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Author Topic:   Grady White vs BW

ptortora posted 03-12-2004 06:24 AM ET (US)
I'm a first time buyer and have narrowed my decision down to a BW or Grady White (small size range 18'). Any comments will be appreciated from those that have experienced both boats.

jimh posted 03-12-2004 06:31 AM ET (US)
New boats = similar quality.
Old boats = Boston Whaler better.
erik selis posted 03-12-2004 07:23 AM ET (US)
Jimh,
Does this mean that new Grady Whites are better than old Grady Whites...or that Old Boston Whalers are better than New Boston Whalers? :)
Erik
greyg8r posted 03-12-2004 08:41 AM ET (US)
PT,
I think all will agree that Boston Whaler dominates in the size of boat that you are seeking. You didn't mention if you were looking for new or used and, if so, what years. If looking for used, you would have many more choices on the market with Boston Whaler.
Regardless, you are not on the right forum. This is a Boston Whaler forum and, thus, you will find two faults with most of the responses:
1. Although most members will try to be objective, some are blatantly NOT objective, or
2. The members of this forum are not sufficiently knowledgeable of Grady to make a fair comparison,
I own an older Grady (1989 25' Sailfish) and an even older Whaler (1974 16/17 Katama). I love both. Both have their merits. However, I cannot compare my Sailfish to a comparable Whaler, because I am not familiar with the 25' late 80's Whalers. Conversely, Grady made very few 17' 70's era boats and I am not familiar with them.
If someone has owned an 18' boat, of both brands, of the same year, and doesn't have an agenda, that would be a useful gauge.
Just my dos centavos.
Richard
brisboats posted 03-12-2004 10:47 AM ET (US)
Ok I will bite. I have owned several Gradys and now a few Whalers. My first boat was a Grady 1973 "duke" a 17' trihull and I also now own a 1974 commercial Montauk. Without going on and on about the Grady's softening floor, weak transom, cheap aluminum trim and riveted rubrail. What I can say is the "duke" was sent to the landfill. The Montauk is still in useful service and has many years ahead of her. If you are seriously looking to buy a Grady especially one that is older it is imperative that you have it professionally surveyed. There are too many areas where latent defects and damage can loom. Areas that immediately come to mind, stringers, floors , gas tanks, transoms , hardware, and wiring. This isn't a brand bash just a cold hard fact and willfully acknowledged even by a Grady lover.
Brian
jimp posted 03-12-2004 11:18 AM ET (US)
ptortora -
You don't have much of a profile so we don't know where you'll operate your boat.
My brother has a 1986 Montauk with 2003 Yamaha 115. My brother-in-law has a 1996 17' Grady White Center Console with a 90 Yamaha.
Both boats are outstanding... though the the Grady is underpowered (tops out in mid-30s), but that's not the boat's fault (my brother-in-law bought it used for a great price with the 90).
The Grady is very nice and has many nice features: nicely laid out console with plenty of storage, built in rod-holders, port & starboard quarter lockers for oil & battery stowage, built in 50 gal fuel tank and self bailing.
The Montauk is a Montauk - standard features that we all know & love. Fast, stable, long life, unsinkable.
Your job, as a buyer, is to find the boat that's best for you.
JimP
LHG posted 03-12-2004 12:40 PM ET (US)
Comments about this being the wrong Forum to start this conflict are correct, as it's probably meant to invoke the Mercury-Yamaha lack of choice situations, since both boats have no option on engine brand. Time to take a pass on this one.
brisboats posted 03-12-2004 01:34 PM ET (US)
For a Grady lovers perspective, please see this site http://w3.mivlmd.cablespeed.com/~brianm/
Brian , has carefully documented his trials and tribulations with a 1980's Grady. I have enjoyed a conversation or two with him about Grady's in general and the build quality. I think you may find his site enjoyable and informative.
Brian
AM posted 03-12-2004 02:10 PM ET (US)
Couldn´t avoid this one, IMHO: Grady White boats look better, Boston Whaler perform better.
greyg8r posted 03-12-2004 02:10 PM ET (US)
Brian,
I couldn't bring up Brian's cablespeed.com web page.
