Recent content by yarbrowm

I once owned a Chaparral 257 SSX. I had the pleasure of taking it to a pump out station on Lake Murray, SC, for a "pump-out" after a single use by one of my young daughters. That experience was enough to convince me that no one should ever use the head again-including myself. I subsequently...

I have had a 2017 and 2021 FRD275 and both tended to list slightly to port. Long boat for the beam… It bothered me at first but after a while I didn’t care as the boat ran so well. Both boats were glued to the water with hard fast turns and I rarely used the TTs once the boat was on plane and I...

Try Laportes Products in Charleston SC. They manufacture great canvas products that are reasonably priced IMO.

How do you like the 285 overall? What did you have before? Any regrets with respect to that GW model as compared to other GW models? I recently sold my second 275 and am aiming for the 285.

Yes as best as I can tell the painted hulls cost about 6K more than gel coats. Fishtales I think I'm going to pass on the paint. Harbor blue awesome looking IMO but I think I might come unglued if I were to scratch the hull and couldn't have it removed/repaired quickly and without notice.

Folks, Who has a recent production GW with paint on the hull? Harbor Dark Blue or Cape Gray? Seaport Blue now only available as a paint and not sure how paint stands the test of time. Is it hard to touch up with regular use “dings” and bumps? Do the boats have to be repainted periodically? I...

I think the 9’6” beam a better choice for me from a practical standpoint. Plus I just measured my storage shed and the width is 11’6”. Backing a 10’7” beam boat into that would probly lead to some cursing and perhaps a coronary.

Pretty sure that’d lead to me needing another wife. Two Gradys would be awesome though.

My 275 has a new home. Now would like to get a bigger Freedom and struggling b/t 285 and 307. 95% of time boat will be used on large southern lake. Small remainder of time at coast and maybe a trip every other year from Fl to Abacos. Generally have two families aboard. No intentions of using...

I’m definitely no Einstein. I didn’t even consider the fact that this spring I’ve been using the front / side canvas components for the first time. Never used them with my last 275. My inadequacy docking the boat alone certainly the biggest factor in my frustration but spring winds, dock/lift...

Thanks folks. All helpful responses. I definitely need to keep practicing with the twin engines in breezy conditions and I’m going to familiarize myself with spring lines.

Have a new model FRD275 and continue to struggle with docking in annoying winds (certainly user error at play but that is NOT modifiable...). Engines can be retrofitted with the new YAM full maneuverability package ($$$). Apparently a bow thruster can be installed ($). Thoughts on adding a bow...

Thanks for the response. The Marlin is an awesome boat and I bet it does have impressive torque with twin 350s.

Storage and trailering. I don’t keep it on the lift unless I have to do so or am using it. It’s a big rig that fills out many of the barns nearby. The 200s will push its fine. This is all great info-appreciate it. I think I’m done thinking about the 350...

Thanks folks. My current Freedom is a 275 and just a bit too much for me. Great running boat though. About three years old and figure I’ll try and swap now and try a different size. 235 has a lot to offer. I was also looking at the 255 because the Grady website shows a top speed of about 46 mph...