posted 10-05-2001 09:21 PM ET (US)        

Any opinions on this boat would be appreciated. Is there any characteristic problems with the boat or engines he should look for?

He did not divulge the price.

http://www.gradywhite.com/products/models.fs.php3?sku=M300

posted 10-06-2001 10:25 AM ET (US)         

http://www.tampabaygradywhiteclub.com/boats.htm

Above is a couple of links which might be useful. Would guess on just about most of the general boating and fishing forums you could dig up comments that would include the power boat magazine sites with forum.

The boat in my opinion is very nice (would rate her maybe better than our 27 Walk Around which is just shy of 30 feet with similar amenities), though even a '96 would set you back around 80 grand maybe more if she is pristine and has newer electronics. The Yamaha's would be the only detriment, then again if offshore isn't his bag wouldn't be to concerned if they check out on the basics ---

posted 10-06-2001 08:26 PM ET (US)            

I keep bragging to my brother about this website.

posted 10-07-2001 06:51 AM ET (US)         

I might add we have a pair of 200hp '87 Yamaha's on our 27 ccc and I have no problem going offshore with them, then I know them and how they have been maintained -- plus even using just one can get up on plane ---

GAwhale: At this price level and complexity of systems on a GW 30 would certainly recommend to your brother to have her professionally surveyed -- even if the price isn't affected at least he'll know up front what will be needed to repair or upgrade --

posted 10-07-2001 11:19 AM ET (US)            

Actually, I don't think there is a site like this for any other boat brand. We Whaler owners really love our boats!

Is a Grady-White boat a proper topic on this FORUM?

I don't mind it, as long as we keep some connection to Whalers. The Grady-White boats are often mentioned or thought to be in the same league as Whalers, that is, a premium boat at a premium price.

My question: How do these Grady-White hull ride compared to the classic Whaler hull?

posted 10-07-2001 01:00 PM ET (US)         

Well don't know if GW is proper subject or not. However, a member asked a question who is a BW owner (like Maritine Skiffs posts!)and I guess the proper thing to do is if one has some knowledge pass it on -- don't think this thread would last to long given the subject matter unless a debate starts between the two companies offerings -- ;}

They have a narrower entry and are much more stable offshore and in heavy chop than the older BW's including our 27's. Though depending on conditions might get a little wetter ride than in a Whaler.

posted 10-07-2001 10:53 PM ET (US)            

Sportsman 180
length 17' 10"
beam 7'5"
weight 1800 lbs
hull draft 14"
max hp 150

To be fair I pulled up the closest Whaler model:

Dauntless 180
length 18' 6"
beam 8'
weight 2000 lbs
hull draft 12"
max hp 150

posted 10-08-2001 07:55 PM ET (US)            

I take exception to calling my Boston Whaler Dauntless 14 a "Sea Ray-type whaler"!!!

Are you saying that the only "true" Whalers are the ones made by the original Boston Whaler company before it was ever sold??

Please, be a bit kinder to your fellow Whaler owners. LOL

posted 10-09-2001 12:59 PM ET (US)         

I was disappointed, and even got a fiberglass splinter while feeling around. I believe the boats are structurally sound, but this scrimping (IMO) is unacceptable for a "high quality" boat.

Something everyone should consider is Grady’s basic floatation vs Whalers level floatation since all Whalers offer level floatation.

Having said that, I liked the Grady’s ride compared to the ‘99/00 Whaler Hulls I tested.

posted 10-10-2001 07:01 PM ET (US)         

Like you, I wouldn’t buy a “new style” whaler (only because it doesn’t suit my style of boating). I prefer the low freeboard (for catch and release), open transom (to drain greenies), lower power requirement, sportier feel etc etc……BUT many more people are buying Whalers today than ever before.

I also think most of us here would like an alternative to the new styles, because for our own reasons, we prefer them - but style and construction are 2 different topics. I still feel that Whaler offers one of the safest boats on the water – MUCH safer than a Grady, with fit and finish that is superior to that of a Grady. I really (really) tore into Grady’s before I spent a lot more money buying a commercial whaler, which IMO is the best boat of its size on the water. Just my opinion:)

As per “new style Whaler” vs Grady: Whaler has changed some hull designs, discontinued others, and are definitely targeting a different audience. Most of these people will rarely be out in a gale, and most will be miles inland during a storm. The new creature comforts, and fishy options are nice – would I buy them – NO, but many are.

