I am in the market for a used Marlin... Trying to determine the changes in model years... It seems like up to 1994, and after 2005, there was no built in stern seat (which I like ).. Is that right ? Were all years built with the same hull ? Full running bottom ? Also seems that the cabin has never changed in basic design and measurements. Any information or sharing of knowledge on these Gradys would be greatly appreciated.
Marlin experts.. share some info please
- Thread starter ttles714
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The full running bottom started in 1997.
Can't help you on the built in seats, don't care for them myslef.
Can't help you on the built in seats, don't care for them myslef.
The 2004 redesign replaced the integrated seat with the folddown version. The biggest advantage of this was moving the fishbox to the transom. It is much larger than the older version. Other changes in 2004 were a cabin update, helm redesign including the flush mount option, pulpit changes for underhanging anchor, and a few others.
For engine power, starting in 2002 the Marlins went with the 250 4-strokes. I think it was in 2004-05 that the gensets went to a diesel.
As far as the built-in bench seat in the back, I use it as my bait prep area on my 2001 Marlin.
I had a 1/4" Starboard bait board cut using the seat cushion as the template. See above photo. At just 1/4", I can stow it under the cushion when still using the area as a regular seating area. Here are my buddies during an 8-hour, non-stop, 200nm run from Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas back to my home dock in Ft Lauderdale two years ago.......
In four summers, we have made 11 trips to the Bahamas and we LOVE this boat! I only wish that they made a 34-foot version!
As far as the built-in bench seat in the back, I use it as my bait prep area on my 2001 Marlin.
I had a 1/4" Starboard bait board cut using the seat cushion as the template. See above photo. At just 1/4", I can stow it under the cushion when still using the area as a regular seating area. Here are my buddies during an 8-hour, non-stop, 200nm run from Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas back to my home dock in Ft Lauderdale two years ago.......
In four summers, we have made 11 trips to the Bahamas and we LOVE this boat! I only wish that they made a 34-foot version!
wahoo33417
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TTLES: Grady's website has all the catalogs and you can see the year-to-year changes here:
http://www.gradywhite.com/customer/catalogs/
http://www.gradywhite.com/customer/catalogs/
Horsepower ratings increased over the last five years also. Rating was 500 until arounfd 2005, now rated at 700hp.
Windshield was made taller in 2005 or 2006.
Hardtop got modified over the years, this allowed the storage underneath.
More options and standard equipment were available every year.
Weight increased over the years as well, the new boats are about one thousand pounds heavier then the older versions.
Engines were mounted further apart in the past few years.
I could go on, but I think you would be best served by studying the online brochures.
Windshield was made taller in 2005 or 2006.
Hardtop got modified over the years, this allowed the storage underneath.
More options and standard equipment were available every year.
Weight increased over the years as well, the new boats are about one thousand pounds heavier then the older versions.
Engines were mounted further apart in the past few years.
I could go on, but I think you would be best served by studying the online brochures.
I too am looking for a used Marlin. Inspected a 1996 today and it appeared to have a full running bottom, ie. hull extended aft to the motors, unlike my current boat with a bracket. Were the earlier Marlins configured more like a bolt on bracket, wherein the engines where mounted on an extended transom but the running bottom ended at a false transom?
The earlier marlins were considered 28' boats as the running surface ended ended about 2' in front of the transom where the outboards were hung. In other words, if you faced the transom, the bottom of the boat was about two or three inches higher than the rest of the bottom. This was done on almost every larger hull (over 23') when Grady started to integrate the transom brackets into the hull itself (Euro Style) back in 1989. A 1996 marlin almost certainly did not have the 30' runnig surface. There was a 'step' in the hull for the last two feet or so until they changed the design (around 1999 on the marlin).
The 96 Marlin you looked at must have been in the water. If the boat was on blocks you wouldn't be asking about it.
It's not obvious since you don't know what to look for while in the water.
The full bottom started on the Marlin in 1997, the Sailfish in 1998.
Irrespective of the Marlin's model number (just like the Sailfish), it didn't change in length, beam, cabin space, bridge area, cockpit, you name it.
It's not obvious since you don't know what to look for while in the water.
The full bottom started on the Marlin in 1997, the Sailfish in 1998.
Irrespective of the Marlin's model number (just like the Sailfish), it didn't change in length, beam, cabin space, bridge area, cockpit, you name it.
Thanks for your input Bob! Actually, the boat is on a trailer and it's clear that the hull form continues through to the transom without a step. Our 23' Sportcraft has a full transom with a bolt-on bracket, like the earlier Grady's, so I am familiar with that style and it's limitations. I guess my question was more of whether there were additional improvements to the running surface for increased weight of larger outboards.
After looking at dozens of Marlins online at yachtworld and boattrader, it apperars that Grady made the change to a full running bottom sometime during the 1996 model year. I have found good pics of Marlin's on trailers and blocks showing both hull forms. And you're right, it's plainly obvious when the boat is out of the water! On some pics you can see where the hull ends before the bracket while in the water.
Forgot to mention that the hull ID# indicates it is indeed a 1996 model.
Anyway, thanks for the input. This is a great site and we are looking forward to becoming Marlin owners. Greg
After looking at dozens of Marlins online at yachtworld and boattrader, it apperars that Grady made the change to a full running bottom sometime during the 1996 model year. I have found good pics of Marlin's on trailers and blocks showing both hull forms. And you're right, it's plainly obvious when the boat is out of the water! On some pics you can see where the hull ends before the bracket while in the water.
Forgot to mention that the hull ID# indicates it is indeed a 1996 model.
Anyway, thanks for the input. This is a great site and we are looking forward to becoming Marlin owners. Greg