Looking for info on Marlin and 305 express

[teaklejr]

Wife and I think we have finally decided to make an upgrade from our 1997 Tigercat that we truly loved for the past 11 years. As of lately we haven't been fishing much but still stay on boat at least 1 night every weekend from April till November and feel we need something a little more comfortable and more room. I am very interested in either a Marlin 2003-2008 or a 305 Express. We will only be keeping it in the water April-November and will store it on a trailer at our shop the rest of the year. I know either one will need permits to trailer or just have a professional do the trailering. My main question is which one from you all who have either owned one have overnighted on one seems to have the best layout. It's just the two of us no kids or pets. How easy is the mid berth to get in and out of and is the forward berth really big enough for two people? I love our boat and am still having a hard time actually putting her up for sale, still find myself turning around when I leave and just smiling looking at her. That's why I am a little scared to move on, don't want any regrets on our next purchase but think we take the leap on hope our next Grady is as good as our first one. Any insight pro's or con's would be great.

I know the Express 330 would be a great choice but think it's a little more than we need.

 

[g0tagrip]

I have a 2007 Marlin. The CINC (my wife) and I took it from Panama City Beach to Islamorada in the Keys,down the West Coast of Florida and stayed on the boat 4 nights on the way down, and two weeks on the way back up. We were comfortable, but it depends on how tall you are and how tall the wife is. I am 5'10" and the CINC is 5-4. We slept in the V berth only, as the mid berth was loaded with clothes, fishing rods and tackle. Our Marlin is air conditioned so we were very comfortable at night. Personally I think the mid berth would be difficult for the CINC to be comfortable and I would not be either. I am a fisherman and the Marlin is perfect for what I had in mind. It is a terrific boat. However, I would ask someone to show you both, as we looked at the 305 before we bought the Marlin and it is more of a cruising boat than the Marlin. Good luck in the hunt, as both are hard to come by, especially ones that have been taken care of.

 

[Fishtales]

I would do the express based on your use case. The cabin is bigger in the 305. I'm not a fan of the center helm, but if overnighting the 305 would be better.
The midbirth is ok for 2 kids or one adult. With just the 2 of you, you can sleep in the V and use the other for storage - unless you want some space away from each other.....

 

[megabytes]

I may be selling my 2004 Marlin in the near future. It is loaded and in great condition. I totally love the boat and am planning to get another one.

 

[teaklejr]

Thanks for the reply's going to try and find a few of each over the winter months and crawl around to see which one feels better to us. I did see a very nice Marlin with 350's yesterday while watching the Blue Angels fly here in Baltimore. Very pretty looking boat and could see myself in one no problem. Have only seen one with 350's for sale and was wondering why more did not come with them. Maybe the extra cost is not worth the small performance gain just guessing.