*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: I feel sorry for those who don't drink, when they wake up it's as good as they will feel all day. Sinatra
I had a 1994 209 (center console) with 200 carbureted Yamaha. A great boat, although it tended to pound some in a chop. Adding trim tabs helped a lot. The engine was very reliable and I've not heard of the issues with the 200HPDI that the 250's and 300's have suffered. For values, you might check similar rigs on BoatTrader.com.
The 150/175/200 HPDIs have an excellent track record based on my personal experience and from what I have read on this forum. Most of the 'problems' I've read about seem to be with the big block 250 and 300 HP HPDI's.
I think all of the SeaV-2 hulls have a great ride - I don't recall which model year Grady White switched to this hull - but the 2001 Adventure you're looking at does have it. My boat handles great in anything under 3' - above that you have to slow down - but mines only a 19 footer.
Lastly - does the boat include a trailer (a quality tandem axle w/surge brakes)? If so, I would say low 30's (31K-32K) would be a good price if everything is in excellent condition (which you would expect with 120 hours). I would take another $2-3K off of the $31K-32K price if no trailer is included.
I purchased a 2001 208 this past September for $32,500. The boat was in excellent shape. The owner I bought it from babied it and said he rarely went over 4400 rpms and waxed it 4 times a year, it really shows. I looked at another 2001 and it wasn't even close to the same condition. The owner was not sure of the hours since it doesn't have an hour meter and the ECU does not have an hour meter either. He said all he did was change the water pump impeller and that was it, no isssues with the engine. The boat came with a Furuno 600 color depth finder and a standard horizon VHF. The options were the freshwater shower, swim platform, livewell, helm cover, bimini top with full enclosure and porta potti. The only thing I wish it had was the hardtop, I think this is about a $4K option. The cockpit is huge on a boat which is only 20 ft and everything is well laid out. I have used the boat for about 25 hours and the engine has not even hiccupped, runs great, starts on the first try every time and doesn't even smoke unless you troll for a while (about an hour). I can cruise between 30 - 35 at around 4500rpms and it tops out at 45mph at 5500. My other boat was a 17ft bowrider so obviously the ride was significantly better. It handles great but you are not going to be going over 35 in a steep chop and it is not a rocketship. I am going to add tabs this winter to keep the bow down which should help in a tight chop. Overall I could not be happier and I would really reccomend the baot to anyone. I purchased a five star tandem trailer for $2,500. The only thing I have noticed are small spider cracks around the bottom of the fishboxs at the corner where they contact the deck, my only complaint and I have checked the whole boat for any problems. It also has a plastic tank, I think the older ones had an alumium tank which could cause problems.
I just paid $36,000 (was listed on boats.com for $39,750) for a 2002 208 with a Yam F225 and a nice package of electronics. (Garmin 2006C Chartplotter, tunes, fishfinder, Icom VHF). Vista top w/3 sides, bolsters, full safety equip & anchors. I bought from a marina in Wilmington NC. Whole boat had 66 hrs and the surveyor said it was basically in A1 condition. I hope this helps with your shopping and price comparisons.
They are under the stern seats. Side note: I haven't received the boat yet...it should start moving on the truck to Calif. Jan 17th. I bought it sight unseen. Am I a fool?
I've owned a 2003 208 WA w/ a Ficht Ram 225HP. It was a**great boat, I did not have trim tabs and with short waves chopped a little but I think with tabs the hull would be more and more soft. In fact with too much hp the boat tends to keep all out of the water, practically at full gas only the prop remains in the water! It's also a dry hull, and a solid monolite boat
Wetline: I just traded in my 1995 Grady 208 with a 150 HPDI. Great boat and motor. I have run that boat hard for ten years and the only problem I have had is to replace the fuel tank sending unit. The tank itself looks great.
Very seaworthy boat. In ten years of nearshore and offshore boating the bilge pump has never come on. I stick a hose down there once in a while to make sure the float switch and pump work. We make trips to the Bahamas every summer and have enjoyed this boat immensely. I have put about 500 hours on the HPDI and have never had any trouble. I cruise (with tanks full) at 4000 rpm and 30 mph on flat water. WOT is about 41 mph. I have bimini top, not a hard top.
I did add trim tabs mself and they are a good addition.
I had the exact combination, 2001 208 and 200HPDI purchased new in 2001 and kept for three years. Great boat and motor with only two minor motor problems while I owned it. One because I didn't allways use Ringfree (carb buildup) and one filter issue. Both fixed first time by my deaker. While the 208 is as good or better than anything out there its still only 20 foot and that's the only reason I traded the boat in for a Grady 258 last year.
I don't know current prices but i did shop around before trading my 208 to my original dealer. I know Gradys are not cheap but everydealer out there was offering good money for it as a traded.
I bought a 1993 209 CC that I still use today. I am pleased with the boat. It has held up pretty well considering the offshore use and a couple of Bahamas trips. Original fuel tank but replaced the fuel sender last year. A few minor hardware failures. I just repowered this past April with an F150 and top speed with a medium load is 42mph. Mine was the first year of the SeaV2 hull and I think the ride is decent
I have a 99 with a 200 ox66...46 mph at top end, fairly decent fuel economy although your HPDI will do better.* No problems to report at all and I routinely get stopped and asked if its a new boat.* I too have to stick a hose down into the bilge to check the pump...it never comes on.