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I am looking to buy my first boat and I have had my eye out for a GW Adventure 208. Recently a friend has been prodding me to widen my search to include a Parker like the 2110 walk around recently posted. Seems like a good price. Any reason to consider one over the other. I am thinking day trips, near shore, little fishing and family time.
Also should I be concerned about 2 stroke v 4 stroke? I've got to believe 2 strokes have been around long enough to be dependable if its in good shape.
Finally, are there GW owners out there who could advise me on any particular weaknesses in used GW boats. I am talking 1995 and later. For instance, I assume there is no wood in these boats or am I just showing what I don't know?
The GW ownership community seem really loyal to the brand so I don't think I will be making a mistake.
Both have wood. Both high quality rugged boats. Buy whichever you like better. From my exposure to the two brands, the (95 or new) GW will ride better and will have more niceties, the Parker easier to clean up and go home.
Grady's have nice fit and finish. Parker's are bare. Not that that is a bad thing, but I know my lady prefers at least some finish. Both fish just fine. So the question is, are you willing to pay more $ for carpeted headliner and fancy cushions?
I am biased, but I went with a boat that my family would like (Grady) versus a somewhat hard core fishing boat (Parker). Parker was too bare bones for us. Most of our time is spent island hoping and cruising around. Those "little" niceties aren't so little. Cup holders and cruising (especially with kids) go hand in hand. Cushions are nice to have between your bottom and the gel coat as well as plenty of seating. I bought the boat more for the family than I did for myself so my focus may be a bit different than yours. My primary goal was to make sure we had everything the wife and kids wanted.
Two stroke versus four stroke is a whole other argument.
I have the 208 without any complaints. No experince with the Parker but I do know they make solid boats. The one thing about the parker is they have a huge cockpit but no built in fish box or livewell. I would also see which motors are on each of them. The parker is more fishing oriented where as the grady is more of a compromise. The one thing I love about my 208 is the cockpit which is huge for a 20 footer and the way the splashwell is implimented is pretty sweet, it stops most water from coming in over the stern and does not impede on the cockpit much. I'm not sure about the weight of the Parker but you might want a 200. Either way, both great boats.
I'm a GW fan! The GW has the features to make everyone happy!
Most folks who buy GWs new deck the boats out with
all options and on the used market why not get a boat with some creature comforts?
The Grady has higher gunwales- better for the kids !
Besides Parkers are better known for pilot house style boats
Both are great if not fantastic boats. I've had the pleasure of a ride in both, they are two different boats doing the same thing. Ride in both and you decide.
BUT if your looking at the one for 20,000 buy the darn thing and never look back.
GW fan and long time owner...............................
I cruise just as much, if not more, than fish. I love my Parker as I am little by little outfitting it the way I like. I made this bench seat for under $180 for example, and it is comfortable. The family and I have a great time cruising to Tices Shoal and picnicing. Huge back cockpit. Huge. Throw a couple of bean bags back there with the bench and it like the Four Seasons. Really !
I looked hard at the GW 208 Adventure last year, and at one point I was considering trading my 19 footer up for either the Grady and the BW Eastport. Grady miles ahead of the BW.
But the Parker? She is dang salty. You will find yourself talking like Burgess Meridith in Rocky, when you are on her a few times. Your wife will also throw off her clothes and scream, "Take me Pirate!" Your kids will brag to their friends that their dad has a Parker, and not some girly boat. Young women will look at you longingly as you clean the blood off your hands and shirt.
Wait. I'll be back later. I have to go take the carrots out of the microwave....
The Grady 'niceties', like cup-holders, dry storage compartments, livewell, better finish, toe-rails, high-quality seats and cushions, and the like, will cost you more, but you will get most of it back in the higher re-sale when you move up. Go some place where you can see them both. Try to get a ride in a choppy sea, if you can. Which ride do you like better? Then decide. But if you only have 20k to spend, that Parker is a sweet deal.
__________________ Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
Both are great boats. Gradys depreciate at about the same rate as ocean front property!
Several have indicated the Grady will ride better. Not so sure about that. The Grady and Parker both have the same dead-rise...actually, the Parker might have 1 degree more (21 vs. 20 ?).
Parker v Grady White 
"My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it." Koos Brandt 
