Need Grady help with different models and pros and cons

[black1]

Hi all

I am new to this forum but have been checking it out for a while now and need some help. I live in South Florida and will be purchasing a boat in December, I am currently interested in Grady White boats because my father has a 27ft chase and also becuase of there great reputation. I do not fish a whole lot, but, will on occasion when I get my boat, I mainly spearfish and dive so I am looking for a good boat to do this with.
I will need ample room for spearguns and gear such as bags with wetsuits, weight belt bucket, spearguns etc, etc. I want a boat around 28 to 30 size with twin 200 or more hp and plenty of space for 2 to 4 people on deck geared up. I also want a boat from around 2000 and newer with space to get a little shade as well and sometimes get out of the sun because I have fair skin. My idea is a walkaround Grady but not sure which is a good model or year to look at and that is were I need some help in understanding the differences and pros and cons of the different models. If you all could help me along with the differences and beam sizes and handling it would be fantastic. I want a boat which can do a good speed to get to dive spots and also handle 2 to 4 ft seas nicely, a boat that handles great in all conditions here in Florida. Thanks all and look forward to talking more.

 

[shadow379]

dive boat

It sounds like you are on the right track. I dive out of a old 1980 240 offshore walk around single 200hp. I was out two days ago and ran into some 7ft seas and she handled great. I did get one decent dive in before it just got too rough. The best thing was while heading back 1.5 hours trip in at 18 kts. we were able to go in the cabin and change clothes for a comfortable ride back into Wrightsville beach...Good luck with your search.

 

[black1]

Thanks Shadow, yes those are some of the attributes that I love about the walkaround Grady's, ability to change clothes comfortably after a dive, private head, take time out from the sun, storage compartments out of the weather, etc, etc.

I am 6'2 and was wondering what model WA has ample head space for someone like me, it would mostly be just me staying on the boat if I do overnights but would like a little room for maybe 2 people to dip into and have a cold drink.

 

[megabytes]

The 282 or 300 would be good choices if you want the space and sea handling ability. I had a 272 (now 282) prior to my current 300. I prefer the Marlin but it is a larger boat in every way. There are some great deals around if you want a lightly used model. The Yamaha F225s and F250 four strokes are very desirable.

You can have a rigging shop make holders for scuba gear. I have seen some boats rigged this way. If you decide to overnight the 300 will have better facilities but of course will also cost more. If you check the GW website you will find details on all models including layout, specs, weight, etc.

282: 28 LOA 9-6 beam around 7K weight
300: 30.5 LOA 10-7 beam around 10K weight

It all comes down to your needs and budget. Someone on this board has a very nice 282 for sale with very low hours. It will show up in a search of recent posts. Good luck!

 

[Bama96]

The 300 Marlin or the 282 Sailfish would be a great boat for you. The Marlin is wider and has more room at the helm than the Sailfish. The aft berth is also larger. You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[black1]

Thank you all for the advice, I will look in to these models.

 

[BobP]

Seems to me you'd have more room for the dive equipment on a center console Bimini or Release, why the need for a walkaround?

You'd save considerable since with the CCs are much less than the cabin models.

And the bigger CCS havd an enlcosed head and lockable storage down there.

I also say CCs ride better than same hull cabins, but that's just me.

 

[Desperado]

I have a 272 that I dive up to 5 divers with 3 tanks each by loading Pelican racks up the center. The Sailfish is a good dive platform for the reasons you mentioned above. I prefer a different style ladder than the ones Grady puts on them, but I am getting used to it.

 

[dduflo]

I have an Islander 270 with twin Yamaha F225s that we use for fishing and diving. 4 or 5 divers and all the gear is no problem. I added a custom made ladder for boarding that makes things much easier than the factory installed one. With an 8 1/2 foot beam it trailers very nicely if mobility is an issue. Good luck and let us know what you decide.