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Looking for a runabout boat that I can tow coast to coast including 1000 miles down the narrow roads of baja. I'm going to call it "Have Boat Will Travel". I asked you guys questions on other similar boats in the past and I thank you for your replies. Now I interested in the Grady White Sportsman 180. I plan on towing the boat from San Diego and fishing coastally in my boyhood home areas of LA, AL, FL. I usually fish by myself. Any comments on its fishability, handling in unexpectant bad sea conditions, trailerability and overall opinion would be greatly appreciated. Have not seen one out here in SD to look at. One of the good things about getting into the 4th quarter of ones fishing experiences is being able to just load a boat and go.
Halibut Howie, Knowing where you boat and assuming you want to go offshore that boat is too small! I don't care if it's a Grady, the LOA is just not enough to get you in the salt comfortably. That boat with a good trailer is probabally going to cost you as much as some 22 footers.
Other boats to consider is the Angler Panga(24-26'), Trophy 21CC, Pro line 20 CC. I would personally recommend some type of spray curtains(either a dual console with a bimini and enclosure or a T-top with enclosure). I'm not putting this boat in the same class as a Grady but you'll get a lot more for your money with the others.
If you are looking at top tier boats such as Grady, Pursuit then 18' wont be enough and you will have to annie up and get the bigger models such as the 22 dual console grady. Some may say that an 18 is enough but if it blows up, and it WILL, your pucker factor in that boat will be pretty high.
Another boat to consider, especially if weight is an issue, is an all welded aluminum such as Pacific in their 20 foot model. But, id say for where you want to go out a 22 is the minimum.
If your tow vehicle will handle it, I would focus on finding a clean used Contender 21. If you will be fishing alone, you don't need the seating of the Grady and the Contender will handle most any sea condition that you encounter.
as a proud and happy owner of a 180 with a lot of usage under her transom, let me respectfully agree / and disagree.
what the 180 is: a great small boat, good for bay and nearshore fishing and boating In reasonable water conditions (2-3'S). She won't run particularly shallow, draft is something like 14" if memory serves, but she will take you 80-90% of where you want to go and when you want to go and get you home safely.
what the 180 is NOT: a 21-23' boat. She will outperform most any 18' boat you will test (I have the Yamaha F150) and will do what she was built for, but if you want something to get into really shallow water and pole around or use an electric to flats fish, go 10+ miles offshore or handle 3-4 footers comfortably and safely, get the larger boat.
I trailer ours along the gulf coast from time to time, get out to some of the islands for picnics or fishing or shelling, etc. A 180 will take 4 people and gear comfortably, especially if you put a large cooler under the helm seat. 5-6 people will make you feel really cramped and dangerous in any type of water.
If you go larger, GW has a number of models; Pursuits entry boat is awesome, would also look at Regulators and Contenders as they are all easily pulled behind your truck and can deal with the motel parking lots and shallow ramps you are likely to encounter.
As a 180 owner, I agree with SEL. For an 18' CC it is as good as you will get, likely better than anything. It rides softly and is dry. The layout and use of space is exceptional. People can not believe it is only 18' when they see it and ride in it. But it is 17'10" LOA and 7'6" beam. On good days, I will take her off shore 10 miles or so, but rarely... It will handle conditions as well or better than any 18'.
The boat is easily trailered, handles very well solo, has excellent storage and use of space.
I would love to have a 18 Grady, for Florida they can be a true offshore but limited 18 footer, but they are fairly rare used and I ended up with a 18 Whaler Dauntless, it is an ok do it all boat. If I was in the market today I would look seriously at 19' Whaler Nantucket or the Edgewater. Whaler changes the name this year so if looking new just be aware of that. I like the Whaler name recognition and looks when you go to the ramp, seems everyone talkes to you about the boat, good for resale also.
__________________ If you think Education is expensive, try ignorance.
Grady Sportsman 180 
