Help me justify the upgrade from 30 Grady to 33 Grady

[contendernut]

How can I justify spending 100,000+/- to upgrade my 2000 30 Marlin with t-250 ox66's to a 2002 33 with T-225 4Strokes. Looking for any glaring differences such as handing, ride comfort, fishabilty, I can see the difference in room, butI have adecent amount of room inmy 30. All input is appreciated

[doeboy]

because the cabin is nicer and larger,the 4 strokes are quieter and no oil to mess with, better fuel economy (spend a $100K now and save several thousand dollars in fuel costs over the next few years) more seating, you want the 33 footer, you're tired of your old boat ( you haven't had it long have you?), you want the 33footer, etc etc..... none of this boat stuff makes financial sense

[oceandansar]

I went from the marlin to the express and truthfuly the marlin is hardcore after running the express for a year now I would probably stay with the marlin. The express is geared more to crusing just look at the rod storage or lack of I should say. I got twenty rods in mine now but it took a lot of figuring. The wife loves the express but it has a lot more cabin. Good luck

[BIGnUGLY]

I drool over those 33s also. Let's see, reasons, reasons...........Because it'll give you reason to beat yourself to death at work to make enough to afford her. Some women have the same affect; there is no logical reason why another won't do, but you want THAT one.

[troll]

Let's hope you don't get an good answer. I have a 2004 Marlin which I love but the 33 is very nice. The good news is our dry stack marina cannot manage a 33 so the 300 may be my limit. Oh, and there is this cost thing.

I rafted up with a 2006 330 during a Thanksgiving flotilla. The biggest difference is the cabin and huge helm area. The center helm design is also very nice but don't be surprised to see the same layout in a 30 Express built on the Marlin hull.

[FloridaDan]

It always amazes me that people think the cabin on the 33 Express is so nice. The table and seating down there is so small it reminds me of a tiny TV tray that can barely accomodate two people trying to eat - what a joke for a 33' boat. The Marlin has a nice sized V-Berth and table that can accomodate 5-6 people comfortably and its a smaller boat.

Granted, the 33 has a very nice helm arrangement that can seat alot of people outside.

[makonut]

Because size does matter

[georgedo]

Because life is short. Enjoy it.

[Brad1]

Those big boats are way outta my league, but I can say nothing but good about the Yamaha F225. Incredibly quiet and smooth running engine.

[rocksandblues]

You can not justify that. No way.



Having said that. I would still consider it. That question being asked here is like asking an alcoholic if he'd like a bigger beer!

[CayoHueso]

I have a GW 330. It is the only Grady that I have ever owned. As for an upgrade, I can't say, but I really like the boat. I did look at the Marlin 30 and the cabin was ok, but too tight for me. I also don't like having to convert a table into a bunk. I have had the boat about a year and like it. We have made trips up the Keys, Bahamas and Dry Tortugas from flat calm to 4' to 6' seas and the boat performs well, although it doesn't like following seas that much. We have stayed on the boat for a week and were comfortable. I keep the boat on a lift behind my house and it makes a great guest apartment too. The economy is fair and the speed adequate (what's the hurry, I'm already on the boat). I agree, life is short, get what will make you happy.

[ancient angler]

sounds to me like "contendernut" has an identity crisis, keep pushing him, he'll be in a 36 fisharound by spring

[mronzo]

I can't help you justify that! not if you can afford the express 360!

[fisherman for life]

I'm not in the even close to that league but I do have a grady. I wouldn't upgrade from my 228 unless I could go to 282 marlin or your boat. But if I looked any bigger than your's I'd personally look at diesel powered boats. Once you get past 28 to 30 ft boats there not easily trailered so why not get a 36 to 50 ft fishing vessel? Not to say grady's aren't cause I love mine and love the brand but when your getting into big boat's, diesel self contained cooling system is the way to go.JMO

[CayoHueso]

My choice was specific in wanting outboards on a bigger boat. Once, in the Bahamas, off Andros, I followed my friend in his Sea Craft 24 through the inner reefs in my GW 330. That's something I wouldn't even think about with an inboard, much less attempt.

[YankeeBoater]

Hmmmm, how about - the money will otherwise get stale and moldy, will go bad. So, to errrr, avoid losing the value of all that cash, you need to convert it into something more useful, like a uh, boat... yeah, that's it, a boat!

[tinmarine]

If you can afford it why do you need to justify? Just go up to the 36 and be done with it. Gee, to think I was wondering if I could find a descent 226/228 to upgrade to in my price range from a 180 sportsman. Just do it man and enjoy it. (for all us little guys)

Jim

[TG_190]

How about: between the gas savings on the new 4-strokes, and the extremely good resale, honey-pie, we would make money upgrading to the 33.

[PSW]

I would not even consider without the F250's. That is a big boat. Looks pretty nice though. It is like the jump we have on the Pursuit side. I was checking out the 3370 the other day and it was nice but not worth the coin on top of a boat I already love. Now yours is a bit older and if it is a fair deal and you got the change then do it, but get the right power.

[Huntersun]

Sorry don't see it, 3' and 100k more, no way.