ok GW Owners! I had my heart set on a 265 Express with the center helm and bench seating, but I just got turned onto a 2001 Marlin 300 in turn key condition (??) Price difference is around 15k (more for the Marlin) Seems like a lot more to offer on the Marlin. Any thoughts or input would greatly appreciated? Both boats seem competitively priced,,,,,with similar features
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265 express or Marlin 300
- Thread starter sickday
- Start date
gradyfish22
GreatGrady Captain
That is a tough choice. I absolutely love my 265 Express and it would be hard to get me out of it into anything else, but if there was another Grady, it would likely be a marlin. My thoughts on both. I have fished on both and run the 265 40-50 trips a season.
265:
Highs
center helm
helm seating for more then marlin
notched transom-better for fishing around
better on fuel then a marlin
cheaper to operate
cheaper to put in a slip
big fish box in deck
best visability from center helm
lows:
low windshield-cannot cruise with eisenglass down unless you like wind in your face
center helm-some complain about it being cramped, but I have no problems or issues with it and a HATE people bumping into me so to me it isn't an issue
smaller boat-will feel more in rough seas
express style makes it harder to walk forward, especially with lee jr outriggers
30 Marlin:
High's
bigger boat-will ride better in rough seas due to added weight
more cockpit space
bigger cabin with more room for sleeping
more headroom in cabin
walkaround-easier access forward
option of a generator and A/C
low's
more $ to run-less efficient
more $ for slip
more initial cost
less interior space due to walkaround if compared to similar 30ft boats
stardboard helm seat-less visability
less helm seating for crew
eurotransom-puts you 6ft from cockpit to back of engines, tough to fish around if you venture after bigger fish
aft seating-cuts into cockpit space and is only useful underway, facing wrong way for fishing
fishbox and livewell intransom-more ate up space
Basically the 30 has the advantage in ride due to size and weight, but space wise the biggest gain is in the cabin with more space. Typically the aft bunk is used for kids or storage, know of few owners who have adults sleep there but there are a few. The cockpit of the 30 puts you at a huge disadvantage if you fish, especially offshore. good luck swinging a tuna or marlin around the outboards with stand up gear. even inshore species can be a challenge at times. The helm of the 265 is hands down better. The marlin has easier passage to the bow if you anchor a lot or go forward in rough seas. It can be fished, but only in calm seas, I've fished tons of walkarounds, they are a pain unless its calm up forward. If you might need a generator, the marlin has the option and space, the 265 would need a portable one that can only be orperated when drifting or anchored, I have a portable Honda EU2000i for mine, produces a 15A charge and burns maybe 1.5gal all night. The transom of the 265 is super easy to fish around, it is dry...I've backed mine down on fish at 5-7kts without water in the cockpit. The 30 is pushing it size wise to operate alone, the 265 is no problem. The 30 will cost more initially and to operate as well. Both are great riding boats for their size, although the 265 rides like a bigger boat in a chop.
I'm not sure what is best for your use, not sure if you plan to fish more or cruise more. Not sure if you venture offshore or stay coastal. If you fish with a big or small crew. Both will handle 4 fishermen without a problem, the Marlin could handle more if you use the walkaround and fish forward. If you need more interior space, the Marlin wins, but after a while many owners don't use it as much as they think they will, some do actually use it. If you stay near shore, a bigger boat may not benefit you if you boat with a smaller crew. If you run far distances, the 265 has more seating at the helm, and allows everyone to get out of the elements, I've had 7 under there, 5 is more comfortable though. Will you use the seats in the cockpit of the 30 Marlin or do they take up space in your mind? Do you boat alone, if so a Marlin is pushing it alone, it can be done but will wear you out, the 265 is easy to handle alone, and the center helm makes it feel smaller to handle because the visability is better then most boats, it also allows you to leave and get to the helm quicker when docking alone, and if you troll it gives you a great view of the cockpit and spread. It all comes down to layout, and what suits your needs best.
