boat choice: grady -or- albermarle

[mac83]

I need some help everyone. I'm in the market for a boat. I'm trying to decide between a 20-22 ft grady white , either CC or seafarer -or- 21 or 24 ft. albermarle. I know these are three completely different boats. I will be trailering this boat with a 05 1500 4X4 5.7L silverado with the hd trailering package. I need everyone expertise if all of these boats can be trailered with this vehicle. I also want to hear everyones opinions on these 3 boats. I really do not want to spent more 10,12K for the boat. I am willing to do some work on the boat to keep the price down. I am not very familiar with I/O , so if you have expertise, please let me know how much i would be looking at to repower the albermarle if i have to? thanks in advance everyone

[gary49]

Stay away from I/O IMHO, you are talking about old I/O's and it will likely not be a happy experience for you if you get a boat with one. Isn't your '05 Silverado a 5.3? I thought they had quit putting the 5.7 in the pickups by then. You should be ok with the tow rig on an outboard boat up to 24' or so. Over that, and you will be safer and happier with the 3/4 ton Chevy--you don't really need a diesel, the 6.0 gas motor tows like a champ.

[Capt Kid]

depends on the type of fishing you are doing the grady will drift better (more stable) while the albe will ride much better. yea the i/o can be a PITA if they arent maintained PROPERLY. if i had to choose i would say albe. the three gradys ive been on rode like barn doors with motors compared to my seacraft (similar design/deadrise to albe). not sure where you are located but there are serveral 23 seacraft sceptres ( very similar to the albe 24 with more cockpit space) for sale in southeastern va and northeastern nc. belive me they are great boats if you want the charactistics of the albe 24

[mac83]

how about trailering?

[mac83]

yes, sorry....5.3L

[Capt Kid]

i tow my 25 seacraft with a 1500 suburban Z71 as long as you have trailer brakes in good working order you will be ok

[twobyfour]

Where do you fish, and what type of fishing do you normally do?

[Bryansfish]

You need to pull your manual and look up the spec's for towing. You also need to check the tow hitch to see what it reads. Remember the hitch will probably give you two sets of number so use the lower numbers unless your going to add a WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM. I found that most trucks are rated to tow more then what the hitch is not rated for.

[mac83]

i fish mainly at the CBBT and M&M.....spades,flounder,stripers

[Reel Life]

Boat qaulity- Alby over grady

Engine prefrence: O/B over I/O

[edgewater1]

stay away for IO's thier just bad news,. i would go for the grady and try to get and outboard i perfer yamaha or mecury,

[J Lavender]

Unlike those who like to bash Grady's for whatever reason I'm not going to say anything bad about Alby's...I like them too but based on the way you said you intend to use the boat I think the Grady is a better choice. Whether you go CC or WA/Cuddy depends on personal preference. I like the dryer and warmer ride of a WA and I like the cabin space for a variety of reasons not the least of which is a porti-pottie for the girls. I've had mine for six years now so I am speaking from experience when I say I'm very happy with the quality and features, not to mention the outstanding customer service I have experienced with my GW. I do think you will have trouble finding a good hull in either brand in that price range but you never know.

[mac83]

aight yall, i think i've come to a conclusion ; grady white....now i'm trying to make a decision to go with the 22 seafarer or 20.....should i save the money and go with the 20ft and be able to purchase a little newer boat....will the two feet make that much of a differance in capabilities....like i said earlier, i do most of my fishing at the HRBT and CBBT. I would also like to be able to go offshore once in a blue moon ....what are everyones thoughts?thanks everyone

[Capt Kid]

22 that extra 2 foot will make quite a bit of difference with your cockpit with the grady and if im not mistaken the 22 has a wider beam than the 20

[J Lavender]

Agree with Capt Kid, go with the 22' if you can. The beam on the Seafarer however is actually 1" less than the 20'. When you move up to the 23' Gulfstream the beam is 1' wider.