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What are everyone's opinions between these two walk-around boats? Ride is extremely important. Consider both boats with twin outboards. Also, what other walk-arounds in this size and quality would you consider?
Stretch, That looks like a nice boat. I like the enclosed head. It states it, but doesn't show it. I like the little galley and table. Seems like a nice place to have lunch and take a break during the long fishing day. Does that transom seat fold away?? Is there much room in the cockpit for fishing? Where are the fish boxes? Thanks.
Hey Jim, I got both dealers to put the boats in side by side and take em both for a ride. I was actually comparing the Grady 228 vs the 255 conquest. I bought the Grady. If your fishing check out the 228. It has more cockpit space than the larger Whaler, is significantly cheaper, and rode the same in 3 foot chop. It is only powered with one motor however. It was my opinion the Grady ride couldnt be beat in that size boat, but I didn't ride in the cats.
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3 out of 4 cannibals prefer vegetarians
2004 Grady 228/Yam 225F
I just bought a Grady 258 (stilll waiting on delivery). I was impressed with the ride when I took the dealer's boat out. I have never had a company stand behind its product and be so 'customer satisfaction' oriented as Grady has been with me. This is my third new Grady. I'm not touting Grady because I bought one. I'm touting Grady because of my experience with them.
The Grady 258 is a fine boat. For me, however, the Robalo R265 exceeds the Grady in a number of important areas including the following:
1. The Grady is rated for 350 hp, the Robalo for 450. That means if you prefer four-stroke power, with the Grady you are limited to twin 150's whereas with the Robalo you can go all the way up to twin 225's.
2. The Robalo is a foot longer than the Grady with a beam that is wider by six inches. It is also sunstantially heavier and the transom deadrise angle is steeper (23 degrees to 20 on the Grady).
3. The Robalo has a much larger fuel capacity (180 gallons to 127 on the Grady).
4. The cabin on the Robalo is larger with more creature comforts. The Robalo has a full galley and an enclosed head compartment with a porcelain fixture.
5. With Robalo, you have your choice of factory installed power: Yamaha, Honda or Mercury.
Grady White has been a premium brand for many years but Robalo is coming on strong. Two of Grady's leading dealers nationwide (Fish Tale in Fort Myers, FL and Seel's Outboard in Charleston, SC) have picked up the Robalo line within the past year. They are terrific boats and the Robalo R265 is their very strongest model IMO. You can't hardly go wrong with either the Grady or the Robalo but I would definitely choose the Robalo.
Last year I purchased a 2004 258 with twin Yamaha 150 4 strokes and have been very happy with it.
I looked at most other 25 footer Walkarounds including Boston Whaler. The Whaler itself was a great boat but I was not happy with its power options.
The closest boat to the 258 that had the motors I wanted was from Pursuit. Its quality and build appeared to be in the same league as Grady but unfortunately its price was also in Grady’s league.
The 258 with twin Yami 150 four strokes is all the power it needs. I have a GW 27 Islander w/ twin f150's, she'll do 46 mph. On a smaller and lighter boat, I gotta believe you'll do 50+.
How can you compare a 26 Robalo to a 25 Grady? The Grady would be a whole lot easier to tow. You should probably be comapring the 26 Robalo to a 265 Grady. I think those two hulls are more similar to each other...
The Grady 258 is a fine boat. For me, however, the Robalo R265 exceeds the Grady in a number of important areas including the following:
1. The Grady is rated for 350 hp, the Robalo for 450. That means if you prefer four-stroke power, with the Grady you are limited to twin 150's whereas with the Robalo you can go all the way up to twin 225's.
2. The Robalo is a foot longer than the Grady with a beam that is wider by six inches. It is also sunstantially heavier and the transom deadrise angle is steeper (23 degrees to 20 on the Grady).
3. The Robalo has a much larger fuel capacity (180 gallons to 127 on the Grady).
4. The cabin on the Robalo is larger with more creature comforts. The Robalo has a full galley and an enclosed head compartment with a porcelain fixture.
5. With Robalo, you have your choice of factory installed power: Yamaha, Honda or Mercury.
Grady White has been a premium brand for many years but Robalo is coming on strong. Two of Grady's leading dealers nationwide (Fish Tale in Fort Myers, FL and Seel's Outboard in Charleston, SC) have picked up the Robalo line within the past year. They are terrific boats and the Robalo R265 is their very strongest model IMO. You can't hardly go wrong with either the Grady or the Robalo but I would definitely choose the Robalo.
Stretch:
The Grady is rated at 350HP and the boat runs great with twin 150 Four Strokes. The Rabalo nor the Boston Whaler have anywhere near the same hull design as the Grady White. Grady White has a hull that is designed by Raymond Hunt called the Sea V2. The Sea V2 Hull has the best of both worlds with a very sharp entry at the bow which helps in rough water with a changing angle all the way to the stern to 20 Degrees. This enables the boat to be very stable at rest and require less horsepower to run; making the boat more fuel efficient. Robalo is not even in the same class as these boats. Robalo may be a nice boat for its class but you must consider apples and apples! Grady White has had a lot of experience in this business for many years.
Wow....
How did this thread go from Grady vs. BW to Robalo vs. Grady vs. BW
Both GW & BW are great boats; if ride isn't the most important thing to you and positive flotation is, then choose the Whaler. Likewise if you are more partial to Mercury. If a smoother ride and Yamaha power plants are your thing, then choose the Grady. It's a difficult decision and these are both upper-tier boats. I'd be happy to own either
BignUgly,
It is funny you say the 228. I was just out fishing and walked the docks checking out some boats when I got back. I saw the 228 and was very impressed with it. I didn't get to go inside though. Is there a china head?
I really like the layout of the Whaler. I have not ridden in it though. My concern is it will ride Tug boat ish if you know what I mean. I have always had Mercs so that is really not a concern for me. Not that I wouldn't like a Yamaha. The Robalo seems to have some nice creature features though. I like the separate head. But it looks a little crammed in the cockpit for fishing. I would like to see some pics of the Grady owners set ups. Any problems with the wood in the Grady?
Grady 258 vs. Whaler 255 Conquest 
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