I went with the Marlin!

[sickday]

Thanks to everyone who gave their input! I bounced around a little between the Marlin and the 265 Express. I loved the Express helm, and sporty look, but I had to go with size and practicality over style etc.

My 2001 Marlin comes nicely outfitted with a Furuno Fish finder (8" screen), outriggers, radar, vhf, new bottom paint, fully serviced Yamaha Saltwater 250's, wax/polish detail etc, stereo system, windlass, full enclosure (good condition), new 5/8" nylon dock lines, a fresh coat of bottom paint and all of the features that come standard on the Marlin 300. The boat runs and looks like new!

Got the financing last week, I should take delivery later this week or next. Just waiting on the surveys. I expect them to go well.

I'll post pics as soon as I take some with a camera other than my cell phone.

The only thing I need now is a Charplotter. A local dealer is turning me onto a Garmin 4208 (around $1,400) Seems like the 4208 has a ton of features that I really dont need. I want a big 8-10", detail charts and a clear image (day light or dark). Any thoughts/recommendations?

 

[mronzo]

Congratulations! I'm sure you'll like it alot!
Good luck!

 

[ElyseM]

congratulations!

i'm a garmin fan. i would go with a larger screen though.

 

[Grog]

I feel Garmin has the best chartplotters, they have a lot of features but it's easy to navigate through them. The screen issues of the previous generation is solved with the new ones.

 

[wahoo33417]

Congrats on the Marlin!

I also use a 4208. I think garmin's user interface is among the best. And they seem to be good about continually updating and improving the software. I like the fact that I can superimpose XM weather on the navigation screen. Some that I looked at didn't do that nearly as well, if at all.

Rob

 

[my retreat]

Garmin

I have a 4208 and love it! My only recommendation is moving to the 5208 touch screen which provides easier entering of data.

HB

 

[fishingFINattic]

Congrats on the newest edition!
Tim

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Congrats on your new Marlin. I also have Garmin 4212 and i'm very happy. I think they make the best chartplotter. Good luck with the servey.

 

[jekyl]

well the upside is you got the bigger boat........the downside is you may have missed out on the opportunity to be a part of the most exclusive of all Grady clubs..........

Just Kidding, congrats, may you have many restful nights and may all your fish be big.

 

[sickday]

Thank you very mch for the thoughts! I feel very fortunate to be an official part of this forum now (as an owner :lol: ) Cheers to the Grady White family! Long live the company!!!!!!

Matt

 

[Capt Armchair]

Congrats m8, I bought my '04 off gerrys on this forum. I love it. Use it not nearly enough, but I think it is a great all purpose, extremely well built rig. Solid and can take a beating.

Little Marlin Story for you...

Last summer, shortly after I bought it, I got caught in 6-7 foot quartering sea, (I got about 2 mi out and turned around) with an occasional wave that would splash on the hardtop, and it was nerve racking, the only other boat near me, was a 50+ ft sport fisher, and we both decided to head in.

Inlet was messy, mis-timed a following sea at one point and dove down the trough off a big a$$ wave coming in the SLI inlet, I saw green water for a sec in my glass. Also scary but she handled them well. Took about 5 secs for the cockpit to clear 8" of water.

I was nervous while out there, and glad to get in and once in, was happy at how solid the boat is. It can handle alot more than I can, provided the motors keep turning.

Grady Whites are boats you can be proud of. Many congrats, have mucho fun bud!

 

[sickday]

Good story! The dealer mentioned the draining capabilities of the deck, I just hoped that I wouldn't have to put it to the test that often. Thanks for the sharing.

 

[Capt Armchair]

Good story! The dealer mentioned the draining capabilities of the deck, I just hoped that I wouldn't have to put it to the test that often. Thanks for the sharing.

No Problem m8, post some pics of your new ride soon!

 

[Bassman]

I really like my 4208, especially the XM weather overlay that shows stoms coming in..