First Grady - Which Model Would Work Best For Us?

[FreedomCrawler]

Good morning all. We just shifted to Annapolis area from Hawaii and I’m looking to finally get a boat here. I was originally planning to get a sailboat however I like the idea of being able to trailer around the area a bit more. After more research I’ve settled on finding a Grady White.

It’s just my wife and I along with the kid. Maybe a pup on the boat every now and then so wouldn’t be a lot of people. Here’s what I’m looking for:

- Something comfortable for the family, so thinking a cabin not a CC.
- Be able to fish off of or tube if the kid wanted to. Would also love to be able to scuba dive off of in the right areas. So Swim platform would be a plus.
- I don’t plan to go miles away from shore. Mainly the Chesapeake and if I tow down the east coast or something.
- Most likely going to keep on trailer. Tow vehicle is a diesel Jeep gladiator ~6500# max
- I’m mechanically inclined so don’t mind wrenching but have only had small trailer sailers around 22’ and never had to do fiberglass work. Can learn but don’t have extensive motor boat knowledge.
- Budget $6-8k as I don’t mind putting some work into one with good bones. I’m budgeting in storage fees/repairs outside of that budget. Looks like late 80’s/early 90’s fit this. That and I want to make sure we use it. Will go from there if we enjoy it enough.

I would love a gulfstream based off what people have said about them but I’m limited on my tow vehicle so I’ve nixed that.
I’m thinking Overnighter or Seafarer 226/228 might fit the bill?

No clue on which transom setup would be better for getting in and out of the boat or if it matters? Full, with the cut out or outboards attached to a mount off the back of the boat?
Inboard vs outboard? Seems like the inboard engines are reliable but outboards are easier to swap out.


I really appreciate it a lot!

 

[Legend]

aGrady has been out of the inboard market for quite some time. Good overall boat for your needs and family size would be a 22 for Seafarer. The Seafarer has a cuddy cabin and walk around and a few different transoms. I believe a swim platform was available on all mode;;s. It is a good all-around boat. I would look into purchasing one with the SV2 hull. It provides a much softer ride. I believe the SV2 hull became available with the 1992 model. That may put you out of your desired price range but it would be worth it if you could swing it. Good luck

 

[FreedomCrawler]

aGrady has been out of the inboard market for quite some time. Good overall boat for your needs and family size would be a 22 for Seafarer. The Seafarer has a cuddy cabin and walk around and a few different transoms. I believe a swim platform was available on all mode;;s. It is a good all-around boat. I would look into purchasing one with the SV2 hull. It provides a much softer ride. I believe the SV2 hull became available with the 1992 model. That may put you out of your desired price range but it would be worth it if you could swing it. Good luck

Yes it seems about 50/50 in regards to inboard bs outboard in the years I’m seeing. Generally late 80’s. 4.3 in the overnighters and 5.0 in the seafarers

Year wise, in the range I’m looking it seems below 1990 is the most common. Some teetering the budget 91/92’ but that may have only been one or two.

Also been trying to find one with a hardtop which also seems about 25% of the ones I’m looking at have already

 

[MA208]

Unfortunately for 6-8k choices will be limited and likely need work. I’d go with the best maintained one you find.

 

[FreedomCrawler]

Unfortunately for 6-8k choices will be limited and likely need work. I’d go with the best maintained one you find.

I’ve got about a dozen right now that I’m looking at within a few hours of me. I think with the season and area we are in I’m pretty lucky. Just trying to narrow down boat and setups to consider going after. From there focus on what I can work on. Configuration and model are my main focuses to try and narrow down my searches. I’m seeing the most overnighters, sailfishes and gulf streams and then seafarers.