Grady-White Seafarer v. ???

[BIGnUGLY]

If resale is important, buy used.

[Megabyte]

Cappy - 8/24/2006 10:16 AM

On a scale of 1 - 10, the most important criteria to me is a comfortable/dry ride (hull type) and quiet (outboard or inboard) and finally a known brand with good resale.

For more comfort at speed, look for a deeper vee.
Downside is a higher fuel burn due to the amount of HP it will take to move it at speed.
If you intend to troll or drift fish, deeper vee could also be a minus as you will get more roll with the deeper vees. If fishing is not a consideration, disregard this point.

If speed isn't as important as comfort, stability, and economy of operation, look at a modified vee.

For a dry ride, look for bow flare and a proper trim tabs. Operator skill and sea conditions can play into this one too. One you can affect, the other you can't.

For quiet, look at 4-stroke outboard, I/O, or inboard with wet exhaust.

For resale... What else is popular in your area?
In my area, you see certain popular brands and types that go quickly on the secondary market, and that command higher resale prices. Other brands which are popular elsewhere in the country, you rarely see here.

How you intend to use the vessel will make a big difference as well.
Good luck with your search.

[troll]

The GW 22 is an excellent, well respected boat. As you have been told BW and Pursuit and similar in design and quality. I'd recommend getting suggestions here but deciding by looking at the candidates to see which meets you needs. You can ask specific questions on the GW over at www.greatgrady.com. There are many 22 owners there including Brad and Parthery. A 1988 GW 228 with hardtop (bought 2 years old) was my first boat. I am now on my 3rd GW and have been very happy with each.