Newbie/Intro/258 questions

[MyGal]

Hi folks, just registered. I have been a recreational boater off and on for the past 40 years. All but 2 were trailer boats that I will stay with going forward. VA area mostly. Last boat was an Albie 24. Had a health event and sold it but that is past me now and am presently an active buyer. A 258 w/T150's is presently #1 on my short list and my wife and I agree that we should go this route.

Don't want to wear out my welcome with my first top 100 questions so I will start with the most important and go from there.

Can this boat be launched/retrieved one person? I had no problem with the Albie 24, rollers. I'm just short of 60 but still maintain my land, cut wood, that sort of thing.

General thoughts on this vessel from current/prior owners.


Thxs

 

[Tuna Man]

Welcome aboard.

As far as launching goes, I do not see a problem with you doing it by yourself if you had no troubles with the Albie. Only concern could be are you in the same physical shape you were when you had the Albie? I assume the Albie was I/O powered and about the same weight (or slightly heavier) than the Grady, so the loading and unloading would be about the same.

I have never ridden on either boat so I cannot compare the two from experience. From what I have read the Albie will handle a headsea much better. The Grady will rock a lot less, be more stable most of the time, consume less fuel (unless the Albie was diesel), offer more space, run faster in 1-2 foot seas, draw less water, less maintenance, etc.

I think you will be pleased with your decision. Make sure you opt for the roller trailer with a good winch. I assume you already have a good tow vehicle.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[MyGal]

I was thinking bunk with slicks for single operation. Why did you suggest rollers? Towing with a GMC 2500HD 4WD 4:10 rear, 6.0L. That part is not a problem. Thxs

 

[Tuna Man]

I am probably the wrong guy to get advise from since I used to only trailer the boat two to four times a year, now won't trailer at all with the larger boat.

Anyway, I have found it much easier to winch up a boat on rolllers when compare to bunks. But this may be incorrect since they were ver different boats and different types of ramps.

I am sure others that tow on a regular basis can offer much more solid advise.

 

[MyGal]

Thanks. The trailer part is not much of an issue with me, roller vs bunk. Probably a bunk, slicks, elec. over hyd.

This will be my first W/A, wife insist and I agree. Target boat is an 07 new, T/F150's. If this doesn't work out I will hold out till oct/nov for an 08.

Had a ride arranged with a customer of the dealer but got weathered out.

 

[wahoo33417]

My Gal: We're very happy with our 258. I think twin 150's will give you good performance and you'll be happy with it. We have 767 hours on the boat, so ask away with any other specific questions.

I fish our 258 by myself quite a bit. It is reasonably easy to handle by yourself. A good cross wind at the dock/ramp can give you a handful by yourself.

I have heard pros and cons regarding roller trailers. Certainly, when well maintained, there is less resistance when winching up the boat. Personally, I prefer bunks with slicks. I just think bunks give the hull better support. I also prefer a two-speed trailer winch. That way you can gain some line quickly when you start winching and then make it a little easier on yourself when you have the full weight of the boat.

I have never tried the power winch - looks like too much trouble to me.

The walkaround passageway on this boat is a bit narrow, in my opinion - especially in bumpy seas. We have the vista top, which I don't consider to be a good hand-hold. But if you're getting the hardtop then this is much less of an issue.

I'd be interested to know how you'll use the boat and in what kind of conditions?

Rob

 

[gradyfish22]

The boat is trailerable and will be easier to launch then the albie, but you will notice a bit of a difference in ride from the albie. Albemarle's are tanks and will run better in a head sea. In other conditions, the Grady may be comparable, and on the drift the Grady will be less tender. Fuel wise, the albie and Grady will be similar unless you had a diesel. With twins, maneuverability will be much improved over a single stern drive or inboard on the albie. I run my 265 Express with twins by myself and handle it with no issue. My Dad runs the boat himself as well with no issues, we find it easier to handle then our previous single engine 22' Grady Seafarer. A walkaround is very nice to have, cuts down on cabin space but offers more fishing room and it is easier to get forward. At times I wish my 265 Express had a walk around, but I would not trade my open big helm for anything.

 

[MyGal]

Thanks folks.

Wahoo33417- We will be mostly in the Chesapeake, close in ocean side with occasional 2 hour runs off VA & NC. I like to pick my days regarding conditions. I don't like getting beat up anymore.

