When You Can`t Aford A grady

[One Eyed Jack]

I`m looking for a glass boat in the the24-26 ft range.Off shore WA/CC.
I don`t want to spend the money for a GW . What would a good 2 nd or 3rd opp? I`m looking for newer used.

[Grady252]

Compare apples to apples and decide what is important to you. Width (beam)? Length?(with or without offhsore bracket) Fishing platform? How much room is dedicated to fishing and how much is dedicated to a cabin that you may or may not want? I have seen many guys get by with cabin cruisers converted to fishing boats, but a boat that is truly designed as an offshoe sportfishing boat has some design differences.

Grady makes all sizes and in the used market it may not be to far off from what you want spend. I checked around and the savings was not worth it to me......Grady makes a 25' model that is comparable to most with a standard 8'6" beam, and they are less expensive than the wide models.

I have a 23' ft 232 Gulfstream that is 9'6" wide and has an offshore bracket, and it has more room than most 25' boats. I have had other boats and to many manufacturers dedicate to much room to the cabin in my opinion. I do not want to start a war so I wam not picking on anyone's boat, but I have looked at the 25'Tropy and the 26' Striper and they have less room than my 23' Grady.

That being said: I looked at the stripers a bit and I was impressed with the stringers and the fact that there is virtually not wood in the boat.

You could also do like I did and find an older quality hull and then put new outboards on it.

Food for thought....

[BigWaterBigFish]

I own a small Striper (1850) and would recommend a used one depending on the care of it by the previous owner and your budget.
The main problem with this "model" of walkaround is that unless you are up in the Grady & Boston Whaler type class, you tend to lose more cockpit space to the cuddy ... you'll probably find that when you compare a 21' Striper to a 23' - you'll see that the boat gain cuddy space, not fishing work room. I think that those guys with money buy what they want whereas the rest of us need to make it more of a family boat to get the other name on the top of the cheque to sign off on it.
Another good option, coming pretty well-equipped and built strong (solid stringers, less wood or none, and laid fiberglass, not chop) is Wellcraft.
If you've got the money for new; I'm pretty impressed with the Seafox - has plenty of cockpit space and that great Carolina style flare, I have not been on one but understand it's a very dry ride. Trophy has come a long way under Brunswick's ownership - as they own both BW and Trophy lines now, you'll find alot of features and parts carried over from BW to Trophy.
Personally, I have not been too impressed with Campion or Proline - if you are going to charge what Striper & Trophy do, then you need to produced a "finished product". New player in the NW and a boat I haven't seen but in pictures but looks pretty good, the Seahawk from Caravelle - no wood, stringer system, nice appointments but top size is 23'.
Third for me is the "C-Dory or Tolman" style boat and we've a number of really nice boats here in the NW - CDory, Osprey, Arima, (there's another one run by some of the guys from CDory, was at PDX Boat Show two years ago ... looks carbon-copy like to the others). They are semi-displacement hulls so while they are stable, they are not too fast and I feel wallow a bit. Unless they have changed production in last couple of years, they do still use balsa in their construction. I have noticed though that many on the used market seem to be priced with their owners thinking that balsa is code for gold or some other precious metal. If I'm going to spend that much on a boat, I expect some finishing and more attention to detail. Nice thing about them is alot of cabin but you've got to go big to get same size cockpit that you might get on a traditional walkaround.
Speaking of which ... with cost of gas sure to climb as oil is $100/gallon, the collapse of the sub-prime market, the projected downturn of the housing market, credit ratings tightening ... I think that if someone had some cash and/or good credit - there will be some good deals out there soon as people attempt to lessen their financial burdens (blunders) and/or realize that there is more $ to owning a boat than just the $ to buy it. I would suspect the dealers at the boat show will be motivated to sell their previous years model and deal on what the manufactures have let them have (or buy) for the show. Supposedly, the "fiberglass" boat industry under 28' in length is down 20%. Problem of course is that major component in fiberglass is petroleum.
So ... having realized I shouldn't sit down at the computer after drinking a few of my wife's Turkish coffee's ... should you run across a 25 to 27' Boston Whaler (not the Conquest but with the classic cathedral hull), twin outboards, with a trailer and priced under $40K, and you aren't going to buy it ... send me a PM!

