» 1988 Grady-White (Cuddy Cabin)
Boat Information
| Owner | charliec |
| Boat Type | Cuddy Cabin |
| Manufacturer and Model | Grady-White |
| Year | 1988 |
| Length | 25 feet |
| Hull | Fiberglass |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Engines | 2 |
Additional Information / Boat Review:
Engine Manufacturer, Model, and Horsepower Rating:
Twin 2001 Mercury EFI 200 HP
What do you like and dislike about the engine(s)?
Likes: Smartcraft instrument system (well worth the extra $$), engines start quickly every time, utterly reliable. Dislikes: 1.2 mpg. WIth fuel now at $2.00+ per gallon, I should have sprung for the more economical Optimaxes.
What type trailer do you have and what do you like and dislike about it?
1996 10,000 lb capacity triple torsion axle Rolls - - a premium trailer that is a joy to own. Rolls really does a good job of providing service & support, including on one occasion replacing the bunk brackets for free after the warranty ran out when they thought the parts should have lasted longer than they did!. Likes: really stable & easy to load/unload. Dislikes: should have put brakes on 2 axles; trailer floats and can drift sideways in a cross current if you put it in so far that the wheels come up off the ramp.
Is this boat trailerable and if so what type vehicle, at minimum, would you recommend to adequately pull this rig?
It's a 9,000 lb load with trailer, fuel, etc., so you need at least a heavy duty 3/4 ton and a big block V-8 or diesel.
How much fuel does the boat hold and what is its approximate range?
2
Describe the ride and handling in moderate chop and in rough water:
With its 9 1/2 foot beam and 20 degree modified V, this hull will pound compared to a 24 degree deep-V center console like a Contender. In 1992 Grady changed to the variable deadrise "SeaV2" hull on its 25 foot Sailfish model. That noticeably improved the ride over the model I currently own. However, I simply drop my trim tabs and slow down to 18-20 mph in the rough stuff. A pair of large diameter, 4 blade props makes it real easy to handle a slow plane.
If applicable, what type of fishing would you say this rig is best suited for and why?
With its wide beam and huge cockpit, it's wonderful for trolling and bottom fishing. You got enough room to hold a square dance in the cockpit (or on top of the hard top). It's rated to carry 10 persons, but I usually draw the line at 6.
Describe the layout of the boat including storage, live wells, lockers and so on:
The large cabin sleeps 3 (in a double v-berth forward & single quarter berth). The cabin sports an icebox, galley sink & enclosed head. Plenty of dry storage in the cabin and above decks. Also has two insulated boxes for fish and two livewells (the main livewell is in the deck plus one more in the transom that can serve either as a second livewell or a thrid fish box). I added a custom hard top, with electronics box, from Marine Metals in Williston that is much better than the OEM hardtop. Its huge dash also has lots of room for electronics (being a bit paranoid about safety, I run 2 GPS plotters, 2 fish finders, 2 VHFs, plus one 16-mile radar).
How has the rig held up over time?
I bought the badly neglected hull with dead engines 4 years ago at a bargain price, and I am still in the process of restoring it. However, it's starting to look pretty good thanks to the quality components Grady used in the original construction. Both fuel tanks had to be replaced, which seems to be a common problem on Gradys of this age.
What are some things that you find exceptional about this boat?
Plenty of space; wide walk-arounds to the bow; a zillion rod holders (the boat looks like a porcupine when underway to the grouper grounds); helm deck elevated a foot above the cockpit for better visibility; super hard top with space for a cobia tower to be added later; rock solid hull construction; lots of room to add upgrades (including shore power & a/c if so inclined). Finally, she's surprisingly fast for such a big boat (48 mph with a light load).
What are some things you do not like about this boat?
Rough ride in a short, steep chop unless you slow down; fuel economy could be better; needs bigger cockpit scuppers.
Do you know of another manufacturer that makes this same boat under a different name?
No.
Would you buy this boat again or recommend it to a friend?
Pre-1990 hulls can be had at bargain prices. However, I suggest you buy a 1992 or later model if you can afford it. The cabin layout was much improved with the 1990 re-design; in 1992 the new SeaV2 hull redesign improved the ride; a euro-style transom was added in place of the engine brackets in 1994; and the running bottom was extended by 3 feet to the end of the euro-style transom in 1998.
What would you say this boat is worth in its current condition?
With my current high end trailer & modern engines (warranted until 2009!), it's worth $35,000. However, lots of 1987-1989 25 foot Grady-White Sailfish models with original to mid 90s power and no trailer are on the market in the $18,000-$25,000 range. (A brand new Grady-White Sailfish goes for $125,000+)
What other boat would you have bought for roughly the same money if you had it to do over again and why?
I should have bought a 1992 or newer 25 foot Grady-White Sailfish with original engines to get the better ride. By the time I repowered my current Grady, added the custom hard top & replaced the fuel tanks, the cost would have been about the same. To me, the 1992 & 1993 models seem to hit the sweet spot with respect to being a good compromise between the better hull & cabin design vs. price.
Add any other details or comments you think people should know about this boat if they are considering buying one like it:
$35,000 and its yours -- boat, motors, trailer & electronics. What I really want to do is upsize to the 30 foot Grady White Marlin!
Owner: charliec [Profile] [View Dock]
Color:
Times Viewed: 1751
Last Viewed: 12:42 PM 11/19/2009
Last Updated: 11:22 PM 6/19/2005
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