Best advice is make a list of pros and cons for your use and see if one out weighs the other, and then compare that to the financial aspect and see if those reasons still make sense, also will you have the urge to move up soon if you go smaller, or are you going bigger but settling, down the road they may be other models out that suit you better if you are.
Hope this gives you a little food for thought. Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions about either, especially the 265, I'd be glad to answer any about mine.
265:
Highs
center helm
helm seating for more then marlin
notched transom-better for fishing around
better on fuel then a marlin
cheaper to operate
cheaper to put in a slip
big fish box in deck
best visability from center helm
lows:
low windshield-cannot cruise with eisenglass down unless you like wind in your face
center helm-some complain about it being cramped, but I have no problems or issues with it and a HATE people bumping into me so to me it isn't an issue
smaller boat-will feel more in rough seas
express style makes it harder to walk forward, especially with lee jr outriggers
30 Marlin:
High's
bigger boat-will ride better in rough seas due to added weight
more cockpit space
bigger cabin with more room for sleeping
more headroom in cabin
walkaround-easier access forward
option of a generator and A/C
low's
more $ to run-less efficient
more $ for slip
more initial cost
less interior space due to walkaround if compared to similar 30ft boats
stardboard helm seat-less visability
less helm seating for crew
eurotransom-puts you 6ft from cockpit to back of engines, tough to fish around if you venture after bigger fish
aft seating-cuts into cockpit space and is only useful underway, facing wrong way for fishing
fishbox and livewell intransom-more ate up space
Basically the 30 has the advantage in ride due to size and weight, but space wise the biggest gain is in the cabin with more space. Typically the aft bunk is used for kids or storage, know of few owners who have adults sleep there but there are a few. The cockpit of the 30 puts you at a huge disadvantage if you fish, especially offshore. good luck swinging a tuna or marlin around the outboards with stand up gear. even inshore species can be a challenge at times. The helm of the 265 is hands down better. The marlin has easier passage to the bow if you anchor a lot or go forward in rough seas. It can be fished, but only in calm seas, I've fished tons of walkarounds, they are a pain unless its calm up forward. If you might need a generator, the marlin has the option and space, the 265 would need a portable one that can only be orperated when drifting or anchored, I have a portable Honda EU2000i for mine, produces a 15A charge and burns maybe 1.5gal all night. The transom of the 265 is super easy to fish around, it is dry...I've backed mine down on fish at 5-7kts without water in the cockpit. The 30 is pushing it size wise to operate alone, the 265 is no problem. The 30 will cost more initially and to operate as well. Both are great riding boats for their size, although the 265 rides like a bigger boat in a chop.
I'm not sure what is best for your use, not sure if you plan to fish more or cruise more. Not sure if you venture offshore or stay coastal. If you fish with a big or small crew. Both will handle 4 fishermen without a problem, the Marlin could handle more if you use the walkaround and fish forward. If you need more interior space, the Marlin wins, but after a while many owners don't use it as much as they think they will, some do actually use it. If you stay near shore, a bigger boat may not benefit you if you boat with a smaller crew. If you run far distances, the 265 has more seating at the helm, and allows everyone to get out of the elements, I've had 7 under there, 5 is more comfortable though. Will you use the seats in the cockpit of the 30 Marlin or do they take up space in your mind? Do you boat alone, if so a Marlin is pushing it alone, it can be done but will wear you out, the 265 is easy to handle alone, and the center helm makes it feel smaller to handle because the visability is better then most boats, it also allows you to leave and get to the helm quicker when docking alone, and if you troll it gives you a great view of the cockpit and spread. It all comes down to layout, and what suits your needs best.
Best advice is make a list of pros and cons for your use and see if one out weighs the other, and then compare that to the financial aspect and see if those reasons still make sense, also will you have the urge to move up soon if you go smaller, or are you going bigger but settling, down the road they may be other models out that suit you better if you are.