[ICHTHYDEMON]

The couple Parkers I've seen,seem to be alot of boat for the money.

[ltjman22]

I will second the note on the parkers ich. They are the best bang for you buck I have seen.

On another note, bigwater has a point with the striper. As long as the owner took care of the boat, you shouldn't have a problem.

Make sure you get records if you are set on a used boat! Hope this helps!

[Onokai]

As a two Whaler owner-I'd suggest a used Grady or Whaler or a Parker or Farallon. Check Yachtworld for comp's. Mark

[alantani]

check out the wellcraft on fullspeed.
alan

[Spindrifter]

Another vote for Parker. Spartan, but in a good way.....no frills fishing boat.

[Cornfed]

" Problem of course is that major component in fiberglass is petroleum" - BigWaterBigFish...

huh?

[BigWaterBigFish]

Originally Posted by Cornfed

" Problem of course is that major component in fiberglass is petroleum" - BigWaterBigFish...

huh?

PM Sent

[One Eyed Jack]

I`m not looking for alarge cuddy but the wife wants a head no more bucket.
And in about 3 years i`m moving to mexico so my 22ft hewes isn`t my boat of choise for 100% blue and hot wearther.We both want a big cockpit so were on the same page there luckaley

[Cornfed]

BigWaterBigFish - I didn't get your PM.

[ambush 1]

Don't Forget Aluminum Boats!!!!!!!! Northriver Offshore Is A Great Boat.

[5 Salt]

The big question is what is your budget and are you planning new or used boat?

[backlash442]

Budget would go a long way in helping to answer you question. Also you mention wife doesn't want a bucket but does that mean you need a stand up head or will a porta potti do? Will make a huge difference in size of cabin imo.

There are some good deals on Parkers out there. Saw an 01 25' w/250 Yamaha for 43k with full elec. and 07 alum. trailer. This was on AllCoast

Also some good deals on Davis Boats in the 22' range. Small cabin and you can put a porta potti in it no problem. Great boat for Mexico. Also has 93 sq. ft. of deck space so plenty of room. More than pretty much any boat out there in the same size and most up to 26'. Seen a couple for the low 40's used. Both on Allcoast I think.

[One Eyed Jack]

I would like to stay at 40 or below if thats possable. And ya she wants a stand up. She wants the boat more then I do,my 04, hewes does everthing I need it to now. I`ve gone from a 18 to 22 to ?

[backlash442]

Well best of luck with that. Going to eliminate a lot of boats imo. I don't think Parker makes a boat with a stand up head. Davis does but way out of your budget although I did see a 90 for sale for 49k and it does have an enclosed head. The Rock Harbors do but are almost double your budget and that is used. It's that stand up that seems hard to full fill. I guess you can check out Orca, Sea Sport, Osprey etc. but not sure if they fall under 40k unless pretty old.

You know a cabin is going to get pretty hot down in Mexico. Especially if you are on the Sea of Cortez side.

[fishinlady97140]

Originally Posted by backlash442

(stuff snipped)

You know a cabin is going to get pretty hot down in Mexico. Especially if you are on the Sea of Cortez side.

Several of the warm climate owners have added air conditioners to their C-Dorys -- not an issue! If you keep your eyes open and have money in hand, you may find a 25' with standup around your budgeted amount -- but you have to move fast!

[onaga]

My father was in the same situation and he found a used Skagit Orca. Similar qualities as a grady, less brand name recognition.

[One Eyed Jack]

I`m not looking for a alaska bolkhead, to hot just a hard so the air
can move throw.And a inclosed head my wife`s short .

