GW Freedom - 307 vs 285?

[SCSeawolf]

Looking at a 307. Found a great deal. I'm a bit nervous because it's a lot of boat. Thought about going smaller. Seems the consensus is that the 275 is not a great option due to the shorter beam, space, etc. But the 285 is a solid option. Looking to get feedback on 285 vs the 307. For the average weekend I'm sure I'd be fine even in a 255...But I want to be able to run to Key West or the Bahama's at least once per year. I know the 307 is more than capable. Curious to get feedback on the 285.

 

[JLR]

I have the 285 and love it. However, the 307 does offer the bunk setup in the head. The 285 does not have an overnight option. I wish it did. I have asked about the ability to add cushions to the head to make it the same setup and have not received any positive feedback on that option.

 

[luckydude]

If you are getting into that size boat, I'd also consider a cat, like an Invincible. Freeman too, but Invincible has newer tech, I think they are a step ahead of Freeman.

I'm friends with a guy who has a Canyon 271 and stepped up to an Invincible 38. He said that pulling away from the dock is like you are riding on the dock. He comes home at 25-30 knots in the Gulf of Mexico tight chop. Cruises at 50 knots if the conditions are nice. It's a game changer in terms how big of an ocean you can fish.

In our local (Santa Cruz) waters, to get to the albacore grounds is 73 miles. That's around 3 hours in the Canyon and closer to 2 in the Invincible. It matters because it's usually a morning bite and we'd get there in the Canyon just as the bite was dropping off.

 

[SCSeawolf]

If you are getting into that size boat, I'd also consider a cat, like an Invincible. Freeman too, but Invincible has newer tech, I think they are a step ahead of Freeman.

I'm friends with a guy who has a Canyon 271 and stepped up to an Invincible 38. He said that pulling away from the dock is like you are riding on the dock. He comes home at 25-30 knots in the Gulf of Mexico tight chop. Cruises at 50 knots if the conditions are nice. It's a game changer in terms how big of an ocean you can fish.

In our local (Santa Cruz) waters, to get to the albacore grounds is 73 miles. That's around 3 hours in the Canyon and closer to 2 in the Invincible. It matters because it's usually a morning bite and we'd get there in the Canyon just as the bite was dropping off.

Thanks. Those are really nice boats.

I've been back and forth between the World Cat and the Grady. Initially the WC was the boat of choice. But the more I crawled around a GW, the more I felt it was the better choice for family adventures. I'm not looking for a hard core fishing boat, but I definitely want to fish. Looking for a sunset, sandbar, cruise to dinner, destination travel, fishing boat. Inshore I have a great guide, so this boat is for near shore and off shore. Love the CC, but a DC is more family friendly, especially for South Florida and its popup thunderstorms.

The other consideration is availability and price. I can get a used 2010 to 2017 285-307 for $150K or less. There are actually better deals on a 307 than the 285. Used WC 280 DCx or 295/96 DC's are sitting at $200K plus.

Looking for feedback on those that went back and forth between the 285 and 307, their experiences, any pleasant surprises, or any regrets. Both are great boats.

I was also posting something to see how responsive/active this forum is. I'm sure you all know what it's like when you're buying a boat...you want to read and research everything you can before you pull the trigger. And as an engineer, I tend to over analyze everything...

 

[luckydude]

I've been on a Worldcat, not a fan. If that's your other choice, get a Grady. The Worldcat is a sort of lumbering boat that gets crap mpg.

 

[FREEDOM!!!]

I've been looking for a 285 in the Florida Panhandle and they are very scarce. That 307 is a foot wider than the 285 (which is already pretty wide) and almost 2000lb heavier...but has the same twin 300 engines. That might be a concern. Those 30'+ Grady DCs are beasts. Probably a little overkill for bar hopping and sunset cruises. That 285 sounds ideal for what you are looking for.

 

[capeguy]

Owned both hulls, albeit different models. I had the 282 Sailfish and now the 306 Canyon. When I had the 282, I thought it was an amazing ride. We boat off of Cape Cod and I ran in some big seas and it handled it superbly. When I got the 306 it was a totally different level. Coming home in a SW wind with 3+ ft seas, I put on Auto pilot and am mainly not concerned -- I am always monitoring and ready for the occasional big sets. Don't slow down for wakes other than perhaps the big Ferries and Whale Watchers... Both are great, the 30 is a class above. Many GW (and many non-GW) owners say the 30 is the best hull they make... Doesn't mean I don't covet the 33...

 

[brdawg2001]

Do not get enamored with beam if you plan to use the boat offshore. The 306 is very beamy for that length and you might be surprised if rough conditions. Beam to length ratio is extremely important and there is a reason a lot of manufacturers do not go that wide until 34 feet.

 

[Ekea]

you will stop noticing the "inconveniences" of the larger boat within the first few trips. however, you will appreciate the benefits of a larger boat every time you are out, especially on a KW or Bahamas trip.