Re: Advise please!
Damn, I leave you guys for a couple days and WAM, 3 more pages,lol
The grady looks really good on the exterior, where are the rest of the pics.
I would first say, it is an old boat, unless it has been garage kept its whole life, it will have rott somewhere. Just because it has wood in her and maybe some rott, don't take that as it can't be fished for a few years before you have the income and knowhow to fix her up.
Grady made a good boat for years, but there fit and finish was lacking for sure. The boat will be self bailing and easy to maintain, which is why you see alot of them still on the water. Self bailing decks will outlast boats that don't have self bailing decks.
Like any boat, you want to go through it with a fine toothed comb. Open every hatch, every access panel and hatch, Take a flashlight and a screwdriver and a razor knife with you. Oh, don't forget to take a certafied mechanic with you also!!!!!
The canvas is a good sign, but it also tells me someone spent some money, then decided not to keep the boat! Why? Is it because they realized the motor was shot or was about to fall off the stern because of the rot in the transom. Walk around the entire boat and check for soft spots. If the deck is soft, the stringers will probably be soft as well.
Check inside every bait well and storage compartments. Check to see how clean all the areas are.
Ask the owner to see any literature and maintenance receipts that he has. He should have many if the boat has been maintained properly. Also ask where the motor and boat was maintained at. Was it covered? winterized? Garage kept? God the list goes on!!!
The boat looks like it has been kept well by the pics. Take your camera and don't make an offer until you post back hear. Give him the "its a Little out of my budget but the kids would really love it story" This may help, take your youngest with you and tell him to look really cute! Hell, maybe you can trade him for the boat! lol Joking!
I like the old gray's with the clap board look on the outside, it gives it character and seperates it from other WA. This is really the perfect size for you to start with. You will like the open back end for fishing, and the inclosure and cabin are great for extension of the boating seasons and the family. This is better than the center console mako imo for you.
Last but not least, stand on the motor and see if the transom flexes. You may have found a good boat. Good luck.
