Upgrading to Freedom line and looking for advice

[captn]

Brand new here but I've been reading as much as I can. Some excellent info. I am currently looking to upgrade from a Sea Hunt 220 to a Grady White Freedom 285 or 307. With a growing family and a desire for a more comfortable / stable ride we tested the 285 and really liked the ride and space but we also are interested in seeing if the 307 is going to be worth the extra space. We really want to have the ability to do some exploring with this and living in Tampa Bay area look to head down south quite a bit and want the comfort and safety that comes with either model. We are very sure we don't want to look at any cabin models so are focused on only the DC. We looked at the new Whaler 270 but just didn't feel like it had as much to offer as the GW did.

I'd love to know if there are any opinions on one vs the other or the difference in the hull / ride (have not tried the 307 just yet). Anything we should be concerned with or look out for? We'd look to power with a couple 300's. The 285 looks to be more economical but I'd hate to regret not having the extra space in a few years. Jumping from a 22 to a 30 seems crazy - but we are thinking about it.

It will be 70% cruising and 30% fishing.

 

[Graybeard]

Well I have a Freedom 225 which is like a bathtub toy compared to the boats on your short list. But what worked for us was putting 4 adults and 1 baby in the boat to make sure there was enough space to use the boat the way we intended.

 

[megabytes]

I owned a 272 before my 300. It costs more but rides better and has more space in many areas. I believe the 285 is built on the 272/282 hull. The 307 is definately built on the same hull as all of the 30s.

It depends on how much you wish to spend but every upgrade in GW models typically give you more space, better sea handling, and additional features.

 

[captn]

Thanks for the info. Coming from the 22' they both seem great but the 30' seems so massive. I just don't want to be in a position where if I got the 285 I'd be itching for more space a few years later. Both options are pricey, but I figure spending more now buys me a little more time! The GW's have so much great storage and we think it's just a really well thought out boat and great for what we do. Believe it or not - the Sea Hunt model we had was a very mini version with a lot of the same storage ideas on a much smaller scale. We've gotten quite used to that. The Whaler appears to have 1/2 the space.

It's too bad there is not an option for upgrading passenger / port side seats to a double like the 30'. Also seems like the sink / faucet on the 285 is not a great design. I've read some posts here where folks actually use the refrigerators a bit but it sure does look useless and small to us. Any feedback on that would be great.

The 307 we are looking at comes with 300's. Is that going to be a good option? From what we are being told although it's a drop in speed, they are more economical?

Either way we look forward to becoming Grady White owners here in the future and hopefully contributing more to this great forum.

 

[Robbinson]

I have the 255 and love it, but if I was able to get a slip (only racking is available proximate to our home on the bayside on cape cod) I would purchase the 307. Its a beautiful boat with tremendous versatility. That said, those are both great choices.

Best,

Brian