looking at a grady white

[swfishermen]

So im eyeing a 1987 grady white fisherman 249 that has twin 150 evenrude motor and comes with a trailer for 9,995. and that is basically my budget i was originally looking at older sailfishes but only because ,my dad wanted the cuddy cabin. I finally convinced him that center consoles would be better for us. any info on either of these models would be awesome.
p.s. i am fully aware that im going to have to put some money into both of these boats!

thanks, Jack

[IKAT]

Jack--The only thing I can tell you about that year Grady-Is have it surveyed--With someone that can do a moisture check on the hull--they were known for the transome rotting.

[Mr Limpett]

I've been looking for the right boat for a year. GW is a fine boat, but unless the motors are a few years old, the price seems a bit high.. you don't mention any add on's it may have.

[Fishin Dude]

I'm with IKAT, have it, or any boat you are serious about buying, surveyed, as well as taking it on a sea trial

[sealife]

I would get the transom checked by a surveyor and also take a real good look at the fuel tanks and hoses. 

[swfishermen]

thanks for all the responses! So i will definitely have the boat fully inspected by a mechanic. I would really like to have a see trialso should i just ask if i can have one or do i have to pay or what? also does anyone have info on the boat itself?

thank you so much for all responses, Jack 

[Fightin Irish]

You can't go wrong with a Grady. Also if your looking at a late 80's boat I would defiantly stick with a quality brand hull. Only you can decided on what kind of boat you want but I always like a little cabin to store stuff.

[wb]

I was told to look for the Sea Vee 2 hull design- Grady rolled it out late '80s early '90s across their hulls if I recall.

Supposedly ride better, more economical, who knows? On a budget you sometimes gotta take what you can.

My '92 explorer has it but it is my 1st Grady so tuff to compare

Survey Survey Survey

[Luna Sea 5]

The Sea Vee is nice.. I can't beat my ride.  I have a 1995 Sailfish.  I do love it for its size class.  I have a good surveyor for you.. PM me if interested.

[sealife]

I am on my third Grady.  Present one is a 2002 Voyager 248 with the sea v 2 hull.   My previous one was an offshore 24 with the older hull.  I would say the newer hull design does ride much better especially in a following sea.  Loved all three of them and I had the offshore for 21 years.  I bought all of them used.  Fuel economy is hard to say since they both had a 225 evinrude on them but the older one was carbureator and the newer one is Fuel Injected.  Fuel injected is definitely better on gas.

[Fightin Irish]

I have the 2001 sailfish 28ft with the sea vee2 hull bought it new and haven't had a hull or finish problem. They also hold there value better.  I compared it to the 30ft proline at the time but the proline couldn't compare to the way a Grady is built

[fellinger]

If they're not willing to sea trial or try to talk you out of it back away! It is somewhat customery to some to put a cash deposit down after you negotiated a price but before the trial. This proves you're interested in buying.

[Kevin]

That year hull will pound you to death and spray you. find a newer robalo/wellcraft proline etc.

[swfishermen]

thanks for all the advice guys!
kevin, how new is newer... i only have10,000 to work with

[Kevin]

newer around 95+ Im sure there are great 23ft walk arounds not grady brands.. . The problems with boats of the 80's is that the fuel tank is most likely going to have to be replaced. Choose wisely. I had a 2000 striper 21 that I payed 6k for. sold it later for 10.

[Luna Sea 5]

Here is the difference in brands.  I have a 1995 Grady that is better made then my last boat, a 2005 Seaswirl.  Even though the Grady is older, you can tell by everything in it, the handles, locks, hinges, cleats, latches are all much better made then other brands. 

[Sam3]

My Grady is my first Ocean boat. '85 hull, 2004 200hp power with under 70 hrs. I love the ride.
Unfortunately, it's still sitting on the trailer after paying for a slip this year. Work comes first. 

Probable going to let it go soon. I don't see next year being any different than this year.

Good luck with your new ride.

[swfishermen]

Thanks for all the replies... It's so hard I'd hear an even amount of good and bad things about it ...then again no one said it was going to be easy