Expected repairs on an older grady

[Great Escape]

Hi

I was considering upgrading to an 2004-2006 Grady Sailfish or Marlin with a four stroke engines. I live in New England and would put 100 to 200 hours a year on it. I would try to find a boat with AC I would plan to keep it ten years or so( at least that is what I am telling myself). What type of major maintance/replacement items, other than normal annual maintnance should I expect to do during that time frame In the area of:

The Hull

Electrical wiring

Electronics including auto pilot

A/C

Tanks

Head

Any other item that I should be considering.I have learned alot here and would appreciate any input.

 

[richie rich]

If you make sure all you screws into the transom and deck area are properly sealed with resin and caulk your core should be fine for many years to come.
Electrical wiring should be good for 20 years plus...just spray down open contacts every season to keep exposed connectors in check
Electronics can last very long if theyre not beat up and maintained just like the wiring....most people upgrade because of new technology.....dont have AP so cant comment there
The AC will have parts in contact with raw water that can corrode...so again maintenance on cleaning/flushing is key..
Tanks should last 20 years plus....just make sure the pie plates seal well and keep moisture out of the tank area....open them up at the end of the season , wash down with freash water and air the area out
Head....depends on use,,

the key is keeping things clean and dry in any part of the boat.....corrosion maintenance and good seals on thru hulls, screws, anything that can come in contact with the boats core, be it transom or grid below the deck.

 

[Fishtales]

Hi,
I have an 06 Marlin. I have to say that the age you are looking at isn't really an older Grady. Some might say more like a late model....
I would check to see that the boat and engines have been maintained properly and believe how the boat shows cosmetically says a lot. For that age, I suspect the owner received a 3+3 year warranty on the engines and most likely would have a dealer do the work during the warranty period. As for the service records. Both models you are looking at have been around, thus any design shortcomings should be addressed. Electronics may be N-1 by now (for instance I have Raymarine E120/E80 displays), but should be more than enough for a few years anyway. I'd look for Yamaha F250s vs F225s if possible. There is a reported F225 corrosion issue, do a search here. While it is real, I don't think it is as widespread as some would have you believe. If concerned, ask that the lower units be dropped and an inspection performed.
I think GWs are fairly basic from a systems point of view and outside of a thruster solinoid and a winch repack I have not had any problems.
While AC is nice, really not required in the NE. I've only used it a handful of times.
I would do a survey, have the hull inspected - ensure no major repairs, no moisture in transom and other areas, compression check, lower unit oil and check, corrosion check, engine hour vs display hour check etc.

 

[Great Escape]

Thank you for the great replies. The boat would be a step up for me in many ways and I wanted to make sure there wasn't some big expense, other than possible engine issues that i should be considering down the road if I hang on to it foe ten years or so.