[Duckworth Dave]

I too think its alot of money for a Grady White, espicaly a 30' Marlin the Bud & Dick drive. I just bought a 28' Stams out of Florida this week. This boat was listed at over 54 grand. The market is soft and I got a smokin deal on her. 28' ovl 30' with a 11.2 beam, twin 250 yamies. The hull design is a copy to the Grady just 2 feet shorter. The cost to ship at 5 grand or so still makes it a great buy. There are lots of used to chose from down there in Florida that is.

[retaliate]

Originally Posted by Duckworth Dave

I too think its alot of money for a Grady White, espicaly a 30' Marlin the Bud & Dick drive. I just bought a 28' Stams out of Florida this week. This boat was listed at over 54 grand. The market is soft and I got a smokin deal on her. 28' ovl 30' with a 11.2 beam, twin 250 yamies. The hull design is a copy to the Grady just 2 feet shorter. The cost to ship at 5 grand or so still makes it a great buy. There are lots of used to chose from down there in Florida that is.

Congratulations She looks like a beauty.

[One Eyed Jack]

Looks great ! Don`t know anything about a Stamas.When it gets here can I come by for a look? You got me looking on line and found your boat.WOW
I`de like to here more about it.

Originally Posted by Duckworth Dave

I too think its alot of money for a Grady White, espicaly a 30' Marlin the Bud & Dick drive. I just bought a 28' Stams out of Florida this week. This boat was listed at over 54 grand. The market is soft and I got a smokin deal on her. 28' ovl 30' with a 11.2 beam, twin 250 yamies. The hull design is a copy to the Grady just 2 feet shorter. The cost to ship at 5 grand or so still makes it a great buy. There are lots of used to chose from down there in Florida that is.

[backlash442]

You know there are some CC's that have an enclosed head in the CC itself. Would be great for down in Mexico.

[olybirds]

speaking of tuna boats..

This is all you need!!..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSSil1q54vI

[Billfisher]

Originally Posted by backlash442

You know there are some CC's that have an enclosed head in the CC itself. Would be great for down in Mexico.

Check Out Inland Auto and Boat in San Bernardino. They have all kinds of CC's and WACC's and some with enclosed heads. They are good to deal with, but get any boat you buy surveyed.

-D

[fishbait]

Originally Posted by olybirds

speaking of tuna boats..

This is all you need!!..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSSil1q54vI

Think you also need some very large cahones.......

[retaliate]

Originally Posted by olybirds

speaking of tuna boats..

This is all you need!!..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSSil1q54vI

Makes my Boat look like overkill, I was wondering if the Tuna was going to sink the Boat, but they had plenty of freeboard to spare 2" to 3" easy.

[tomictime]

Stamas is a VERY well built boat

[boutdoorhunter]

If you'd be interested in an Arima there is a nice 2004 all set up on the owners site.

[jimsbuddy]

Originally Posted by retaliate

Makes my Boat look like overkill, I was wondering if the Tuna was going to sink the Boat, but they had plenty of freeboard to spare 2" to 3" easy.

did you see how low in the water is was on the way back to shore???

[bobross]

Stamas has the reputation of being a very tough boat.

So, is Duckworth Dave going to have to get a new moniker?

[5 Salt]

Originally Posted by One Eyed Jack

I would like to stay at 40 or below if thats possable. And ya she wants a stand up. She wants the boat more then I do,my 04, hewes does everthing I need it to now. I`ve gone from a 18 to 22 to ?

My 97 Grady 248 (24.9ft) including Raymarine 24nm radar/10in color gps/600w sounder, roller trailer and delivery from Connecticut cost me $37K. Invested another 2,400 in a new T8 Kicker and have had zero problems save $65 fuel pump diapham replacement. Ask anyone who know the boat - she looks like a brand new hull.

Point is you can find a sweet Grady within you budget with a little research. And unlike many 10year boats that look like crap, the older gradys look new and most last easy to 20-25years. Their quality really holds up over time...combined with how well majority of grady owners take care of them, superb used Grady's can be had with a little time and search..