Richard
brisboats posted 03-12-2004 02:19 PM ET (US)
Richard, sorry I didn't know how to make it a hyperlink, perhaps someone could help me here. I just viewed it earlier today.
Brian
andygere posted 03-12-2004 03:56 PM ET (US)
New Boston Whalers = Unsinkable
New Grady Whites = Sinkable
Old Boston Whalers = Unsinkable
Old Grady Whites = Sinkable
greyg8r posted 03-13-2004 04:21 PM ET (US)
Whoa Andy,
Not so fast!
You state that Grady Whites, of all years, are sinkable. That is simply not true. According to their web page, http://www.gradywhite.com/grady-built/safe.php3 current, new Grady Whites "...have enough foam to prevent the boat, motor and listed capacity of people from sinking."
On what are you basing your statement that Grady Whites are sinkable?
Call me the "Anti-Nader" if you want, but I take exception to anyone disparaging any company (even Bayliner) with blanket statements that are NOT DEFENDABLE.
As an engineer, you were trained not to make blanket, undefendable statements. I am sure that if you worked for the City of Santa Cruz wastewater department and I said "Your city's effluent sucks" and "you are not in compliance with the Clean Water Act" with no supportable data because I was talking out of my ... (well, you know what I mean), you and the City's attorneys would be all over me.
In the meantime, I am researching the unsinkability of older Gradies.
My humble counterpoint
Richard
tarbaby posted 03-14-2004 12:35 AM ET (US)
I sell Grady White foam for their boats. I can assure you that they do not sink. Quality people building quality boats. Shay
macfam posted 03-14-2004 10:27 AM ET (US)
True...Gradys don't sink.
Known two that came way too close.
1. Aft trapped under dock on a rising tide. Water over the transom, sank so low, even after tide rose, both powerheads
pickled to death.
2. 24' Grady with plug out on a mooring. Didn't sink.
But it rolled when full of water, what a mess.
Again, another twin set-up, both engines lost. Interior of cabin, wiring etc.......forgetaboutit.
In the first instance, a Whaler may have had the same result. Once you're trapped under a dock....you're dead.
Second case...not even close. I can leave plugs out of my 25 BW all season long.....I don't...but I can.
No doubt about it, Grady's ARE a quality boat, built well, run/handle well, well designed and have very high resale value. But they are constructed very similar to every boat out there.....except Boston Whalers. They just DON'T have the same bouyancy. No body does. It just part of Whalers DNA.
Both above incidences are true...both due to inexperienced skippers. Ever wonder why insurance rates keep on climbing?
andygere posted 03-15-2004 04:33 AM ET (US)
Older Grady's have open bilges and will go right to the bottom. I know of at least two that have. The new Gradys have foam and offer "Level Flotation", however I don't think they will keep the powerhead above water when swamped. I stand corrected.
andygere posted 03-15-2004 04:37 AM ET (US)
http://provincetownbanner.com/news/12/3/1998/2
ptortora posted 03-15-2004 05:34 AM ET (US)
Thanks to all who responded... I ended up buying a 190 Nantucket.
greyg8r posted 03-15-2004 08:14 AM ET (US)
PT,
Congrats on the "Second Happiest Day of Your Life" ;-)
Richard
greyg8r posted 03-15-2004 08:29 AM ET (US)
PT,
Just Kidding! You're going to love it! Be sure to join your local Boston Whaler club and check out the trip and rendezvous page here.
Richard
brisboats posted 03-15-2004 08:30 AM ET (US)
"Excellent choice sir" , (how come the waiter says that no matter what you order?).
Anyhoow Congrats on the beautiful boat. It truly is an excellent choice.
Brian
Marlin posted 03-15-2004 09:13 AM ET (US)
So, you went out looking for a Montauk or a 160 Dauntless (based on your other thread), and you ended up with a Nantucket. Funny how things like that can happen...
Sal A posted 03-15-2004 09:16 AM ET (US)
I say good job. I speak from experience as I was looking for a good 16' family boat, bought a 2003 Ventura, and traded her after the season was over. The old adage of buying 2' bigger than what you think you need rings true.