Hope this gives you a little food for thought. Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions about either, especially the 265, I'd be glad to answer any about mine.
fishingFINattic
Well-Known Member
It really depends what you want to do with the boat - I went fishing 49 times last year (record every trip) and did four overnighters (rangeing from 2 to 4 nights) -
Many of the 49 trips were for bass and blues with in three miles from shore - usually with one or two other people on board.
In my specific case, it was a no brainer - I spend 10 nights on the water and at least 25 fishing trips with only one or two other people on board -
No reason to haul around a very large hotel room with me for all of the fishing trips - pay all the extra fuel to move around something I didnt need, plus you sacrifice a little speed -
FYI - the cabin ammenties on the 265 are great for a boat in its size.
Tim
Many of the 49 trips were for bass and blues with in three miles from shore - usually with one or two other people on board.
In my specific case, it was a no brainer - I spend 10 nights on the water and at least 25 fishing trips with only one or two other people on board -
No reason to haul around a very large hotel room with me for all of the fishing trips - pay all the extra fuel to move around something I didnt need, plus you sacrifice a little speed -
FYI - the cabin ammenties on the 265 are great for a boat in its size.
Tim
striped bass
Well-Known Member
Outstanding feedback! Just a little about what I will use it for: Northern California, winter delta fishing-summer crab, tuna and hopefully salmon (if it reopens). Some cruising and lots of overnighters etc. I have 2 boys and a wife that enjoy boating/fishing as much as me if not more. My boys (fishing fanatics) are big, like me, but growing. We need room, so the beam (10'-7") and the aft sleeper on the Marlin is very attractive. The gas bill at 1 gpm is not!
I'll sea trial both and come up with my own opinions. But for now, I'm in love with both. (But I still prefer rthe expresss style). If money werent an issue, I'd go straight for the 305 or 33 Express.
Thanks again for putting in the time to give me your feedback, you must really love that boat!
Matt
I'll sea trial both and come up with my own opinions. But for now, I'm in love with both. (But I still prefer rthe expresss style). If money werent an issue, I'd go straight for the 305 or 33 Express.
Thanks again for putting in the time to give me your feedback, you must really love that boat!
Matt
fishingFINattic
Well-Known Member
If you don't mind the extra $ associated with the Marlin, get the Marlin. It's going to cost more to insure, feed, slip, store,...
I've only been on a 265 on land and it's tight by the helm (me and none of my friends are under #200). But for a twenty some footer it's hard to beat for fishing. The aft berth in the Marlin is nice (a lot more than my Sailfish) and doesn't feel like a cave.
I've only been on a 265 on land and it's tight by the helm (me and none of my friends are under #200). But for a twenty some footer it's hard to beat for fishing. The aft berth in the Marlin is nice (a lot more than my Sailfish) and doesn't feel like a cave.
Southern Hunter
Well-Known Member
Go with the Marlin....I have never heard anybody say I wish I had got a smaller boat.....but not so with the other way around!
fishingFINattic
Well-Known Member
Southern Hunter said:I have never heard anybody say I wish I had got a smaller boat.....but not so with the other way around!
This was true until last year when fuel approached $5 a gallon!
Tim
@ $5 a mile I will be getting a 2nd job o run my next boat (265 or the Marlin) Lets hope that doesnt happen again.
I think my bigger concerns are the costs and hastles associated with annual haul outs and maintanence. My current drive way is just long enuff to hold the 265 so I'd be able to do my own power washing, oil changes, tune ups etc.
For those of you who dont haul your own boats around, do you find this to be a costly hastle?
I think my bigger concerns are the costs and hastles associated with annual haul outs and maintanence. My current drive way is just long enuff to hold the 265 so I'd be able to do my own power washing, oil changes, tune ups etc.
For those of you who dont haul your own boats around, do you find this to be a costly hastle?
sickday said:@ $5 a mile I will be getting a 2nd job o run my next boat (265 or the Marlin) Lets hope that doesnt happen again.
