The New Guy

noXcuse

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Hey everyone, my name is Chris. I just acquired my first Grady last weekend. She's a 1984 Seafarer 228 with hardtop, and with a brand new throttle body injected Chevy 5.0 and Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2. This boat was kept in tip top shape. The teak even looks like it's been well oiled over it's life. I've been wanting a Grady for a long time now. Ever since my dad had one when I was a kid. I think I got a pretty good deal on the boat, so I couldn't pass it up. Anyways, I'm in Chesapeake, Va. Lots of good fishing around here, as I'm sure most of y'all know. Got my temporary registration at Wally World, and taking her out this weekend.....
 

mboyatt

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Hey Chris. Congrats on the new boat and welcome to the forum. :lol: I am sure your 228 will give you many years of great memories. Have fun on the water this weekend!
 

noXcuse

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Should be real fun in the snow and wind. I won't be leaving the Elizabeth River though. I just have the fever to get out on the water again. Plus I want to see how well she handles, what kind of mileage she gets, how fast it planes, etc. I never took it on a sea trial before I bought it. The seller was about an hour from open water. So far, everything works perfect on it. The guy kept it in real good shape. I couldn't believe how maintained it was. Tomorrow will be a good test run.
 

mboyatt

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I hear you. I am in NC, so I understand the weather issue. I bought my Grady without a sea trial as well. It is always going to be more work than you expected, but you probably enjoy tinkering around. Otherwise, you wouldn't have bought a boat. Enjoy her and dont get frustrated. She will come around with your care and efforts. My 1994 192 was neglected when I purchased her. Just took some time and effort. I am still improving the boat. I guess that is part of the fun. Gradys are great boats. Have fun on the water this weekend! 8)
 

noXcuse

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Oh yea, I know what I'm in for. I've owned my fair share of boats over the years. Just glad to finally get me a Grady. Even though she's old, she's in excellent shape. It ran awesome today. I couldn't have been happier. It really doesn't NEED anything right now, but I will be upgrading a few things. I'm picking up a Furuno 1823c/nt from my cousin tomorrow. I gotta move a few things around on the hardtop, but that isn't a big deal. Next will be LED navigation lights and LED spreader lights. It already has gunnel spreader mounts, but no spreaders. I'll probably pick up some Lee's soon. I'll probably upgrade the switch panel too. Those old 1984 toggle switches with buss fuses under them annoy me. Needs some nice rocker switches, and a power ddistribution panel. Hopefully my tax check comes quick. Lol.
 

mboyatt

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Dude, looks like you know your stuff and have it all mapped out. I bought a 1994 192 tournament 6 months ago, but she needs a ton of work. The transom is solid as well as no soft spots on deck. Boat has good bones, but she was neglected. I am wet sanding the hull, replacing all logos, restoring the dura trim, and have replaced the steering wheel and cup holders with stainless ones. The boat looks 1000 times better than when I got her. It's a shame she was neglected, but she is looking great. In another 6 months i will have this baby looking and running like new. Good luck with your new Grady!!
 

noXcuse

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Awesome. I actually lucked out with this one. The last owner had a brand new transom professionally installed. Can't even tell where the old ends and the new begins. He gave me some if the old transom that came out of it. It had a 4 cylinder OMC. When he had the transom replaced, he upgraded to the small block and Mercruiser. Good luck with your boat. I know all about projects. My last boat was a project. That needed a floor replacement. Not fun. Just sold it a few weeks ago. I told myself no more projects. Lol.