice, clean boat. Hopefully everything falls into place with the survey/purchase of it!

I'm disappointed you used "assuming" in your reply! LOL! I put enough down the dealer will hold it or we can go to court to see how much of a partner I will be!! On his behalf he preps his boats to show really well. Next time I'm looking for somebody or some thing I can say "I got a guy!"
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mustang65fbk