grady white 306 bimini - The Hull Truth

dupre · 08-23-2006, 08:57 AM

can anyone out there give me their input on the grady white 306 bimini cc. I looked at one in florida last week, very impressed with the fit and finish of the boat. Can anyone tell me their opinion on the ride compared to the regulators, contenders, etc. thanks

greyg8r · 08-23-2006, 09:22 AM

These are awesome looking boats! Check on www.greatgrady.com for any first person reviews.

dryblls · 08-23-2006, 10:10 AM

I owned a 1999. It was a sweet ride. Mine had twin 250 Yammies salt water series. I agree fit and finish is second to none. the ride is very good. My engines sucked fuel quite a bit --4 strokes would be a great improvement. All in all I recommend the boat, they have made some nice improvements since I owned mine. Good luck

Afishinado · 08-23-2006, 10:26 AM

I have two friends that have them, one is a '00, the other is a '06. I thought it'll be tough to beat the '00, but the '06 is even more amazing. You're gonna hear great passion from the Grady bashers and the Regulator lovers. Here...
I'm the opposite, I'd rather have one than any of the CC's like you mention. Including similar ones another 3 or 4' longer. They aren't 60mph tho.

jevans · 08-23-2006, 04:52 PM

I myself am in the market for a new 306. I have yet to touch one, but am impressed with the new layout. I hope to see one soon while I am out east. I have only read good on this model. I wish GW offered a bow thruster like on the 300 & 305.

joediaz · 08-23-2006, 07:29 PM

I've taken one to the Bahamas several times and it's a great riding vessel. Unfortunately, I can't help you with the comparison part of your question because I've never ridden in a Regulator. However, just to offer a counterpoint, I met a guy at the Miami Boat Show a couple of years ago and he had just sold a Bimini 306 to purchase a 32' Regulator because he said he found the ride on the Regulator superior to the Grady, especially in choppy seas. I am a Grady owner, not the Bimini, the smaller Chase 263. This is my second Grady Chase 263 and I've loved both of them. I've personally never heard of a Grady owner who switched to Contender, but I'm sure they are out there too.

go fish · 08-24-2006, 11:57 PM

I owned a 98 and currently a 2006. To say that the boat is fantastic, is an understatement. Everything has its place and the boat rides well. I just checked my log meter on the GPS and it shows 6472 nautical miles with over 500 trouble free hours on the F250s. You will be pleased with the 306. Good luck!

A Few Dollars · 08-25-2006, 01:26 AM

I would also take a look at the Pursuit C-300. Very similiar specs and fit and finish.

http://www.pursuitboats.com/

NOTHINGELSEMATTERS · 08-25-2006, 02:30 AM

I own a 2006. She is one of the best boats i ever owned(8),including my gw 360.I the ride is awsome .Most of my boats were express's, but when you go into a cc boat, i think, you can't go back in the cabin boats.Any way is a grate ride boat,very,very,very dry, if you get one you will not regret it. Good luck.

troll · 08-25-2006, 10:48 AM

I own a GW 300 which is the canbin version built on the same hull. It is a great riding boat. There are models of similar size which will take a head sea a bit faster at the expense of more rock and roll. The modified hull used by GWs typically are a great compromise between ride and stability. The fit and finish is top notch and the amenities are amazing.

liz · 08-25-2006, 01:40 PM

I own a Release 283 which is not a bimini but similar with a slightly higher length to beam ratio (Barely). I love the boat a lot and have been very pleased. I have fished some on a 26 regulator and twice on a 27 contender (30 foot overall length). I prefer my boat for my purposes--50%offshore and 50% beachfront fishing/family. The others will provide a smoother ride in the sea unless the sea is exceptionally calm. I don't think there is any question about this and feel o need to say my boat is as good a riding boat as the others you mention. The Grady rolls less at slow-troll, drift or anchor. I have not met anyone who looked for a CC boat who compared a Grady/Whaler/Pursuit to a Contender/Regulator etc. as they are very different boats with different callings in my mind.

liz · 08-25-2006, 01:42 PM

That should say "...feel no need..." Sorry.

troll · 08-25-2006, 02:04 PM

Well said Liz. It is shame so many get hung up in ride comparisions between boats of different designs. It is often like comparing the ride of a F150 to a Lexus LS430. Rides better where? On a logging trial? On a smooth rode? Two different answers.

Glad you are enjoing your 283. I had a 1997 272. A friend recently traded a 282 for a 283 because he wanted a CC and less to clean.

tarnold · 08-25-2006, 05:44 PM

Quote:

troll - 8/25/2006 1:04 PM A friend recently traded a 282 for a 283 because he wanted a CC and less to clean.

And he's very happy!

Fishermanbb · 08-26-2006, 07:01 PM

Nothing Else Matters,

Where do you keep your 360 and where did you buy it?

NOTHINGELSEMATTERS · 08-30-2006, 01:07 AM

fishermanbb: is out in greenport

bought it at grovers

NOTHINGELSEMATTERS · 08-30-2006, 01:09 AM

fishermanbb:where do you keep yours?

NOTHINGELSEMATTERS · 08-30-2006, 01:15 AM

dupre:
What ever happend with the 306? Did you buy the boat yet?

mikedavidson · 08-30-2006, 06:52 AM

The Bimini 306 is an awesome boat. If your from the New England area
Baert Marine has a great selection of Grady-White's. Good luck on your search.

Fishermanbb · 08-30-2006, 03:59 PM

Nothing Else Matters: Same place as you keep your 306.......