Would you avoid a mid 90s Grady White in the 2020s?

[GreenRoomSon]

Hello,

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1995 Tournament 192 that cosmetically and structurally is in excellent shape. The transom is intact and there appears to be no soft spots anywhere. I would normally not look at a boat this old but given the reputation of GW, that is is matched with a 2014 F200XB with low hours and that is has been recently painted I am considering the offer. I have heard that the build quality of GW improved over the years, just wondering fi this is in that better build generation and will last if taken care of as well as it has.

Thanks for any info/opinions in advance

 

[Father's Day]

Hello,

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1995 Tournament 192 that cosmetically and structurally is in excellent shape. The transom is intact and there appears to be no soft spots anywhere. I would normally not look at a boat this old but given the reputation of GW, that is is matched with a 2014 F200XB with low hours and that is has been recently painted I am considering the offer. I have heard that the build quality of GW improved over the years, just wondering fi this is in that better build generation and will last if taken care of as well as it has.

Thanks for any info/opinions in advance

I have a 2000 192 and love it. I fish so it's perfect for me, 8 ft beam has plenty of room.
If the hull is solid and the price is good, I wouldn't hesitate. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

One potential issue with a 1995 model year is that it'll have marine grade plywood as opposed to the 1997 and later model years that have a product called Greenwood XL. Which is supposedly a bit better at being water resistant. You can figure out whether or not the transom is wet rather easily yourself or even hire an accredited marine surveyor, which is what I always recommend doing. A 1995 hull should be the SeaV2 hull design though, which is the version that you'd want as opposed to a SeaV1.

 

[Hookup1]

It is extremely difficult to evaluate the condition of GW transoms. Because of the bang caps they are all likely "wet". Being "wet" doesn't mean they are falling apart - at least for now. You need to look for other signs - movement causing cracks or swelling. People can rationalize everything is OK but my belief is every older GW will need a transom at some point.

On the topic of Greenwood - Is it ok that your transom is "wet"? How is that going to sit with a potential buyer? Also GW has not been very accurate/transparent on the whole issue of timing/models and years of Greenwood.

 

[Fishtales]

Ensure you get a survey from a reputable firm. It's a 30 year old hull. Something likely will need to be addressed.

 

[family affair]

What Mustang said is correct and would concern me. Especially if the boat has been kept outside or in the water, I wouldn't want it. A single water leak from a deck screw to a stringer will cause significant rot. Ive seen it 1st hand.
If it has been stored indoors for its life and you plan to store it indoors, I would consider it if there are no signs of water intrusion.

 

[TMANN]

Depends on the boat. All of them will need atleast some work.

I tend to like the layouts better on the 90s boats.

I've got a 93 208 hooked to the truck now, going fishing tomorrow. Still rock solid, but I've got alot of time in it. Wiring, updating, hoses, line, ect.

There are good ones out there, or buy it cheap enough to fix.

 

[Fishtales]

One word answer for me. YES.

 

[seasick]

Hello,

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1995 Tournament 192 that cosmetically and structurally is in excellent shape. The transom is intact and there appears to be no soft spots anywhere. I would normally not look at a boat this old but given the reputation of GW, that is is matched with a 2014 F200XB with low hours and that is has been recently painted I am considering the offer. I have heard that the build quality of GW improved over the years, just wondering fi this is in that better build generation and will last if taken care of as well as it has.

Thanks for any info/opinions in advance

When someone states that a 30 year old boat is structurally and cosmetically excellent, I worry a tad. There are always issues with older hulls. If boating is new to you, a survey is your best plan. Often and I have done it myself, you look at a boat with rose colored glasses and lose objectively.
I am also curious; what was painted? The entire motor or the hull?

 

[GreenRoomSon]

The deck and hull have been painted. Motor is stock paint and clean with 280 hours. Boat is currently wrapped for the winter so I have not had a chance to see it in person. Underwent a fairly thorough surveyed two years ago and returned as above average condition with no significant concerns.

 

[Father's Day]

Hello,

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1995 Tournament 192 that cosmetically and structurally is in excellent shape. The transom is intact and there appears to be no soft spots anywhere. I would normally not look at a boat this old but given the reputation of GW, that is is matched with a 2014 F200XB with low hours and that is has been recently painted I am considering the offer. I have heard that the build quality of GW improved over the years, just wondering fi this is in that better build generation and will last if taken care of as well as it has.