GradyFish22- It has a hardtop. It has to be a walk. Wife says the Albie had become to difficult gettng to the forward deck.

 

[MyGal]

Wahoo33417-

One concern I have with the 258 I'm looking at is when you sight along the side of the hull, forward to aft, at a point about 4 feet forward of the stern, you see a vertical line in the hull. Hard to describe. Saw it on another model. It's like instead of a gradual taper of the beam going aft, it is a more sudden, abrupt point clearly visible.

Is this normal or a possible defect in this particular boat. It's on both sides but more on port. Does yours have it?

Thanks for your time folks. Got to log off. Back tonight.

 

[wahoo33417]

MyGal: No, I don't think I have ever noticed anthing like that. I can look closely and see some minor undulations, but not like what I think you describe. If there are no spider cracks anywhere in the area, it is probably not significant. Still, I would call Grady and ask them. I believe they would give you an honest answer.

Rob

 

[shadygradycapn]

Can't help you on the merits of the 258, but I was always told to use bunk trailers for saltwater and trailers w/rollers for fresh water due to the rollers tendency to freeze up due to salt water corrosion.

 

[MyGal]

Thxs Whahoo33417. Grady said, through the dealer, it was a "settling in" of the curing process that occures over time. I've seen it on other models, just not as much. I'm not real comfortable with that explanation. Not sure I'm willing to accept it. No cracks, never been splashed. Was planning on trying to close the deal this Saturday but hesitant now. Going to Williamsburg today to look at one of thier customers 258 for comparison. It's an appearance item vs structural.

This is an 07 leftover. May just wait 5 months when the season starts to slow down and get an 08. That was my original plan till I found this one.

 

[MyGal]

Can't help you on the merits of the 258, but I was always told to use bunk trailers for saltwater and trailers w/rollers for fresh water due to the rollers tendency to freeze up due to salt water corrosion.

Thxs Shady. I'm going bunk, aluminum, SS hardware, Kodiac SS brakes all wheels, electric/hyd. Either Loadmaster or what the dealer sells, Loadrite. Like to give the dealer the business. Don't think Torsion vs. straight axial is a big deal for me. Can't say I understand the pros/cons.

 

[Grog]

Not to put a fly in the ointment but I've found rollers to be easier than bunks. The rollers are self aligning which may be a big advatage when doing it by yourself and you can let the boat roll off the trailer instead of floating it off. If you don't maintain the trailer either type will be a POS in a few years.

 

[MyGal]

Thxs Grog. I'm not 100% on what to do. Not starting a bunk vs. roller, 2 vs 4 stroke thread here. I think bunk is best overall but I want to operate by myself. If I can't do that then I will get a center console that I can launch/retrieve. Anyway, trying one Friday, I will know then.

By the way, went by the dealer and looked at numerous boats at various ages and saw the variation along the sides of most all of them. Seems normal.

 

[MyGal]

Went with the 258. Delivery when the special order trailer gets here, about 3 weeks. Got to specify electronics next few days if I want it when the trailer gets here. Electronics are my weak area. I know the basics and what I want but not any product lines.

 

[wahoo33417]

MyGal: I went with a Garmin 4208 mounted inside the radio box, pushed toward the port side. Fits perfectly. This doesn't leave enough room for a radio, but does give dry storage for wallets, keys cameras, etc. Since you have the hardtop, I imagine your VHF will go up there. I mounted a 'black-box' radio below deck and ran the full function mic up to the radio box and mounted the clip for the mic on the roof of the box.

Rob

 

[MyGal]

Thanks. I ended up doing the same. Garmin 4208 Bundle, Furuno 1734 c/nt radar, Icom 422.

Only thing now is wait for the trailer-3 weeks then I'm in business. I need a break, it's work buying/outfitting a boat.

 

[wahoo33417]

MyGal: Okay, In three weeks we expect pictures! Good luck and have great times on your new boat.

Rob

 

[MyGal]

Trailer came in early. Electronics being installed now. Doing small stuff like trimming trees in driveway for clearence, buying support material, installing brake controller, getting truck ready. I'm in line with others before me, delivery 5/21.

Camera ready! Feel good about it all. Normally have second thoughts but not this time.