Grady White

[RetNav]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Grady White boat?<br /><br />Reason I am asking is I have found an 86, 22' with good running 200 Johnson and good trailer under it for what seems like a good price. The entire rig looks real good.<br /><br />Plus I am tired of the two 200's on the back of my Dusky sucking gas like crazy. I do believe if I were to run them at WOT I can see the deck being pulled down where the motors are sucking the tanks flat.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Grady White

From everything I've read, there one of best boats built.But Like anything else they need to maintained.I kinda got the impression that they are one step up from Boston Whaler. I'm sure someone out there has one and can give you the skinny better than me.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[JB]

Re: Grady White

Gradys are top quality boats, among the best, but prone to rot if not well maintained.<br /><br />Get a survey, and good luck.

 

[RetNav]

Re: Grady White

I appreciate the response and the insight. <br /><br />JB, was not aware on the the info you posted. From the info on Grady White website as to the method of construction it appeared rotting would be very minimal, of course it is their website.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Grady White

The rot is usually caused by water getting in screw holes that weren't sealed properly at aftermarket add ons. A survey should tell you if the hull is wet or rotten. At 19yrs, it may be a little wet behind the ears

 

[cowboyup]

Re: Grady White

Some of the more damaged (rotten) areas on my Grady were the result of poor factory craftsmanship. The holes drilled in stringers for the 2" gas inlet and air vent hoses were not sealed. Neither were the holes drilled in the rear bulkhead for the 3\8" fuel lines or 1-1/2" water tank fill lines. The intersection of the transom and inner set of stringers were not properly glassed and sealed. None of the rod holders or outrigger bases sealed on the gunwhale. The inner liner inside the cabin in the rope storage was only tacked in place with cloth. I could go on, but i think you get the picture. Grady does make a fine boat though. They use top of the line SS hardware, the ride is smooth and the resale is very competitive, if not top 5. But, like all other production craft, there's gonna be some that slip through the cracks in QA/QC. Unfortunately, mine was one of them. I'm putting the finishing touches on it this spring. So, make sure you get a certified marine surveyor, be present at the survey, ask lots of questions (it's your money...he's working for you) and don't be afraid to walk away. Another one will come along.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Grady White

What year is the 200? If it is a FICHT read up and understand what you are getting before you buy.

 

[RetNav]

Re: Grady White

Again, I appreciate all the info.<br /><br /><br /> SoLittle, I am getting the numbers together and will have answers to those type questions probably tomorrow.<br /><br /> I currently have two 200 hp evinrudes that have been completely rebuilt this past year, so there is no shortage of power for the 22' grady.<br /><br /> The Price for the boat I am talking about seems low to me based on advertising found on the web. In checking I found that the owners health is failing and has only used the grady 4 times over the last three years. It is kept under his house out of the weather. (I can explain that statement) The man is a good friend of my cousins and has offered it to him or me through him for $2500.00. That includes his electronics that are mounted on the boat. Says he doesn't need them as he is not able to use them anymore.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Grady White

With the additional information RetNav, I don't think you can go to far wrong Enjoy

 

[swist]

Re: Grady White

My own opinion is that Gradys are way overpriced. The fit and finish is average and there are just as many construction shortcuts as any average production boat of that type (as some of the previous replies attest to). There are a lot of competitors out there now. Used to be one of the only games in town for small fishing boats, but these days they are riding on reputation.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Grady White

Good boat and good return..nuf said<br /><br />YD. <br /><br />ps. I have an opinion too..but banks dont ask me when there rolling a loan well built boat though..good return value as well..

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Grady White

For $2500.00 I don't see how you can go wrong. If it has a trailer under it, with the electronics on board plus a good running J-200 seems like a great buy. And then there's the boat.....whaddya waitin' for? <br /><br />P.S. If you don't want it....please introduce me to the seller

 

[RetNav]

Re: Grady White

Some of the very same thoughts I have had. The 200 runs well, tops out at 6000 rpm wot. The trailer is in excellent shape, could use some new tires, the distance to the water is very close. I figured the motor and trailer was worth the asking price so he was giving me the boat. If its no good, don't know yet, I still feel like I got my moneys worth. Can't lose and if there is some rot I will probably try to use some of my power tools to see what sort of rebuild I can accomplish.<br /><br />Thanks for all the input.