Joining the Ranks of Grady Captains!!

[sfc2113]

Hi, Just signed up and thought I would intoduce myself, I am a retired US Army Nation Guard NCO, and have been out about 1 year now, While I was in Cuba (GTMO) I found a new passion for boating! Running around on skiffs in the bay was a blast and the fishing was to say the least , unreal!.. from Grouper to Red snapper you name it we caught it. It was like untouched fishing grounds. I told myself when I got home I was buying a boat right after I retire.

Any way, I am 41 now and just got a Grady White. It is a used 20ft 204 c (1986) with a 175hp Evinrude Ocean pro (1998) I will try to get pics up. My descision to get a Grady was based on its safety record. Or, from what I read online anyway. I had to move fast to get this one as it was priced to sell. Came with all working electronics and turn key ready (I hope). I have all the maintenance records and the compression report from the engine is good. The whole thing has been shrink wrapped and winterized. It was kept in the salt water and needs some new bottom paint. But I will be trailering it so I may just get the paint soda blasted off and leave it.

I live in the Long beach island ares of NJ and have never been out into the big blue (or Greenish bown for NJ area) ocean. I have been looking around this forum and have found some real good tips, ect.

I look forward to interacting with you all and if you have any advice or questions for me please shoot it my way.



SFC2113

 

[fishingFINattic]

Welcome aboard and thank you for your service time.

You will be able to get into some greay fishing come April/May in your area - and it will only get better as the days get longer!

Tim

 

[LittleMrs]

Thank you for your service to our great country.

And welcome to the forum ! Enjoy your Grady and happy fishing !

 

[seasick]

Welcome aboard!

 

[GulfGrady]

Welcome

 

[Ky Grady]

Welcome Aboard

 

[magicalbill]

It's because of you and others like you that we can enjoy boating and the passions of life as free people..Thank you doesn't seem like enough to say..

The rig you have will be fine in light to moderate conditions. It'll get wet and crappy if the winds go over 15-20 knots and you have a resulting 2-3 foot wind-driven sea.
There are others with much more hull knowledge than myself that hopefully will chime in. I would certainly keep an eye on the transom and possible soft spots in the decking.
There could be problems later on with an older saltwater engine..

All that said, you have one of the best boats made, and it'll be easy to trailer, store and launch and retrieve.
Have fun with it..You certainly deserve to...

Have a great New Year.

 

[catch22]

Welcome and.... THANK YOU.

 

[cdwood]

sfc, welcome and thank you. I have an 85 204c that I run out of Ship Bottom, great boat for these waters, quite capable of running 10 to 20 miles out. Which btw will put you into water that will surprise you with it's color and clarity. Definitely get the transom checked!!!!!

 

[mronzo]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Capt Bill]

Welcome, and thank you for your service. My first Grady was a brand new 204c, back in 1990. I very good and capable boat, she feels roomier than a 20 footer. Since you got her wrapped and winterized, there's a few things you could be doing over the winter months.

Check all the fuse blocks, fuses, and even the in-line fuse holders, particularly that 30A one back by the battery. They tend to get dampness and corrosion, living in a salt environment. So I would remover each fuse, clean the fuse holder clips, and replace the fuse with a new one of the correct value. Do 'em all, and save the old ones as spares, (after cleaning them with WD-40 or alcohol).

Take up all the deck-plates, andleave them off during the winter, to dry out under the deck. Meanwhile, get a flashlight, and inspect the area for anything that doesn't look right; cracked fuel lines, split water lines, carefully inspect all the thru-hull fittings, and consider replacing them all, if they are the original plastic ones. Change them out to bronze, and replace hoses, especially scupper hoses and fittings. If they have never been replaced, they definitely need it.

Look closely at the fuel tank. If it is original, it may be at end-of-life. They are aluminum, and develop pin-holes on top, and corrosion occurs where it comes in contact with the supports.

Make sure your steering cables are working smoothly, and grease the fittings on the steering and tilt-tubes on the engine.

