I'm aware of the differences and the impacts of weight from an outboard, people, gear, etc... but wondering if anyone that has experience owning and/or driving both of these can speak to the difference in the ride in different conditions? Does the bracket help or hurt and in what conditions? I keep reading how following seas are not your friend in a 228 and that backing up can sometimes scoop up some water.
226 vs 228 Ride?
- Thread starter NHAngler
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Mustang65fbk
GreatGrady Captain
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A few thoughts that I have on the matter would be that I have a 2004 Grady White 228 Seafarer which I bought back in October of 2021, although I've admittedly never owned a 226 Seafarer, nor have I ever even been on one before. The 226 Seafarer was honestly a dealbreaker for me when I was shopping for a boat, as I didn't want the notched out transom in the rear. I have parents who are in their mid 70's now as well as a niece that is about to be 10, so having the fully enclosed transom/transom bracket on the back was something that I wanted. I also moor my boat out on a mooring buoy from late June to early October, so I also wanted a fully enclosed transom for something like that. On top of that, not having to deal with the bang cap/plate and the potential for water intrusion into the stern was another big selling/longevity point for me, as I didn't want to have to potentially worry about something like that in the future. In regard to ride quality and as mentioned above, I've been in following seas multiple times and have never had an issue before.
When you say scooping up water while in reverse, do you mean water coming over the stern of the vessel or through the scupper flappers? If the former, I've definitely never had that problem before. If the latter, the only time you would likely get some more water through the scupper flappers would be if they're old, warped, cracked, missing, etc. Nothing that replacing your scupper flappers every season can't fix. I honestly think these two "issues" are very much exaggerated and/or are hearsay from people who likely have never owned a 228 Seafarer before. I mean the 232 Gulfstream I imagine was likely one of the longest running walkaround models for Grady White who just recently stopped producing it. But the 232 Gulfstream has the fully enclosed transom as well as the transom bracket on it and has had them both for at least 30 years now. I don't imagine that what was likely their best selling walkaround model has had these "issues" so badly to where people either won't buy them, or to where GW felt as though they needed to change up the design because it was such a problem.
When you say scooping up water while in reverse, do you mean water coming over the stern of the vessel or through the scupper flappers? If the former, I've definitely never had that problem before. If the latter, the only time you would likely get some more water through the scupper flappers would be if they're old, warped, cracked, missing, etc. Nothing that replacing your scupper flappers every season can't fix. I honestly think these two "issues" are very much exaggerated and/or are hearsay from people who likely have never owned a 228 Seafarer before. I mean the 232 Gulfstream I imagine was likely one of the longest running walkaround models for Grady White who just recently stopped producing it. But the 232 Gulfstream has the fully enclosed transom as well as the transom bracket on it and has had them both for at least 30 years now. I don't imagine that what was likely their best selling walkaround model has had these "issues" so badly to where people either won't buy them, or to where GW felt as though they needed to change up the design because it was such a problem.
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If I was in the market for a 226/228 I would prioritize the 228 but a really well kept 226 would swing that decision.
I have been a passenger on a 228/F250 running inlets and inshore/nearshore here in NJ on some salty days and have not observed any issues with seaworthiness or handling. The engine on a bracket is perhaps a little quieter farther back? Space gained in the cockpit, storage on the transom and seating is an advantage. Maybe the 228 transom cap is more durable, which would be good on an older boat.
I don’t have a 226, but my 208 with the motorwell has no issues with water when sitting in swells or in following/overtaking seas. The 208 jump seats have grab rails next to the deep motorwell which is helpful for safety, does the 226 have the same? On sandbar days, getting in and out of the water on the 208 is easy for kids and dog with the jump seats being basically a step and with the motorwell rails. Getting at the engine for basic in-the-water maintenance/flushing/detailing is very convenient (my remote flush connection is busted). If needed I can change a prop at sea on the 208 from the swim platform. Maneuvering fishing lines around the stern probably a little easier with no bracket. The 226 is a little shorter vs a 228, a modest bonus maneuvering in tight spaces, fitting in a short slip, or small docking space.
I have been a passenger on a 228/F250 running inlets and inshore/nearshore here in NJ on some salty days and have not observed any issues with seaworthiness or handling. The engine on a bracket is perhaps a little quieter farther back? Space gained in the cockpit, storage on the transom and seating is an advantage. Maybe the 228 transom cap is more durable, which would be good on an older boat.
I don’t have a 226, but my 208 with the motorwell has no issues with water when sitting in swells or in following/overtaking seas. The 208 jump seats have grab rails next to the deep motorwell which is helpful for safety, does the 226 have the same? On sandbar days, getting in and out of the water on the 208 is easy for kids and dog with the jump seats being basically a step and with the motorwell rails. Getting at the engine for basic in-the-water maintenance/flushing/detailing is very convenient (my remote flush connection is busted). If needed I can change a prop at sea on the 208 from the swim platform. Maneuvering fishing lines around the stern probably a little easier with no bracket. The 226 is a little shorter vs a 228, a modest bonus maneuvering in tight spaces, fitting in a short slip, or small docking space.
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Thor's Outlaw
GreatGrady Captain
I have a 228 with full transom swim platform that I run off the South Shore of Long Island. I run this boat 35-40 miles offshore (weather permitting) for tuna. Every trip home is in a following sea and the only Issue I have is that the 228 likes to run faster to stay on plane (compared to a 226). When you're on the backside of a roller the boat will slow so its frequent throttle adjustments (for me at least). Ive heard a 4 blade prop *may* correct this and help me stay on plane at lower RPMS but for now I run a 3 blade.
luckydude
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Can't speak to a 226, never been on one. I've had following seas on my 228 many times. It can push you around a little but it's sort of like a car on snow/ice, once you have experienced it, it's fine. I'd trim the engine back and back off the trim tabs if you are in short period steep waves, I've never stuffed it but I could see it happening in those conditions. I just try hard not to be out when it is a square ocean.
And just because Thor mentioned tuna trips, the longest I've done is 160 miles round trip, 72 miles offshore (and no fish, darn it). The 228 does just fine if you pick your days. We ran low on gas and my buddy, more experienced, killed the tabs, trimmed the engine back, and scooted us home getting 2.5mpg. Boat averages 2.2mpg so I was happy.
And just because Thor mentioned tuna trips, the longest I've done is 160 miles round trip, 72 miles offshore (and no fish, darn it). The 228 does just fine if you pick your days. We ran low on gas and my buddy, more experienced, killed the tabs, trimmed the engine back, and scooted us home getting 2.5mpg. Boat averages 2.2mpg so I was happy.
Thanks everyone. All good to hear.
I have been set on moving up from a GW 180 CC to a 209 and waited long enough, I might be selling myself onto a different style of boat. Have been seeing a lot of 208's for sale and have always loved that hull and admit that is what I was shopping for prior to getting my 180. However, how does that saying go? You should not buy a boat that you want now but rather what you see yourself in out by 3-5 years?
I also think my wife may go more in a walk around. She can't swim and is afraid of vehicles without wheels.
I have been set on moving up from a GW 180 CC to a 209 and waited long enough, I might be selling myself onto a different style of boat. Have been seeing a lot of 208's for sale and have always loved that hull and admit that is what I was shopping for prior to getting my 180. However, how does that saying go? You should not buy a boat that you want now but rather what you see yourself in out by 3-5 years?
I also think my wife may go more in a walk around. She can't swim and is afraid of vehicles without wheels.