Conratulations!

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Author	Topic: Grady White vs BW
ptortora	posted 03-12-2004 06:24 AM ET (US) I'm a first time buyer and have narrowed my decision down to a BW or Grady White (small size range 18'). Any comments will be appreciated from those that have experienced both boats.
jimh	posted 03-12-2004 06:31 AM ET (US) New boats = similar quality. Old boats = Boston Whaler better.
erik selis	posted 03-12-2004 07:23 AM ET (US) Jimh, Does this mean that new Grady Whites are better than old Grady Whites...or that Old Boston Whalers are better than New Boston Whalers? :) Erik
greyg8r	posted 03-12-2004 08:41 AM ET (US) PT, I think all will agree that Boston Whaler dominates in the size of boat that you are seeking. You didn't mention if you were looking for new or used and, if so, what years. If looking for used, you would have many more choices on the market with Boston Whaler. Regardless, you are not on the right forum. This is a Boston Whaler forum and, thus, you will find two faults with most of the responses: 1. Although most members will try to be objective, some are blatantly NOT objective, or 2. The members of this forum are not sufficiently knowledgeable of Grady to make a fair comparison, I own an older Grady (1989 25' Sailfish) and an even older Whaler (1974 16/17 Katama). I love both. Both have their merits. However, I cannot compare my Sailfish to a comparable Whaler, because I am not familiar with the 25' late 80's Whalers. Conversely, Grady made very few 17' 70's era boats and I am not familiar with them. If someone has owned an 18' boat, of both brands, of the same year, and doesn't have an agenda, that would be a useful gauge. Just my dos centavos. Richard
brisboats	posted 03-12-2004 10:47 AM ET (US) Ok I will bite. I have owned several Gradys and now a few Whalers. My first boat was a Grady 1973 "duke" a 17' trihull and I also now own a 1974 commercial Montauk. Without going on and on about the Grady's softening floor, weak transom, cheap aluminum trim and riveted rubrail. What I can say is the "duke" was sent to the landfill. The Montauk is still in useful service and has many years ahead of her. If you are seriously looking to buy a Grady especially one that is older it is imperative that you have it professionally surveyed. There are too many areas where latent defects and damage can loom. Areas that immediately come to mind, stringers, floors , gas tanks, transoms , hardware, and wiring. This isn't a brand bash just a cold hard fact and willfully acknowledged even by a Grady lover. Brian
jimp	posted 03-12-2004 11:18 AM ET (US) ptortora - You don't have much of a profile so we don't know where you'll operate your boat. My brother has a 1986 Montauk with 2003 Yamaha 115. My brother-in-law has a 1996 17' Grady White Center Console with a 90 Yamaha. Both boats are outstanding... though the the Grady is underpowered (tops out in mid-30s), but that's not the boat's fault (my brother-in-law bought it used for a great price with the 90). The Grady is very nice and has many nice features: nicely laid out console with plenty of storage, built in rod-holders, port & starboard quarter lockers for oil & battery stowage, built in 50 gal fuel tank and self bailing. The Montauk is a Montauk - standard features that we all know & love. Fast, stable, long life, unsinkable. Your job, as a buyer, is to find the boat that's best for you. JimP
LHG	posted 03-12-2004 12:40 PM ET (US) Comments about this being the wrong Forum to start this conflict are correct, as it's probably meant to invoke the Mercury-Yamaha lack of choice situations, since both boats have no option on engine brand. Time to take a pass on this one.
brisboats	posted 03-12-2004 01:34 PM ET (US) For a Grady lovers perspective, please see this site http://w3.mivlmd.cablespeed.com/~brianm/ Brian , has carefully documented his trials and tribulations with a 1980's Grady. I have enjoyed a conversation or two with him about Grady's in general and the build quality. I think you may find his site enjoyable and informative. Brian
AM	posted 03-12-2004 02:10 PM ET (US) Couldn´t avoid this one, IMHO: Grady White boats look better, Boston Whaler perform better.
