Recent content by brdawg2001

Do not get enamored with beam if you plan to use the boat offshore. The 306 is very beamy for that length and you might be surprised if rough conditions. Beam to length ratio is extremely important and there is a reason a lot of manufacturers do not go that wide until 34 feet.

Seastar hydraulic steering is 1000 times more reliable than anything electronic and not difficult to work on...you can plumb your Autopilot in and it will work great. I did replace the helm pump on mine after 18 years..boatsteer.com has rebuilt stuff that works great.

Looks great!! Still do not understand collapsible. I have original rupp top guns with 18 foot fixed poles. I use the povermo method to manage halyard tension so never have to figure out keeping that halyards organized when collapsed ..I am ready to fish by simply turning the riggers....

I have a 2002 273..Grady did change the buoyancy in some way as that was the first year 4 strokes were offered. I ran f225s for 16 years and now have f250 zukes...would not recommend less power..mine are pretty flawless....2500 hours now on my boat

Biggest issue with Gradys...crappy wiring...

Hard to beat zukes for gradys...the gearing is more favorable for the heavier hulls...700 hours on my df250s

Not even close in terms of reliability..replace the helmet pump..not too hard..boatsteer.com is good to work with.

2002 was the first year of the 273 and it was designed for 4strokes...mine came with 225s as I have owned it since new. I have no scupper issues....if your boat is a 263 or older you will need to consider that.

I have 600 hours on df250s on my 2002 273 chase..flawless.

There is only one answer..Edson..worth every penny when you hold the wheel on 18 hour fishing trip.

No perfect design for sure..overall I think if helps keep the boat very balanced overall. Lift, stability, etc. I do think it has a significant impact on speed in 1 to 2 footers...the boat is not designed to go fast in those conditions for sure..but I do not care..35 is fast enough.

2002 was when they changed to 273 Chase to handle 4 strokes. If you have 4 strokes on that one it may sit a little low for the scuppers..so check that.

I am not sure what kind of seas you plan to travel in, but I would definitely compare ride quality on the pursuit. Love their fit and finish but the hulls can be bumpy and wet. I had a Slickcaft in the 80s on Lake Erie. It was a tank but absolutely horrible hull and wet:) slikkers is same owner.

I painted mine...I keep my boat on a trailer and not in the water so it has worked out well. I do have to touch them up but it us not a big deal.

I run 70 to 100 in my 273 chase..been out 20 in a 15 foot whaler...maintain your stuff and have safety gear.