What are the Marlin differences...

[Capt Armchair]

Pre 2004 and 2004 through 2007 Marlins.

I know that in 2004 they added...

1. Teak and Holly floors

What else was added or changed in 04 and later models?

 

[megabytes]

There was a major redesign in 2004. I had been looking for a few years so this happened right as I was buying. Here is what I can recall off the top of my head.

o teak and holly cabin sole
o transom redesign with fishbox and folddown bench
o livewell moved behind port chair
o flushmount lower box option
o diesel genset option (2003, now only genset available)
o engine moved from 26 to 32 inch centers
o pulpit changed for delta style drop thru windless anchors (free fall)
o new cabin liner and fabrics
o 3 holders on hardtop legs (2003 IIRC)
o new steering wheel (much heavier, ribbed)
o helm layout changes (switches, angled surfaces, etc)
o new cabin door (slides forward rather then folding style)
o top mounted rigger option (2005 or 6 IIRC)
o higher windshield (2005-2006)
o ivory canvas option (2006-2007)

There may be some oithers but these are the major changes. Great boat. All the Marlins are good but every time GW redesigns a model they typically get even better. Witness the 330 changes for 2008.

 

[capeguy]

Mega,
Great summary of changes! As one looking at the Marlin and the 305 Express, very helpful.

I was all over both at the NE Boat Show, tough call. I am leaning towards a Marlin due to the WA for my little kids.

 

[Capt Armchair]

I am leaning towards a Marlin due to the WA for my little kids.

Mega-
Great summary, thanks. We also looked long and hard at the 330. At the end of the day, the 10 nights or so a year we will sleep on the boat do not outwiegh the big price difference and the walk-around. I see this as more safe, better for fishing and certainly great for kids and the admiral!!

 

[megabytes]

Welcome. I believe it is fairly accurate but of course you can check the catalogs for specifics. A member just posted pix of his new 305 which is a gorgeous boat. If I could design my ideal 30' it would be a combo of both.
The dual chair helm works much better for me as I don't need the extra seating and prefer the longer cockpit as the Marlin has. I like the chill plate and hope the 300 will see them. Helm deck a/c however is the one option I would pay the bux for in a heartbeat if offered down the road.

The 2008 330 has some great improvements. It does however cost a good bit more then the Marlin.

BTW: There are a number of nice looking 300s for sale on boattrader. Many are 2004 and newer.

 

[Fishtales]

Some others (not sure of the cut in - but took a shot):

1.) Stainless steel covered rear washdown. 07?
2.) Vertical windlass. 05?
3.) 700HP from 600HP rating. 07?
4.) Stainless inserts in rub rail. 05?
5.) Deluxe II Chairs. 05?
6.) Led Under gunnel lighting. 07?
7.) Sirius Radio option ?
8.) Power Assist Steering option ?
9.) Hard Top radial outriggers ?

 

[MiMarlin]

hi new to site and have a 2003 marlin
you guys did good
here is a couple of more things
t.v. option in 04
fish box was added in place of molded in bench
head door opens wider because breaker panel was changed
swim ladder was moved to transom door side

 

[tuxedospike]

Rod holders...

Someone said that the redesign in '04 had three rod holders per hardtop leg....I wish they had continued that to '06 when they went back to two per leg. Check picture thread "New Marlin in Late March". Not a biggie though. My G/W dealer got me a great price on the hardtop rocket launcher...beat all the after-market guys. One thing I'm having trouble finding is a few ( six, maybe ) vertical mount rod holders for cockpit install...I've seen a few but they don't seem to be G/W quality...anyone have any thoughts?

 

[megabytes]

o Sorry I was incorrect. Only two rob holders on the legs.
o forgot about the TV/DVD option (don't have it)
o 700HP rating is 2008 (IIRC)
o helm chairs changed in 2004 and againg in 05 or 06
o haven't seen the LEDs yet, any comments
o power assist and radial riggers came in 2006 (pretty sure)
o the Sirius option came in 05 or 06
o the diesel genset went to closed system in 05 or 06 (freshwater cooled)

 

[megabytes]

Tux,

I have seen some transom mount holders which look top shelf. There is a fellow on THT which sells them. I believe someone here also does aftermarket holders. GWs towers are done my WMW so they may also do the rocket launchers. Check around. You should be able to find quality SS holders. If not, lemme know. There are several shops around Wilmington that do these. I have seen them up close on the GW 33s with customer towers. Sweet!