greyg8r	posted 03-12-2004 02:10 PM ET (US) Brian, I couldn't bring up Brian's cablespeed.com web page. Richard
brisboats	posted 03-12-2004 02:19 PM ET (US) Richard, sorry I didn't know how to make it a hyperlink, perhaps someone could help me here. I just viewed it earlier today. Brian
andygere	posted 03-12-2004 03:56 PM ET (US) New Boston Whalers = Unsinkable New Grady Whites = Sinkable Old Boston Whalers = Unsinkable Old Grady Whites = Sinkable
greyg8r	posted 03-13-2004 04:21 PM ET (US) Whoa Andy, Not so fast! You state that Grady Whites, of all years, are sinkable. That is simply not true. According to their web page, http://www.gradywhite.com/grady-built/safe.php3 current, new Grady Whites "...have enough foam to prevent the boat, motor and listed capacity of people from sinking." On what are you basing your statement that Grady Whites are sinkable? Call me the "Anti-Nader" if you want, but I take exception to anyone disparaging any company (even Bayliner) with blanket statements that are NOT DEFENDABLE. As an engineer, you were trained not to make blanket, undefendable statements. I am sure that if you worked for the City of Santa Cruz wastewater department and I said "Your city's effluent sucks" and "you are not in compliance with the Clean Water Act" with no supportable data because I was talking out of my ... (well, you know what I mean), you and the City's attorneys would be all over me. In the meantime, I am researching the unsinkability of older Gradies. My humble counterpoint Richard
tarbaby	posted 03-14-2004 12:35 AM ET (US) I sell Grady White foam for their boats. I can assure you that they do not sink. Quality people building quality boats. Shay
macfam	posted 03-14-2004 10:27 AM ET (US) True...Gradys don't sink. Known two that came way too close. 1. Aft trapped under dock on a rising tide. Water over the transom, sank so low, even after tide rose, both powerheads pickled to death. 2. 24' Grady with plug out on a mooring. Didn't sink. But it rolled when full of water, what a mess. Again, another twin set-up, both engines lost. Interior of cabin, wiring etc.......forgetaboutit. In the first instance, a Whaler may have had the same result. Once you're trapped under a dock....you're dead. Second case...not even close. I can leave plugs out of my 25 BW all season long.....I don't...but I can. No doubt about it, Grady's ARE a quality boat, built well, run/handle well, well designed and have very high resale value. But they are constructed very similar to every boat out there.....except Boston Whalers. They just DON'T have the same bouyancy. No body does. It just part of Whalers DNA. Both above incidences are true...both due to inexperienced skippers. Ever wonder why insurance rates keep on climbing?
andygere	posted 03-15-2004 04:33 AM ET (US) Older Grady's have open bilges and will go right to the bottom. I know of at least two that have. The new Gradys have foam and offer "Level Flotation", however I don't think they will keep the powerhead above water when swamped. I stand corrected.
andygere	posted 03-15-2004 04:37 AM ET (US) http://provincetownbanner.com/news/12/3/1998/2
ptortora	posted 03-15-2004 05:34 AM ET (US) Thanks to all who responded... I ended up buying a 190 Nantucket.
greyg8r	posted 03-15-2004 08:14 AM ET (US) PT, Congrats on the "Second Happiest Day of Your Life" ;-) Richard
greyg8r	posted 03-15-2004 08:29 AM ET (US) PT, Just Kidding! You're going to love it! Be sure to join your local Boston Whaler club and check out the trip and rendezvous page here. Richard
brisboats	posted 03-15-2004 08:30 AM ET (US) "Excellent choice sir" , (how come the waiter says that no matter what you order?). Anyhoow Congrats on the beautiful boat. It truly is an excellent choice. Brian
Marlin	posted 03-15-2004 09:13 AM ET (US) So, you went out looking for a Montauk or a 160 Dauntless (based on your other thread), and you ended up with a Nantucket. Funny how things like that can happen...
Sal A	posted 03-15-2004 09:16 AM ET (US) I say good job. I speak from experience as I was looking for a good 16' family boat, bought a 2003 Ventura, and traded her after the season was over. The old adage of buying 2' bigger than what you think you need rings true. Conratulations!