230 Fisherman vs. 257 Advance

[Frank]

What are your thoughts on the differences between the new Fisherman 230 and the existing Advance 257? They are both around the same weight.

* Fisherman has 21.6 degree transom deadrise vs. standard 20 degrees of Advance, so it should ride better but the Advance has a longer waterline (I assume) so it may ride about as well. Has anyone ridden on both?

* The Advance can take twins but the Fisherman is limited to a single. Some have indicated here that the twins handle better, but perhaps the new light weight Yamaha 300 reduces the difference in handling between a single and the twin 150s (I know there will be some benefit to the second engine, but at increased purchase and operating cost).

* The Advance has a nice transom fishbox, greater fuel capacity, transom door, bigger cockpit.

What other advantages are there to one or the other and does the Fisherman 230 fill a niche that is different from the Advance? Any idea on whether there is much difference in pricing?

 

[Frank]

I thought I would bring this back to the top. I am surprised no one has any thoughts on how these two compare. Other than a different hull with more deadrise, I am having a hard time seeing how the 23 improves on the 257 unless it is substantially cheaper.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I don't think we have any owners with the 230 yet to get the real scoop.
I saw the boat at the show and i was kinda impressed.

 

[BobP]

We don't have any owners here for more than this new model too.

I liked the 230 also, had a full rigid stern and flush coming pad straight across even though motor on transom design.

Single engine only possible but allows big transom cap wells.

 

[Frank]

I would have thought owners would be using at least a couple by now.

What do you guys think as compared to the Advance? The Fisherman 230 seems to give up a lot to the Advance (no transom fishbox, fuel capacity, transom door, cockpit space and length). With the increase in deadrise and better ability to work a fish around the transom/motor, I imagine Grady is targeting the Regulator 23 class of boats, but I am having difficulty in seeing it as a major improvement over the Advance. Am I missing something?

 

[fishinmission]

25 ' Advance

I have had mine since 2005 and it is the best boat I have had..... even against other Grady's ..... I take mine to the Canyon and back (70 to 90 miles each way , Shark fish or the back bays it always gets better then 2 MPG with twin 150's.... a t-top is a must it rides like a big boat ......So Far 450 hrs a only maintenance work....

Good Luck

 

[Frank]

What speed are you running on those long trips?

 

[fishinmission]

Fuel Burn 25' advance twin 150's

I can run 4000 rpm with 4 guys Ice and Full fuel and get 30 mph ......and as I increase rpm's it stays over getting 2 mpg which is great . 4000 rpm is the sweet spot .

I have left my slip at 4:30 am come back at 7:30 or later on a Basically flat day burn 100 gallons of fuel and trolled all day. if its rough out I can use 115 gallons.......Make sure your props are in great shape..that is key