Im looking at a 1994 Grady White Adventurer 20 WA with a 2005 yamaha 225hp 4stroke. The boat is very good condition and appears to be well maintained. Also included is a dual axle galvanized trailer that lokos to be almost new. The asking price is 18995, is this a fair deal? How well does this boat ride from any of your experiences? Thanks
What would you use that boat for 95% of the time?
the price…I don’t, know shop around to see what they are selling for.as far as the ride I had a 24’ WA several years ago with twin Suzuki 140’s. It was an older hull, me personally I thought it rode good for a mono hull, it was heavy and solid, fairly dry ride. I like it for offshore. Beware though, whatever boat someone owns is going to be the best boat ever made and the best ride around. 
Take it for a ride on a windy , nasty day and judge for yourself if it is the boat for you. Good luck there.
26’ Twinvee
Suzuki 175’s
www.creeksidemetalworks.com
I agree with these. You’ve got a heck of a motor there regardless of what it’s mounted to. Take it out on a day you would typically go offshore (not 4’-5’ steep swells, but maybe a 2-3’ chop) and see how she performs. You’ll know what to do. Also, have someone like Chris at Charleston Marine check it out for you. They are good people over there.
I have a 20’ Grady and they are very seaworthy boats. You’ll like the solid handling and ride.
“Sighs Matters”
GW 205
F200 Yam
you should be able to get it for a little less than that. Even with the newer power (which is almost 5 years old already) I would think you should be able to pick that rig up for $15k or less.
there ain’t no shame in passin’ the rod
hey thanks for the ■■■■■■■■, i plan on running offshore on good days but will be found on near shore reefs most days. strickland, you write insurance?
Another thing, how do these boats run without trim tabs?
quote:
Originally posted by Seachaser210hey thanks for the ■■■■■■■■, i plan on running offshore on good days but will be found on near shore reefs most days. strickland, you write insurance?
no that’s another Strickland
there ain’t no shame in passin’ the rod
I was looking at a mid-eighties 242 Grady W/A a while ago and was asking about it. Some people on here were telling me that the older hull design was a wet ride and a bit rough and to look for one with the “new” hull design. I am not sure what year they changed the designs on that or if that actually holds true. Either way, there is a reason why Grady White has been in buisness so many years!! Probably a good boat but like WStrickland said, you could probably get one for less than 18k.
Mike
“Seahawk” 204CC Angler, 150 Merc
I’m totally satisfied with my 232 Gulfstream. The hull change started in the early 90’s. Grady’s are well built and the factory offers support to subsequent owners with technical advice and a quarterly newsletter. Not aware of other manufacturers doing this. No tabs? that is suprising. Check with NADA for a used boat value.
GW 232GT Gulfstream
150Yam x 2
“3rd Day”
Gen. Chap.1 Vs.9-13
With the way the market is nowadays, NADA on boats is about useless. That price is high, even with the relatively new motor.
GW’s of that era aren’t known for a smooth ride, and I’d check the transom carefully…rot has been an issue on boats that old.
But, Grady makes a good boat…just look around and see how many older models are still on the water.
“Never argue with an idiot…he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.”
definitely have the transom checked. I’m pretty sure they didn’t start using the “lifetime” wood in the transom until '99. The metal cap leaks over time and water enters, fungus and critters take over and they can turn to mush. The fact that it was repowered is somewhat comforting. I’m sure that it was resealed at the time and hopefully (probably) was ok at that time. As far as the hull goes that one should be the SeaVee2 design and the ride should be pretty much the same as one you would buy today. If you like that boat, get a pro to check out the transom and get the seller to work on the price.
I know every situation is different and people are motivated differently but I just sold a '99 222 Fisherman w/ 2002 Yamaha power in excellent condition for $18k so you should definitely be able to do better price wise.
there ain’t no shame in passin’ the rod
would yall say trim tabs are a must with this boat or just a plus? I have a 21’ deep v now and if i didnt have trim tabs id be all over the place. is the grady different in that respect?
believe it or not I think I could have gotten by without them on my 222. I really only used them to level it out. I have never been on an Adventurer 20 but my boat didn’t run bow-high at all. It would pop right up on plane in seconds with a 225. I’m sure that one will as well.
This is just another reason the price should be lower.
there ain’t no shame in passin’ the rod
the 24’ I had didn’t have tabs, you had to kinda load the boat evenly though
26’ Twinvee
Suzuki 175’s
www.creeksidemetalworks.com
If you’re serious about the boat, get a marine survey done before you buy it. Most insurance companies will require a survey prior to providing service. If you buy and then it won’t pass a survey inspection, you’re stuck holding the bag.
For that price, I think you can find something a lot bigger. Talk to Tracey at River’s Edge Marine (used to be Duncan’s). He selling a 28’ Sea Sport w/ twin 4.3 mercruisers for @22k. The motors were replaced in 2006, and it’s got tons of power. I almost bought it before I decided to throw go for my Fountain.
Lightning fast 31 Fountain
Thirsty twin 275 Verados
Happy boatin’ y’all!!
I was in Lewis, DE a couple weeks ago and saw a 24’ Grady… looked like a 80’s model with twin 140 Zukies 4 strokes w/ warranties for 3 more years for 15k. The guy i talked to said the owner would probably take 12k. It had a very nice trailer under it. I don’t know this guy, but did right down the number. The guy i talked to was a guy hanging around the docks… so he may not know what he was talkin about.
484-919-2957
I saw it for sale 8 months ago when i was up there for 30k… He must really be hurting for $$$
2502 trophy twin 175 mercs
“The Rum Runner”
For sale… $12.5k Get offshore cheap!!! Reduced… $11.5k
That boat is a great boat and is huge for a twenty footer. holds plenty of gas and should be very economical on fuel with the four stroke. I run one offshore on a regular basis and feel very comfortable in it. you will still have to pick your days. I think you could get it a little cheaper the boat has been for sale a couple of months.
A marine survey will answer most of your questions, especially transom; I have owned three GW’s, all before the SeaV2 hull, and all rode rough. The rough ride is partially due to the heavy weight due to the amount of glass in a GW. But, that is what makes you feel safe in those unexpected storms, and what makes GW’s hold their value. Personally, my favorite GW is the 22’er, but the 20’er is a great boat for the money, especially if you are not too serious about the ledge or blue water fishing. The boat definitely should have had trim tabs from the factory, but as previously stated, I didn’t use mine, except for 3’ or more seas to level the ride and keep the spray down. Prices now should be at least 10-20% below NADA, for the economical adjustment. Last, I DEFINITELY would look for 4-stroke power, and NEVER 140’s, too light on power. Pm if you like…
“The big one’s still swimming, let’s go.”