Went Boat shopping today, and I am STUCK..

[Luna Sea 5]

Well.. I saw both the 25' Grady and the 28' Wellcraft.

Pro's and Con's I have to decide on.

On equal playing fields, I like the Wellcraft better.

Pro's  both boats have about the same amount of back fishing room. (= for both boats)

Wellcraft has a much larger nicer cabin for the family with the enclosed head, bunk beds and shore power.  The Grady has a small cabin, only good enough for storage. (+ for Wellcraft)

The Grady has great HP and new engines, which will make it fast and more fuel efficient then the wellcraft.  (+ for Grady)

Looks and layout are much, much nicer on the Wellcraft. Better looking, especially with the radar arch and Bimini top.(+ for Wellcraft)

Wellcraft has inboards, not trailerable.  I have to rely on the marine to pull it out and block it, which will be an extra expense.  Grady has twin outboards, trailerable and easy to store it on the trailer and at my house.  (+ for Grady)

If I get the Wellcraft, I can sell my trailer and use the extra money in equipment.  (+ for Wellcraft)

Cost to pull out and launch, and have to pay marina prices for the Wellcraft. (+ for the Grady)

Wellcraft has more height, slightly wider, more stable and heavier, more seaworthy.  I like having a flush transom without the engines getting in the way with the fishing.  (+ for Wellcraft).

Wellcraft has fold back Bimini top, Grady has hardtop.  I like the Bimini better.  (+ for Wellcraft)

Both boat, once said and done will cost about the same.  (= for both boats).

I am young, I do like like speed.  (+ for the Grady).

Any other opinions to help me decide.  NON MECHANICAL ADVICE, BECAUSE I WILL HAVE A SURVEY DONE.

FIRST PICTURE IS THE GRADY, THE OTHER 3 ARE OF THE WELLCRAFT

[ChrisL]

I don't know didly about boats, but going back a while didn't you mention you were upgrading for the purpose of getting something with a cabin?  Maybe (+ + Wellcraft) on that item 
 

[Luna Sea 5]

YES,they both have cabins.  One is larger then the other.  The grady has a place to sleep with a porta potti, few rod holders, but a bit tight.  I do count it as some shelter.

Welcraft has a full cabin, full shore power.  

I was inpressed with the fishing room of the grady, and it's smaller, but thats why the cabin is smaller as well.

[Bucktail]

FWIW, I loved my 18' Wellcraft CC (when it ran).

Obviously a big difference in size here.  But, it rode great and provided a very stable platform for fishing.

[Hotrod]

What about fuel burn on the well Craft?  Twin Gas Engines

and did you find out if? the over HP Grady can be insured?

[PeggyLee]

Nick, You really have to be happy with your purchase.So if you have to, go back and job on them again and again.You will start to fell the boat is "right" for the time,money and effort your putting into the purchase.
Owning several along the way you can get a feel on whats right.What do you really want to do with the boat.
No more philosophy classes from me.
Good Luck Have fun with it!

[L.T.]

I really like the cabin layout on the Wellcraft Plus the stand up head. Twin 350's  great engines but, where does that put you in the  GPH cruising consumption.  Am I in the ballpark with 16to 18? If so, too rich for my blood.  I really like that boat though.

[bassnblues]

Sounds to me like your head likes he Grady but you heart likes the Wellcraft. I'd sit down with a pad, pen and calulator and figure out if you really can afford the extra expenses for the Wellcraft and go from there...

[Luna Sea 5]

What about fuel burn on the well Craft?  Twin Gas Engines

and did you find out if? the over HP Grady can be insured?

yes, the grady can be insured.  Not sure if it is true, but I was told that since the engines are on a bracket, it changes the center of gravity of the boat, therefor can get away with the extra 50 hp.. 

[Luna Sea 5]

im going to call Atlantic Highlands marina this week and see how much it will cost to haul and store the boat for the winters.  If its not too bad, then might be worth it.  The dealer tested the boat and the old owner agreed to make sure everythings is working.  EVERYTHING, from a gauge to a pump.  They came up with a price to put the boat in completely working order of $3,500.00.  Sellers responsibility.  With that said, for the wellcraft, in 100% working order, $21K was the last price given to me.  I'm not done haggling, but thats where it is now.

[Jeffish]

What about the wiring? Maybe the small things that you may overlook now, but find out later in the season that something just isn't right. Perhaps you can look under/behind the controls to get an eye for things.

I'm personally a fan of outboards, just my opinion though.

[Luna Sea 5]

What about the wiring? Maybe the small things that you may overlook now, but find out later in the season that something just isn't right. Perhaps you can look under/behind the controls to get an eye for things.

I'm personally a fan of outboards, just my opinion though.

i always favored the outboards also.  What i do like with the i/b's is the extra fishing room you get over the transom.  If I was more familiar with the I/B, my decision would be easier.

The Grady is the easy, safe bet, but everything I am looking for, especially the shore power as I plan on spending weekends at the boat, lean towards the Wellcraft.

[Jeffish]

After analyzing the pictures further, I've seen the grady doesn't have a shark door, but the wellcraft does. Another + for the wellcraft I suppose.

[brian8980]

You also have to consider the types of engines each one is running.  one will handle different then the other.  One will be better on gas then the other.  One is easier to maintain and fix then the other.  just my two cents...  :/

Gimper

[sealife]

I would really like a sea trial of each one before I make a final decision. 

[Hotrod]

Yea.  Not good if those scuppers are in the water already..

[Luna Sea 5]

no, you can keep going..

[Hotrod]

Great Info Jimmy    Yea.  We Missed the 8' Towing issue..

[IrishAyes]

As you said Jaws, probably never be stopped for oversized load but get into an accident and you can bet the hammer will come down and come down hard. Imagine trying to navigate an oversized load at a toll booth on the parkway. 

[Luna Sea 5]

jawz.. great advice.

my heart is actually leaning toward the Wellcraft and not the Grady.  I like the fact that it will have brand new shore power and my slip is set up for it, since I just upgraded to a larger one this upcoming season.

I will talk to my marina this week and see what the winter haul out and block comes to a season.

I do like the 27' - 30' Gradys, since they also come with overnight accommodations.  I am not to fond of the shelter room in the 25 foot version.


At this point, both boats are put on hold untile I can seatrial/survey them.  In the mean time, I am still looking for the perfect deal.