Just Found a 1997 Grady 248 Voyager with 2004 Yami 300hp motor (278hrs TT and warranty until march 2009) for $39K. PM me is want link

[5 Salt]

Originally Posted by tomictime

Stamas is a VERY well built boat

I will second that.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Originally Posted by Duckworth Dave

I too think its alot of money for a Grady White, espicaly a 30' Marlin the Bud & Dick drive. I just bought a 28' Stams out of Florida this week. This boat was listed at over 54 grand. The market is soft and I got a smokin deal on her. 28' ovl 30' with a 11.2 beam, twin 250 yamies. The hull design is a copy to the Grady just 2 feet shorter. The cost to ship at 5 grand or so still makes it a great buy. There are lots of used to chose from down there in Florida that is.

Did you have it surveyed? Hate to see any issue with the hull on this one and with the weather related issues down there I would think it a progressive thing to do. Curious if you are gonna change the name to "Crazyfish"? Just kidding, just kidding. I wish you well and may the tuna succome to your salty prowness. Good fishing.

[5 Salt]

Found this 2000 Grady 24.9ft for 37K

[backlash442]

Looks like a great deal. Does it have a stand up head? Remember the wife wants one not a porta potti. In my experience the wife usually gets what she wants.

[5 Salt]

Originally Posted by backlash442

Looks like a great deal. Does it have a stand up head? Remember the wife wants one not a porta potti. In my experience the wife usually gets what she wants.

These 24/25ft'rs are porta's

268, 272, 282 Islanders will be the models w/ stand up head. Likely 55-65k for good 27/28ft Grady.

Will you be mooring or trailing?

[CrazyFish]

Originally Posted by CATCH AND EAT

Did you have it surveyed? Hate to see any issue with the hull on this one and with the weather related issues down there I would think it a progressive thing to do. Curious if you are gonna change the name to "Crazyfish"? Just kidding, just kidding. I wish you well and may the tuna succome to your salty prowness. Good fishing.

Was surveyed with an outstanding report. This one is going to last.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Originally Posted by CrazyFish

Was surveyed with an outstanding report. This one is going to last.

Good deal. You'all need a break here. Good luck with the purchase.

[Duckworth Dave]

You guys are funny. The Spotted Owl was my boat. As is the 28' Stamas I just bought in Florida. Yes I fish with Crazyfish, big deal. He is a nice guy that can out fish must of you guys anyways. The flaver of insurance frad or some other bull sh t. Is exactly that so cool it. I haven't come up with a name for the new boat yet but will let you know soon enough. Will be put in the water next week Friday or so. Yes she had a very strong servey. If you have to know very very high, and motors are 2004's with 117 hours. Like I say I just want to keep up with Bud & Dick and with twin 250's I should be able to keep up now I just have to catch lots of fish like them.

The thread was about a Grady that I can't afford. Before I wired the money for my new boat I did check coast to coast and could not find a Grady I would be happy with for the money I am into the Stamas. So guys go to the net and look there are deals out there.

[beachboi26]

Nice buy dave!!!!! looks like a fish catching machine to me.

looking forword to crew with you next season



te=Duckworth Dave;1757050]You guys are funny. The Spotted Owl was my boat. As is the 28' Stamas I just bought in Florida. Yes I fish with Crazyfish, big deal. He is a nice guy that can out fish must of you guys anyways. The flaver of insurance frad or some other bull sh t. Is exactly that so cool it. I haven't come up with a name for the new boat yet but will let you know soon enough. Will be put in the water next week Friday or so. Yes she had a very strong servey. If you have to know very very high, and motors are 2004's with 117 hours. Like I say I just want to keep up with Bud & Dick and with twin 250's I should be able to keep up now I just have to catch lots of fish like them.

The thread was about a Grady that I can't afford. Before I wired the money for my new boat I did check coast to coast and could not find a Grady I would be happy with for the money I am into the Stamas. So guys go to the net and look there are deals out there.[/quote]