1984 Mako vs. 1989 Grady White

[tferber]

Narrowed purchase of inshore fishing boat down to 2 boats, same price - a 1984 Mako Center console with a 1999 200HP Johnson that was installed in 2001 as a new leftover engine, 100 Hrs on the engine. Boat has a hard top. Other boat is a 1989 Grady White Center Console with a 1989 Yamaha V6 rated at 200 HP. Boat has 290 Hours on it - rarely used since new in 1989. Grady has a Canvas T-Top.<br /><br />Looking for opinions - anyone know anything about either of these boats?<br /><br />Thanks for your help

 

[motownbob]

Re: 1984 Mako vs. 1989 Grady White

The grady white is a top of the line boat in my opinion, the mako perhaps middle of the road, but still good. See which guves you what you need in terms of fishability,seating, storage,etc. then, see which has been better maintained, look for records, reciepts, etc. Test drive both, get a boat mechanic to go with you if possible. Hour metres can easily be disconnected...go by your gut after all the input you can get!

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1984 Mako vs. 1989 Grady White

If the 1999 200 Johnson is a FICHT motor stay away from if like it was covered with Ebola and sprinkled with Anthrax. OMC had horrerendous problems with them. Both Mako & Gradys are good boats.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: 1984 Mako vs. 1989 Grady White

Both pieces of advice above are excellent. Mako is a very good boat, but Grady White is one of the best. Agree on avoiding FICHT motor, if it is one. After that, go with what you feel about the two boats. Pick the one that suits you best.