I think my bigger concerns are the costs and hastles associated with annual haul outs and maintanence. My current drive way is just long enuff to hold the 265 so I'd be able to do my own power washing, oil changes, tune ups etc.
For those of you who dont haul your own boats around, do you find this to be a costly hastle?
I'd go with the bigger boat, the marlin is a LOT bigger than the 265 in nearly every way. if you are buying either of these boats are you really worried about a haulout fee a couple of times per year???
Oceanbean
GreatGrady Captain
Congrats to you to be able to have to decide.
I will move up one day. As such I have looked at both boats.
The 265 is a sharp boat. I think the prettiest GW. Functionally, I like the transom. Fishability and Boarding. I think I can still back the 265 into my slip and with a small landing step get on and off easier (even with the engines up) than the Marlin. I have had an express before and getting on via the bow is no fun. Sure the walkaround allows better access, but getting over the rail is no fun. I am spoiled with my current GW as it is an I/O with a full swim platform. I back in all slips for easy boarding.
The 265 center helm with side benches are nice for cruising.
The one concern I have with the 265 are no windows in the cabin and head. Ventilation is a good thing. The W/A's provide the windows.
I cannot comment on any performance issues as I have no experience with either boat. Both require 200+ HP $$$ so all that is a wash. Think about which boat fits your boating lifestyle the best. That's the boat for you.
Oceanbean
93 Explorer 245 VP DP
I will move up one day. As such I have looked at both boats.
The 265 is a sharp boat. I think the prettiest GW. Functionally, I like the transom. Fishability and Boarding. I think I can still back the 265 into my slip and with a small landing step get on and off easier (even with the engines up) than the Marlin. I have had an express before and getting on via the bow is no fun. Sure the walkaround allows better access, but getting over the rail is no fun. I am spoiled with my current GW as it is an I/O with a full swim platform. I back in all slips for easy boarding.
The 265 center helm with side benches are nice for cruising.
The one concern I have with the 265 are no windows in the cabin and head. Ventilation is a good thing. The W/A's provide the windows.
I cannot comment on any performance issues as I have no experience with either boat. Both require 200+ HP $$$ so all that is a wash. Think about which boat fits your boating lifestyle the best. That's the boat for you.
Oceanbean
93 Explorer 245 VP DP
The cost to haul to haul out the boat isnt the concern. But when your adding up the expenses, it would be nice to bring it home and do it myself (waxing, power washing, tune ups zincs, oil changes etc) Those are the costs that are going to add up.
It might be a fear of the unknown. I'm used to doing it all myself. But if I keep the boat in the water, I'll more than likely be having the work done. Its not like the local Grady White service yard is on the water.
And dont get me wrong, I'm not exactly flush with cash. Otherwise I'd be going with a brand new boat. Its going to be a huge expense for me.
It might be a fear of the unknown. I'm used to doing it all myself. But if I keep the boat in the water, I'll more than likely be having the work done. Its not like the local Grady White service yard is on the water.
And dont get me wrong, I'm not exactly flush with cash. Otherwise I'd be going with a brand new boat. Its going to be a huge expense for me.
fishingFINattic
Well-Known Member
Oceanbean said:The one concern I have with the 265 are no windows in the cabin and head. Ventilation is a good thing. The W/A's provide the windows.
The head has a vent that comes out on the starboard side of the helm.
My wife and I discussed the "no windows" quite a bit, and it was almost a deal breaker - we had windows in our 25'er and thought we couldnt live without them -
Well let me tell you - after the first season we were LOVING the no windows!!!!
