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I am looking for a new or late model used center console about 20'. I have a hydra-sports and Grady dealer nearby and from my reading both brands have good reputation. Grady seems alittle more expensive. Is the cost justified? Comments
While many folks here love their hydra-sports I think Grady builds a better
boat. The biggest complaint about Gradys is the cost!
That being said the hydra does provide value for the $$ in this size range.
Sea trial them both where you'll be boating!
The Grady will have better resale value when it's time to move up and you'll
actually get calls from your ad!
I just made popcorn....
Sea trial will help you decide. Remember you are going to be using the boat and to get the one that fits your needs. If you are not happy with the lay out etc, you wont be happy with your purchase.
If you want increased resale value, and be thought of as a "better" boater, then get the Grady. People that own Grady's live in a different world than the rest of us.
I think it's important to distinguish between the HS lines to make a comparison. If you're looking at the SeaHorse models, then you're comparing apples to oranges with the Grady. GW doesn't have a "value" line.
If you're comparing a Vector, that's a valid comparison. I can't speak to the resale of either, but I have two family members that are past GW dealers and one that is a HS dealer, so I appreciate both.
For me, it came down to styling, technology, and fuel consumption. The first is different with everyone. GW has never been accused of being on the leading edge of anything and is more known for tried-and-true traditional methods, sometimes to the point of overbuilding (if 3/8" should do it, 5/8 will be really good). I think that plays out in the fuel and performance numbers. You're going to get a good ride with any well-designed hull, but if you look at the difference between a 30' Canyon and a 32' Yellowfin, the mileage and speed differences are staggering.
I would also be sure of my dealer. GW is very stable with a great network. HS honored warranties during the Chapter 11, but mostly by making the dealers honor them and issuing IOUs for when they were back on their feet. In these times, that pissed a lot of dealers off.
__________________ Frank 30' Hydrasports Vector "Jolly Roger"
OK. I take the bait. I'm a HS dealer.
When saying a GW has higher resale, I have to agree, IT BETTER. It costs more. But I don't think it has the same higher resale. And anyway, I live in dollars world, not the % world. If worried about resale do you worry about losing a certain amount of dollars or a certain % of dollars?
I will not argue that GW makes a very nice boat. HS completes on performance and features, but if the 2 boats are exact same price, the GW will almost always win. In some specific models, the HS has a nicer boat regardless of price.
For a 20' boat do you want to spend $40k or $60k?
And when looking at resale/used GW vs. HS, generally a GW used buyer wants a "perfect" used boat and a HS buyer wants a boat.
__________________ Nathan Gottlieb, owner
All Seasons Marine Works
Westport/Rowayton, CT
allseasonsmarineworks.com
If you want increased resale value, and be thought of as a "better" boater, then get the Grady. People that own Grady's live in a different world than the rest of us.
We have been compromised much quicker than expected. All Grady owners report back to STARSHIP immediately!
I looked at the Bimini 306 and bought the HS 3300CC -- more boat, less money, to me the HS looked like it was actually better built -- but both were great.
My last boat was the "queen of resale" -- a Boston Whaler, and I took a bath on resale due to the 2 black POS's attached to the stern!
Buy the boat, not the resale myth...
__________________
The Mean Kitty
2008 Hydra Sports 33CC
Twin 2008 300 HP E-Tecs
Sea Trial, Sea Trial, Sea Trial and do it in the conditions that you would normally experience while fishing. Do it with a simulated full load (invite some full fugured guys along). They both make a good boat take the best ride and best layout. I've owned a few GWs. They are OK, but not perfect.
go for a boat with no wood in the construction. owned three G/W now have a McKee. Enough with failed transoms and soft floors spider cracks... Keep shopping!
Grady vs. Hydra-sports 
