Researching next boat- thinking of a grady 228g. advice?

[zimm]

Hello, I'm new to the forums. I just sold my 86mph supercharged Donzi 22 Classic, and looking for something much more practical.

I need to be able to trailer it with my V8 4runner (7300# max capacity). I'm military and move around every 2-3 years and tend to boat where there's rough chop (Norfolk, VA beach, Pensacola, Washington D.C.). D.C. will be the next duty station which is where I plan to buy and use the boat- so Potomac river, some chesapeake bay, and some lakes.

I don't fish, although I'd like to learn. Mostly day boating, doing the social scene, day trips, etc with 4-6 people and sometimes the dog.

Leaning towards a cuddy cabin so I have the capability to overnight with my wife and myself occasionally (1-2 times a season) and roughing it is okay- but that's not a hard requirement. Although I'm still considering a the tournament bow rider style. I'd be worried about the wind blowing under the center part of the windshield on a cool day though.

Can you tow toys and even ski behing a 228? I used to ski behind my parent's 23' twin engine Donzi and it worked ok, not a mastercraft, but you can still have fun. ALso would like the capability to scuba dive from it.

What I want: A quality boat that can handle rough water as best a 22 footer can. Stand while driving. Efficient to run, hose off and put away after a day of use. I'd much rather have twin's, but I don't think I can stay within my weight requirments if I do so.

From what I see, the Seafarer 228g looks like the winner- I'll have to check one out at a boat show to see how it is. Am I looking at the right model? Are there other boats I should consider?

I like the performance stats of a 30mph cruise at 10gph for a 3mpg. Even with my donzi I mostly cruised around 30 anyway.

I'm thinking a mid 2000's model with a 250 4 stroke and a budget of around $40k. Not ready to buy for another year or two, but it's never too early to reserach and comparison shop.

Thanks.

 

[G8RDave]

Sounds like you are right on target for what you want. My kids ski, tube and wakeboard behind ours just fine. Hole shot is cetainly not like a Mastercraft, but it is fine. I've gone scuba diving several times on it as well. The swim platform and ladder make it pretty easy. Your weight will be right around 6,500lbs (with trailer) so you should be fine on towing. I've had mine out in some pretty rough weather and never felt nervous. If you get one with a hard top and curtains it will certainly work for where you will be boating for most of the year. For overnighting, it will be on the tight side. My 10 year old son and I camp on ours from time to time just fine, but two full size adults better like each other.

 

[magicalbill]

Owned a Seafarer for 10 years..Single 250.
You have done your research and I agree it's the best choice for your needs.
(By the way, I am a Donzi owner also..(1967 Ski Sporter 16..Restored.)

I have overnited on my Seafarer many times..2 people can do it and it works. You have to stash your bags and gear on deck that you would normally keep in the cabin if you sleep 2 in there.

Hope it all works out..

 

[Strikezone]

I also own a 228G and have overnighted several times. Things are a little cramped but 2 adults should have plenty of room.

Pulling a skiier or tube is also possible. I primarily use my boat for fishing but have on occasion played with the toys. The only problem I ran into was with the harness. The bracket puts the engine far enough back from the transom that I wasn't able to find a harness that would give enough clearance behind the engine. I ended up taking a regular harness and adding some extra line to give it some length. This worked out OK for me -- especially the small amount that I actually tow someone.

Grady Whites are heavy boats and can really handle the rougher water much better that some of the lighter hulls. When I go offshore fishing we regularly get 2-4 foot seas that present no problem. I usually keep the curtains down over the wndshield to keep any spray out of my face -- not too fond of this early in the day but overall a dry ride. There's also plenty of room for 4 of us to comfortably fish.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[zimm]

Thanks, sounds like I'm looking at the right model. 6500 pounds should be just right. The ability to overnight sounds good too. I'm 5' 10" and wife is only 5', so we don't need much room. And it'll only be once in a blue moon to actually stay out. As for towing toys, nice that it'll do it, but thinking back, I never towed anything with my 22 Donzi in the 4 years I had it. But I was always in water that was just too rough for it. Can't wait to check one out in person.

 

[gw204]

I suggest you take a look at the Parker 2310...espeically if you want to do even the occasional overnighter. From what I have seen, the cabin on the 228 is borderline unusable for anything but storage. Even the berth on the 208 appeared larger to me.

The Parker is larger and better built (IMHO) and will cost you $20K less. The Grady is a better looking boat though.

 

[CJBROWN]

Welcome to the forum. And thank you for your service to this country.

The 22' is going to be max-sized to tow with a mini-truck. I wouldn't do it, but you can most likely get away with it for awhile, there are a lot of guys pulling max loads with their light trucks. My preferrence is for a 3/4 pickup or suburban. That's just my take from towing loads since the 70's.

Grady builds a very nice boat. They are good looking, well made, and loaded with little design features and functions that the others just don't have. The quality is there. The 4s didn't come on the scene 'till 2002 I believe, but an earler one with a HPDI would also serve you well. I think they came out in 2000.

Parker was mentioned, they are good boats but I wouldn't take one to a lake for water skiing and tubing. What's the saying? The looks only a mother could love? They do have a nice cabin and large cockpit tho. If you were a hardcore fisherman, then a nod as a possibility.

You might do a search on that model, there have been some good threads recently on that choice, 226 vs 228, etc.

The 208 is another possibility, you can get a really nice one near the $40K range, late model, low-hour four-stroke, 200-225 size. We really like ours, they are Grady's most popular model. The cockpit is one foot shorter, and the cabin is one foot shorter and no sink. We don't use ours for sleeping, but it's a fantastic napping spot and great for dry storage of gear. The 22 is a bit heavier so the ride is a bit better in the really rough stuff. I don't think you can get a 'big-boat ride' 'till you get into a much bigger boat. :wink:

Let us know how it goes or what you find out there. Don't forget to look in the FOR SALE section here, there are always some nice boats listed.