Tim
gradyfish22
GreatGrady Captain
I agree, I like the no windows better. It provides plenty of overhead light during the day, more then I expected actually, but at night it is much darker and much easier to fall asleep, it blocks out all light, my marina is very brite, and I have 2 HUGE spots shining near my floating dock, and my cabin is very dark with the door closed. The head is vented out the side as mentioned, and opening the overhead hatch and putting the screen in provides plenty of air when overnighting. We sleep on the boat when tuna fishing at night both in the cabin and on the helm bench seats and never has ventilation been an issue.
At night, I find glare to be reduced, I used to get some glare coming off my running lights from the front windows, no more with the 265. For the amount of time I spend in the cabin, it is plenty big for my use, betwene my Dad and I we probably spend 10 nights on the boat a season, we fish the boat about 45 times a year. These overnight's do not include offshore trips where we overnight on the water, we do about 4-6 of them a season, and hopefully more this season.
Also, less glass makes it a whole lot easier to clean, waxing the cabin is so much easier since it is big section of fiberglass, instead of having windows and molding everywhere. I actually wax my 265 in the same amount of time it took me to do the 22 seafarer, and find the 265 easier to wax and clean. My hands were always torn up on indow edges and rod holders in the cockpit on the 22, on the 265 I have none of that when I do it by hand.
At night, I find glare to be reduced, I used to get some glare coming off my running lights from the front windows, no more with the 265. For the amount of time I spend in the cabin, it is plenty big for my use, betwene my Dad and I we probably spend 10 nights on the boat a season, we fish the boat about 45 times a year. These overnight's do not include offshore trips where we overnight on the water, we do about 4-6 of them a season, and hopefully more this season.
Also, less glass makes it a whole lot easier to clean, waxing the cabin is so much easier since it is big section of fiberglass, instead of having windows and molding everywhere. I actually wax my 265 in the same amount of time it took me to do the 22 seafarer, and find the 265 easier to wax and clean. My hands were always torn up on indow edges and rod holders in the cockpit on the 22, on the 265 I have none of that when I do it by hand.
ElyseM
GreatGrady Captain
Z4J said:low windshield-cannot cruise with eisenglass down unless you like wind in your face
Early Spring, Late Fall, Thunderstorms, Deal breaker for me, I need a windshield.
not "no windshield". it's a lower windshield. so to stay cozy you have to use the eisenglass. pretty much the same on my gulfstream.
gradyfish22
GreatGrady Captain
Z4J said:low windshield-cannot cruise with eisenglass down unless you like wind in your face
Early Spring, Late Fall, Thunderstorms, Deal breaker for me, I need a windshield.
Not sure of the pont here. It was cannot cruise with the eisenglass up, you need it rolled down since it is a low windshield, it ends just below eye level for msot. With the eisenglass it gives you full protection. If it is chilly out in the spring or fall you put the eisenglass down, and if it rain's, put the eisenglass down. You just cannot run all day with wind at 35mph hitting you in the face if your curtains are rolled up. I run short distances with it zipped open in the summer, but for long runs it has to be closed, plenty of air circulation coming from behind, and you can roll sides up for more breeze. Most Express boats have low windsheilds so on windy days you need eisenglass to keep dry anyways. On most smaller boats you need the eisenglass to keep wind off your face, just on the 265 it is needed moreso then some others.
On my 265 I had the canvas shop put a zippered vent on the eisenglass
in front of the helm. Most folks put the zippers on the botton of the semi-circle like a happy face, mine zips and unzips like a frown so I can open it
at the TOP to let in some air and/or see through and not soak the dash in wavy conditions. Unless it's really cold or choppy I like to run with it
open!
in front of the helm. Most folks put the zippers on the botton of the semi-circle like a happy face, mine zips and unzips like a frown so I can open it
at the TOP to let in some air and/or see through and not soak the dash in wavy conditions. Unless it's really cold or choppy I like to run with it
open!
gradyfish22
GreatGrady Captain
mronzo, our factory canvas's where we work have them, they are actually hidden well and are in the top piece of fabric, you would never know they were there, but they work wonders, never thought bout doing that on my boat, might be something to add to the list.