I recently heard (from a very reliable source) that CPD will be moving out of the Edgewater facility to their very own facility. Whaler has decided to keep their full line-up of CPD hulls (including the 22), and will build them for anyone willing to fork out the extra dollars. So, (again IMO) Whaler still makes the best-built, safest, and most seaworthy little boats available – in more shapes and sizes than ever before.

posted 10-10-2001 07:47 PM ET (US)            

3.85 gals per hour at 6 mph 1000 rpm

22.8 gals per hour at 30 mph 4000 rpm

59.35 gals per hour at 46 mph 5700 rpm

This boat has two fuel tanks holding a total of 306 gallons of fuel. So this boat can run for five hours at WOT.

Are these two engines hanging on the back of a Whaler any more fuel efficient?

posted 10-10-2001 08:04 PM ET (US)            

The 350 Defiance comes with twin Yanmar diesels (inboards) putting out 420 HP. She comes with a 384 gallon fuel tank.

posted 10-10-2001 09:30 PM ET (US)            

You are absolutly correct! More people are buying whalers: therefore they do things to cut corners. Starboard lids....cheap hardware..they even went as far as building the 18 duantless in the Robolo factory. One can't believe the quility is the same. Grady produces far fewer boats. Quanity/Quality

As far as safety..Grady floors are (More tne basic floataion) completely filled like whaler...just not up the gunnels.They don't need blidge pumps to evacuate the deck, (some whalers do/did). Grady hasn't pushed the unsinkablity aspect becuase if your do your chasing a"ledged". They don't want to be put in the same category as them. You said yourself you had to really tear into the grady..then you bought a CPD whaler. That says a lot.

You mentioned something that makes me think "As per “new style Whaler” vs Grady: Whaler has changed some hull designs, discontinued others, and are definitely targeting a different audience."

Whaler needs to stop targeting an aduience and built a boat like they used to! If you build they will come!

posted 10-11-2001 10:52 AM ET (US)         

I don’t think that targeting a new audience, or making mistakes is a new thing for Whaler (or companies in general). All of Whaler’s previous owners had made an attempt to target into other markets. They all made some real bad mistakes, sold some crappy designs, and lost their asses along with the company – a few times. There are a few “Classics” that many of us would rather not discuss.

As for Grady: It’s true that I had to dig deep to find the things I didn’t like, but they where there. Next time you’re looking at a Grady, take a mirror and a flashlight. They don’t offer anything more than Basic Floatation because that’s all the CG approves them for. Fact is, if swamped they will not stay level – most of the boat will be submerged, some (probably the bow area) will be at the surface. The engines will definitely be rendered useless. A boats ability to shed rainwater and or drain coolers has nothing to do with its Coast Guard floatation ratings.

The only difference between Grady and most other boats is that they offer “BASIC” floatation in all models and sizes (including ones over 20’). Grady won’t go head to head with Whalers “LEVEL” floatation rating, because they CAN’T. IMO there are many other almost unsinkable boats to choose from.

Louie

posted 10-26-2001 11:41 AM ET (US)            

I have read the crass sarcasm in your reply to my post and well I'm pretty offended! I don't think I'll be around for a while, maybe just to silently view some posts.

Thanks for everything!

posted 10-26-2001 12:12 PM ET (US)            

I'll continue the public dialogue...

People come to this site to find information about Boston Whalers. This tread began being quite a stretch in terms of topic, since it was talking about Grady-White. As I mentioned above, Grady-White can be a fair topic, as long as the context has something to do with Whaler.

A question about how to search on the internet to find prices of boats (even if the price is for a Grady White) is a pretty remote stretch of the bounds of topic and message continuity.

One of the reasons people like to read this FORUM is that it is not a totally helter-skelter collection of nonsense.

posted 10-26-2001 12:12 PM ET (US)         

So perk up! I do think you're reading to much into Jim's comment -- and please stick around