Southport 28cc vs. Grady Bimini 306 - The Hull Truth

HUP · 11-19-2005, 08:07 PM

Ah yes it has come down to these two boats for purchase next season. I know that the boats may lie on different ends of the spectrum. I was interested in the fishing functionality of both boats as well as ride. I have tested the southport but have yet to get out on the Grady. I currently have a Sailfish 236cc and will be selling the boat to get into one of these boats. The sailfish, although a nice running boat in head seas, tends to be a wet boat. Being sprayed this time of year up in the northeast is no fun at all. Just wanted to get some opinions out there.....thanks

nedarb2 · 11-19-2005, 08:22 PM

u cant go wrong wit ha grady.dont know much about the southport line of boats though

offshore1218 · 11-19-2005, 08:46 PM

are these the only two boats your looking at? for the price of the 28 southport(165,000 sport fisherman)
theres a lot of other center consoles(in 32-35ft range) about the same price and most are respectable boats that are good quality.
If these are te only two I like the southport.

go fish · 11-19-2005, 10:25 PM

Get the Grady!! I purchased a new 306 in September and my old 306 is on the trading dock. Need to sell!!!

CTBob · 11-20-2005, 08:34 AM

You have to demo the Southport. After owning 4 GW's I made the switch to the 28 SP and it is all I could have asked for. PM me if you have any questions. The GW hull hasn't changed in years, only the liner. Ride cannot compare to Southport. Check out this review of the Southport. http://www.southport-boatworks.com/sf200512.pdf Also notice they have a $5,000 incentive on options going on now. Good Luck!!

Steve 08753 · 11-20-2005, 01:50 PM

Hobby Lobby Marine in NJ carries both, it might be possible to sea trial them back to back to help with an informed decision.

georgedo · 11-20-2005, 05:33 PM

I would suggest taking a look at the Buddy Davis 28. Of the boats you mentioned I would put the BD ahead of the Southport and The Grady. I am a Grady owner and a big Grady fan, but recently I was on a BD and I was very impressed.

Tuna2 · 11-22-2005, 04:38 PM

AAHH HORSE- Sorry, I will learn to watch my language -! That darn Southport aint worth two slaps of a hogs ass. It rides like a turkey with a sock on its head. Get the 306.

ant1 · 11-22-2005, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Tuna2 - 11/22/2005 3:38 PM

AAHH HORSE- Sorry, I will learn to watch my language -! That darn Southport aint worth two slaps of a hogs ass. It rides like a turkey with a sock on its head. Get the 306.

Don't even listen to what this joker has to say,that's rediculous and you know you have never even been on the Southport. The Southport is an incredible boat,both ride wise and finish wise. The Grady is a fantastic boat too,but my money goes on the Southport.The thing is you are comparing 2 differant size boats,so it's not even.

Birdman · 11-22-2005, 04:50 PM

Scout 28 CC.

bluewaterpirate · 11-22-2005, 04:59 PM

Hup .........

If your serious about buying a boat here a deal that is worth a hard look!

http://thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=71922&posts=39

Asking $55000.00

[img]get-attachment.asp?action=view&attachmentid=20055[/img]

[img]get-attachment.asp?action=view&attachmentid=20054[/img]

Tuna2 · 11-22-2005, 05:00 PM

I know. Sorry. I'm just kidding. I don't even know what that means, "a turkey with a sock on its head". But I do like the 306 over the 28 Southport. Happy Thanksgiving!

Afishinado · 11-22-2005, 05:07 PM

Haven't got a look at the Southport yet... I'll be looking for them at Miami. I have fished the 306 Bimini many times, hard to believe the Southport would be more attractive, especially at only 28'. The 306 is a big 30' IMHO, and my personal favorite of the big CC's.. As for fit'n'finish, it may equal the GW, but would have to touch it to believe it exceeds it, probably splittin hairs.

fichtion · 11-22-2005, 05:09 PM

Don't the transoms rot out on the Grady's?????????

brdawg2001 · 11-22-2005, 05:11 PM

So, they did not do any modifications to the hull on this last version of the 306?

abfish · 11-22-2005, 05:13 PM

Quote:

CTBob - 11/20/2005 7:34 AM

You have to demo the Southport. After owning 4 GW's I made the switch to the 28 SP and it is all I could have asked for. PM me if you have any questions. The GW hull hasn't changed in years, only the liner. Ride cannot compare to Southport. Check out this review of the Southport. http://www.southport-boatworks.com/sf200512.pdf Also notice they have a $5,000 incentive on options going on now. Good Luck!!

I happen to like the Southport, but I hope you're not basing your opinion on a review from Sportfishing. Clarke's reviews are the next best thing to an ad written by the marketing manager of the boat mfr. "I know of no reviewer" who produces such useless reports.

Drifter · 11-22-2005, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Afishinado - 11/22/2005 5:07 PM

As for fit'n'finish, it may equal the GW, but would have to touch it to believe it exceeds it, probably splittin hairs.

I think you'll find that the fit and finish on the Southport will surpass the GW. The Southport is really finished very well IMO. Both nice boats, but neither would be my choice in this size range...

PJJR · 11-22-2005, 05:51 PM

Both are very nice boats, sea trial each and see which suits your needs best. You really can't go wrong with either boat

bigtuna · 11-22-2005, 08:15 PM

165,000 for a 28 ft boat!! What a rip off. You can get a lot more boat for a lot less money with other dealers. Just my 2 cents. I would say "get the grady."

chipper · 11-22-2005, 11:10 PM

Nobody is paying anywhere close to 165K for a 28 Southport. Doesn't matter as my preference wouldn't be either of theses two, and you're right, they are at the end of extreme differences. Way too many top quality boats in the same size and in my opinion much better choices than either.