Grady 330 Express vs 300 Marlin

I've been an owner of a 2003 Express 330 for the last 15 years and owned a Marlin 30 for over 5 years before the 330. I've experienced many GW hulls, and the Marlin and 330, in my opinion, are among the most seaworthy and versatile. The Marlin walkaround feature was a dream for fishing, but the trade-off was pinched-in cabin space. The Marlin helm area also was not that spacious, and some angler guests had to sit outside in the aft-deck. All of those seating/comfort issues were solved with the 330. Also, my small family (4 adults/two grandkids) can enjoy So-Cal weekends at local islands. Of course, the 330 does not have the fishing walk around security of the Marlin.

I did not have any problem with moisture issues on either boat, but I was very anal about inspecting/changing the transom cap (bang plate) and bronze thru-hull drain tubes - arguably the biggest problems leading to transom rot. Some 330 owners have suggested that the rear quarter vent plates may be a source of water-intrusion, but mine seem OK (very lucky to live in relatively calm So-Cal waters).

Of course, any boat with Yamaha 225 4-strokes is likely to be plagued by early corrosion failure. I re-powered my 330 (225's lasted 1,400 hours) a few years ago with Yamaha 250's.

Good luck on your search!

I admittedly don't have any experience with the boats you mentioned... that being said, a quick search on Boat Trader shows several 330 Express's that have been repowered either recently or over the last 10+ years with 300's on them, ranging from around $85k on up to over $180k+. I'd say it just depends on if you're wanting a boat that's been repowered already, if so how old do you want the outboards to be and what's the max hours you'd like on the outboards? Are are you really wanting to find one that needs a repower? As mentioned, there's a 2006 in Florida with an older repower of Yamaha F300's on it with around 1,400 hours for $85k. There's another 2006 that's also in Florida that has twin Mercury 350's on it with 550 hours and that also comes with a trailer for $155k. Or a third one in Florida that's a 2001 with brand new Yamaha F300's on her, 75 hours on the motors and being listed at $186k. There are several others up and down the east coast, as well as even a couple in California or on the west coast. I the biggest questions would be what your budget is, how far are you willing to travel, I imagine you're wanting a boat with a trailer as you mentioned above? and do you have any preference on motors/age of hulls, etc? If you're looking to a repower that's been done fairly recently, along with a boat that comes with a trailer and one that's fairly priced... I'd think the 2006 in Florida with the twin Mercury 350's on it and the trailer for $155k might be your best option, at least from the very short 5 minute search that I did. No, I don't have any affiliation with any of the below linked boats, just trying to help out a fellow forum member. Good luck with your search.

My "security" may be greatly influenced by my +75 age . However, I have no problem maneuvering around the boat (plenty of rails to hold on to) for access to the anchor/windlass and other boat operation functions. I get nervous when casting or handling "hot" fish. My younger angler friends and my 21-year-old grandson have no problems. So, age matters.

How much power/speed is enough on a boat is a longstanding source of lively discussion here and on other forums. I get on plane quickly, can cruise all day between 30 to 35 mph and average between 1.0 to 1.2 mpg, depending on weight and sea conditions. Probably can top out at 42 mph but rarely want or need to.

I'm parked in a year-around So-Cal slip - no trailer.

PalmettoMarineService said:

Loubeer,

Thank you for the input. I agree with the fact the accommodations on the 330 are more than the 300. However as far as traveling companions it will probably be just my wife and me. We are on the East Coast (South Carolina) so we can do weekends to Charleston or Wilmington easily. I also like the center helm on the 330. However I agree that the WA ability of the 300 provides a “Better” fishing platform based on your style of fishing. I will be trolling predominantly but I do love to bottom fish. With the bow rail extending as far aft as it does on the 330 do you feel unsecured walking to the bow? How does your 330 perform with the 250’s? I would love to find one that has been repowered with 300’s or find one ready for repower. I would also like to be able to put either on a trailer for service and storms. Do you trailer yours? Any more input is appreciated.

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The walk allows rapid and safe access to the bow which in my opinion a big factor. You give up room, but if you need to get to the windlass or assist in docking the WA offers it.
The 30'er will be fine for two. Walking around a boat on the hard or at a show is not representative of doing the same on the sea. Bigger is always better in my book, but in this case, there are a few features that you need to match to your use case that matter.