Thanks for any info/opinions in advance

Have to ask what the price, a few grand?

 

[GreenRoomSon]

I have not gotten to price yet. The owner is a fellow coworker who bought it at the possible worse time during COVID so I think he believes its worth more what it probably is. It has been dry docked so no trailer which I will have to hunt down as well. I am in a field where you typically discuss prices/saleries/etc as the last thing and dance a little till that point.

What would be a fair price (coastal North Carolina)?

 

[seasick]

The deck and hull have been painted. Motor is stock paint and clean with 280 hours. Boat is currently wrapped for the winter so I have not had a chance to see it in person. Underwent a fairly thorough surveyed two years ago and returned as above average condition with no significant concerns.

Sounds promising. Let us know how it looks when you get to see it.
As to pricing, the prices for used boats soared during the Covid boating mania. I see some softening in the used market. Resale value also depends on options and electronics. Things like canvas, upholstery and Plotters can add up. A good trailer adds value also
I see a few comps online asking an average of about 13 to 19 thousand. Your motor helps with value and is probably worth as much as the hull
Good luck.

 

[Father's Day]

I have not gotten to price yet. The owner is a fellow coworker who bought it at the possible worse time during COVID so I think he believes its worth more what it probably is. It has been dry docked so no trailer which I will have to hunt down as well. I am in a field where you typically discuss prices/saleries/etc as the last thing and dance a little till that point.

What would be a fair price (coastal North Carolina)?

I would start at 8,000 he's a friend and then go dancing from there. I'm in Jersey so might be different here. Only 8 because of the motor I paid 4 then replaced the motor after a few years of enjoyment. Good Luck

 

[Mustang65fbk]

The deck and hull have been painted. Motor is stock paint and clean with 280 hours. Boat is currently wrapped for the winter so I have not had a chance to see it in person. Underwent a fairly thorough surveyed two years ago and returned as above average condition with no significant concerns.

When you talk about the survey from two years ago... I'm assuming that's when your coworker bought the boat and he himself had it surveyed? Because A. Unless you've seen the survey and trust him, I'd take that with a grain of salt and B. Even if that was true at the time, a lot can change in over 2 years. I'd want to have my own surveyor come out and take a look at it, instead of going off what he tells you. Surveyors are usually $500-$1k depending on your location, but they can help you avoid purchasing a bad boat that needs a lot of work. They can also give you a value of how much they think the boat is worth as well as have the selling price reflect any repairs or items that the boat needs. Here's a very similar boat to the one you're looking at for $16k. It's a 1997 with a 2014 Yamaha F150 and no trailer. It does appear to definitely need some work, but even in perfect condition, I wouldn't imagine the boat you're looking at to be much more than $17,500. And certainly not over $20k. My issue would be the boat needing a trailer, as a brand new trailer for that size of boat I'm guessing is probably going to be at least $4k, maybe more? If you're paying more than $15k for the boat and also have to buy a trailer for $4k+ and everything else... I'm thinking you're going to be upside down on the boat very quickly. Just my thoughts of course.

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/1997-grady-white-192-tournament-9057490/

 

[Fishtales]

I'd highly recommend a survey. You don't want to end up with a problem old boat.

 

[GreenRoomSon]

Thanks for everyone's input. I got to see the boat today and it is in crazy good shape, however the wife too my surprise stated that she wanted something bigger. I am leaning towards the seafarer 226 now.

 

[blynch]

Thanks for everyone's input. I got to see the boat today and it is in crazy good shape, however the wife too my surprise stated that she wanted something bigger. I am leaning towards the seafarer 226 now.

Sounds like an opportunity you don't wanna pass up!

Shameless 226 review promotion: https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/not-that-anyone-asked-my-226-seafarer-1-year-review.33913/

 

[enfish]

The deck and hull have been painted. Motor is stock paint and clean with 280 hours. Boat is currently wrapped for the winter so I have not had a chance to see it in person. Underwent a fairly thorough surveyed two years ago and returned as above average condition with no significant concerns.

The painted hull and deck would be a red flag to me. There's no reason why 30 year old GW gelcoat shouldn't be in good enough shape to polish out any oxidation other than years of neglect.

This is what my 26 year old gelcoat looks like after being polished and waxed a couple months ago. Hard to see what's what, but the hull is pretty mirror-like at this angle.

 

[GreenRoomSon]

That gelcoat look great!