226 vs 228 Ride?

[NHAngler]

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.

 

[Ryhlick]

I have not driven the 226 at all, but the 228 in following seas is definitely not a problem. I run in with a following sea every trip here in Oregon and have never had an issue.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

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.

 

[Peter A]

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.

 

[Thor's Outlaw]

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]

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.

 

[NHAngler]

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.

 

[luckydude]

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.

What sort of fishing do you do? I looked at a 208 and it is fine for fishing 2 people. It is not fine for crabbing, the deck space is way too small (I'm sure someone will say they can do it but I find my 228 can feel cramped for crabbing). I can, and have, had 4 people rock fishing out of my 228, no way that works in a 208 unless you send 2 people forward. Halibut I do 2 people, you could do the same. Salmon 2 people, you could do the same.

As for the wife, I'd caution you to not push too hard unless she wants to be out there. If she wants to be out there then getting a well maintained Grady is just the ticket. She'll come to trust the boat and I think that is huge.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I looked for just over a year before finding my 228 Seafarer that I purchased. During the search, as you mentioned there were a ton of 208 Adventure's for sale and I briefly considered looking at and/or maybe purchasing one. I'm glad that I didn't though as the 228 Seafarer is imo about the perfect 21'-22' walkaround available out there for sale. You can trailer/launch/captain the boat on your own fairly easily, you can fish 4-5 people on the boat, or cruise with even more than that on board. The boat has the fully enclosed transom with the transom bracket on it, you don't have to worry about the bang cap/plate getting water underneath of it. Also and maybe most importantly, the 228 Seafarer seems to be a bit rarer as well as they seem to sell a bit higher than the 208 Adventure does. That being said, the 228 Seafarer is an incredibly seaworthy boat that will take much more of a pounding in the wind and conditions than I'd like to be out in. You'll be able to go out in conditions that you wouldn't be able to go out in with the 208 Adventure, and it feels like a very big boat for only being 22' in length, yet it's still very manageable operating with only one person. Before you do or buy anything, at least step onto each boat that you're looking at and see for yourself. Especially if you can step on one that's in the water, as boats on trailers seem massive until you put them in the water, and then that tends to put everything into perspective much more quickly. Good luck with whatever it is that you decide on doing.

 

[NHAngler]

What sort of fishing do you do? I looked at a 208 and it is fine for fishing 2 people. It is not fine for crabbing, the deck space is way too small (I'm sure someone will say they can do it but I find my 228 can feel cramped for crabbing). I can, and have, had 4 people rock fishing out of my 228, no way that works in a 208 unless you send 2 people forward. Halibut I do 2 people, you could do the same. Salmon 2 people, you could do the same.

As for the wife, I'd caution you to not push too hard unless she wants to be out there. If she wants to be out there then getting a well maintained Grady is just the ticket. She'll come to trust the boat and I think that is huge.

In the past 10 years, find myself trolling and jigging more than casting. A walkaround or Pilothouse would totally work for this type of fishing. I still love casting but have a kayak and a smaller tin boat for inshore stuff. AFA crew, usually not more than 1-2 guests joining me at a time. Was that because I had a smaller boat for inshore? Maybe… but 4 people fishing on any boat under 25’ can feel crowded (tome). When trolling, 3 seems ideal. Jigging? Does not matter but again, 3 seems ideal again, depending on how experienced the crew is.

Regarding the wife, that is the last priority. I doubt she will go out with me more than once per year no matter what I upgrade to. Her fear is the how level the floor is so even getting a boat up on plane makes her uneasy. Getting rolled by waves triples this for her.

I do value the portability and simplicity of smaller and the 208 would win there. Towing/launching/loading/maintenance , fuel sipping, solo trips, etc. Some of the trips I do are several hours a way. So, off the water value - this is the easier boat.

However, the 228 with that bracket, closed transom, and perfectly positioned livewell are all selling features to me. The extra room and size would also be nice for linger days and greater distances. I’d go offshore more than I have, so there’s that. On the water, this is obviously the winner.

I’d also like something newer so compromise may be needed get something turn key.

 

[Peter A]

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.

228 definitely bigger in the cockpit and you’ll be a level more comfortable in nautical conditions. The cuddy is a nice storage space and to get out of the sun. I have a 208 and been out in some heavy weather, she does fine. Fishing two in the cockpit lots of space. I wouldn’t be that psyched about having more than 2-3 even in a 228, but I like having space. Fishing off the foredeck not a not of room. I’d get a hardtop boat for sure, and bow pulpit makes deploying/retrieving the anchor easier with a windlass. My strong preference is an F200 or the more rare F250-equipped boat. The boat is pretty economical to run. I don’t worry about the transom but I have a later model, 2021. My biggest gripe is the seats are not particularly comfortable for a long ride.

 

[NHAngler]

228 definitely bigger in the cockpit and you’ll be a level more comfortable in nautical conditions. The cuddy is a nice storage space and to get out of the sun. I have a 208 and been out in some heavy weather, she does fine. Fishing two in the cockpit lots of space. I wouldn’t be that psyched about having more than 2-3 even in a 228, but I like having space. Fishing off the foredeck not a not of room. I’d get a hardtop boat for sure, and bow pulpit makes deploying/retrieving the anchor easier with a windlass. My strong preference is an F200 or the more rare F250-equipped boat. The boat is pretty economical to run. I don’t worry about the transom but I have a later model, 2021. My biggest gripe is the seats are not particularly comfortable for a long ride.

Thanks. The 208 that I may go and see later this week has an F150. I would prefer the F200 inline 4 but it's what's she's got and the same Yamaha inline 4 platform. I would want a hardtop on a 228 but not on a 208 and not sure why other than keeping the weight and wind resistance down. I'd also like for it to fit into my garage which is not high on the wish list but wow, that would be nice.

 

[Peter A]

Thanks. The 208 that I may go and see later this week has an F150. I would prefer the F200 inline 4 but it's what's she's got and the same Yamaha inline 4 platform. I would want a hardtop on a 228 but not on a 208 and not sure why other than keeping the weight and wind resistance down. I'd also like for it to fit into my garage which is not high on the wish list but wow, that would be nice.

Good luck! Plenty of posts on the F150 being OK. I’d say make sure to sea trial with at least 1/2 fuel load and your expected passenger/gear load. Depending on your load and with no hardtop weight and lower wind resistance, you might be very happy with the F150. If it’s out of warranty you can get a Nizpro tune to 200+ hp.

 

[NHAngler]

Good luck! Plenty of posts on the F150 being OK. I’d say make sure to sea trial with at least 1/2 fuel load and your expected passenger/gear load. Depending on your load and with no hardtop weight and lower wind resistance, you might be very happy with the F150. If it’s out of warranty you can get a Nizpro tune to 200+ hp.

I’ve heard about those kinds of mods for other outboards but not for the F150. How cool…

Boat shopping is fun and at the same time, it sucks. I have a feeling my next boat may be intentionally intermediate.