Marlin 300 vs 330 - Tournaments & Overnighting

[Wsjr1]

Thanks in advance.

I’ve been reading threads on this site for a long time and thought I’d ask your opinion.

Wanted to get help narrowing down a boat or managing our expectations.

Started out considering a Pursuit 3370 & Grady White 330 Express.

At this point while I’m leaning Grady for many reasons, but also beam and size of mid berth.

Searched and read a lot of threads.

Looking for a boat to:
1. Slip in Virginia Beach.2. Overnight occasionally / weekend - Wife & I and 2 kids ages 8 & 4.
3. Family time, inshore & nearshore fishing.
4. Would like fish Tournaments near or out of Va Beach - like VA Beach Tuna Tournament etc.
5. Optional offshore 65 miles(ish) a few times year with ability to pick days.
6. 1-1.5 hour drive to boat.
7. Prefer Genset & AC/Heat

I’ve compared to many diesel expresses and the ability to have the Mid Berth seems a major plus on outboard models in this range. Like the Albemarles, but overnighting seems tougher unless I go up to > 36’ Albemarle. Otherwise, its bunks on top of each other. (Could be wrong).

A jump to a Sportfish or Convertible to feel like a condo seems like a leap in expenses and everything else, am I wrong?

Not opposed to other makes and models. Thought about a Wellcraft Coastal 290, but fuel capacity seems low amongst other things.

After a lot of conversation what do you think about a Marlin 300 versus a 330 given my wants?

Could they both fish tournaments, or are either or the Marlin limited?
Would the 330 be that much bigger feeling for overnighting?

Though I’d rather buy the next one this time.

Budget, thinking $100-$139 - could be higher if I have to wait 3 months to figure this out.

 

[Fishtales]

Sounds like the 330. It is a full cabin for overnighting and the kids only will get bigger.. Both cockpits are approx the same for fishing

 

[mmiela]

Looking at the pics on website the 330 cabin looks a little nicer than the marlin. I would go with the 330 in your situation.

 

[Lsquared]

we came from a silverton 330 and was going to upgrade to a Luhrs 41. I can promise you wont like the maintenance cost of diesels. At your price point which was same as mine you are looking at a slightly older boat with about 1000 hours or more. That will require the intercooler, aftercooler, heat exchangers turbo maintenance and injectors. On a yanmar that will be around 6k per engine. I was shooting to go the Marlin but opted for the 282 which was slightly more trailerable. the Marlin or 330 will offer more space for overnighting but not for days on end for a family of four IMHO. The range on the Gradys are awesome, that was my primary wish. I had a 24 regal with the aft birth like that and the person against the wall will feel claustrophobic.
I too looked at the pursuit which is a good boat but found it to be more tight in the cabin, especially the head, than the Grady.

There is some of my experience, hope this helps but most of all best of luck in your decision.

 

[drbatts]

I looked hard at both boats before buying my current boat. I would have gone with the 330, however I was limited as far as dock space. The 330 has more interior room, plus you can you can also fit more people in the helm area under the hardtop. Maintenance costs between the 2 are going to be similar as they both have similar outboards, genny etc. If you would rather buy the next one this time, then i think you answered your own question, go big.