Make sure your ground tackle is all in order, all lights working, and get any other safety gear you may need.

That's enough to get you started in the right direction, in order to have an enjoyable 1st season with your new boat, minimizing chances of any down-time.

And most of all, be safe boating, and enjoy your boat.

 

[cdwood]

Don't forget that Jersey requires a boating course and they do check you out on the water.

 

[Grog]

I missed the whole Jersey part, you need the boat safety cert. West Marine, Power Squadron,... all have courses. I'm not sure if you can test out anymore but check into it. They may not go out and ask for it but if something happens and you don't have it you're in trouble. I go out of Manasquan but sometimes fish off of Seaside. A good hang-out down there is Tices Shoal.

 

[Average Joe]

Welcome aboard Captain

 

[White Horses (Mike)]

You're going to have a great time with it! Congratulations!

 

[sfc2113]

Thanks so much everyone! I guess I have allot of work to do before going out! I made a list out of everything you suggested. Dont know how I am going to get inside with all the shrink wrap so tight, but I guess I can wait till the worst of the winter is over then get in and get to work


Got my self scheduled for a safety class in Feb in Forked River, NJ
They told me the cert card I have from GTMO cannot be transfered. Oh well.

PS: keep up with the yellow ribbon car magnets, (I know there a pain to keep on) the guys really notice them when they are home on leave and when they come back from duty. It really warms their hearts knowing they are being supported by everyone at home and makes their jobs so much easier. It is an honor to serve this great country and will do so again if called on.

Here are the pics: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

[sfc2113]

sfc, welcome and thank you. I have an 85 204c that I run out of Ship Bottom, great boat for these waters, quite capable of running 10 to 20 miles out. Which btw will put you into water that will surprise you with it's color and clarity. Definitely get the transom checked!!!!!

Wow! 10-20 miles! that sounds like tuna country or bigger. Kewl. To think of it I really did not know a boat this size should go out the intels. I have seen some small ones go out but hang around a mile or so to the shore line.
I hope maybe one day if you dont mind to follow you out there and maybe you can show me the ropes of deep sea travel and catchin the BIG ones!. I have the gear just don't have the knowledge. But I am a quick learned....

 

[cdwood]

sf, if your carrying 60+ gallons of fuel at a mile per gal. there is your range. To run out that far you need to pick your days carefully. Use multiple sources for weather reports ie; NOAA, Marine band VHF etc.

Also remember regarding fuel use, one third out, one third back, leaving one third as a margin for safety. Do you have GPS? It may show you the artificial reefs. Barnegat Reef is about 7 miles ENE from Barnegat inlet. Good spot to start. Hope the motor's in good shape, perfect match for that boat, looks good to.

 

[hotajax]

New Grady Boat Captain

Hey, Welcome Home and thank you for your service. I'm ex-USN, and I spent alot of time in GITMO in peace-time days. I know what you mean about the spectacular fishing and diving. I did not have time to read all the posts in this thread above mine, so forgive me if I repeat something above.

Two things to consider: It's a buyer's market out there on used boats, and don't be afraid to attempt to get a great deal for yourself, especially if you're going up against a broker. One of the most mind-numbing experiences I had was going up against a broker in North Jersey who represented the New York crowd. I ended up getting a good deal in the end, but I really had to work for it. Save yourself alot aggravation and try to buy privately, your blood pressure will be much better off. There are also boats for sale along the roadways near the coast in NJ, seen some sweet deals sitting out there on trailers.

Boating safety course: NJ Sailing School in Point Pleasant NJ. Very professional, nice people, and well-appointed classroom area. Good luck and thanks again.

 

[Grog]

When you're more comfortable, the slough or little italy (lower part of the mud-hole) will be in range. Bluefin are usually there by August, but be careful, you're out in the shipping lanes. If you're leaving from Barnegate the North and South ridges usually have fish. If you can find someone to go with the, lobster claw was a great producer last year.