Should I buy a Bayliner BR 180 or Grady-white24ft Centre console?

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Marinaman

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I'm looking at buying a new boat and am stuck between this bayliner BR 180 as it is really nice inside but not sure if it would be good in choppy seas, then there is a 24 foot Grady-White centre console stern drive with 120hp diesel engine that would suit most sea conditions, but I've read that the stringers are wood and fiberglass and if its old could be rotten. The seller of the grady says the engine is at the mechanics to fix a worn coupling..

Would anyone have any advice? I just want a nice boat I can take offshore for fishing/sun bathing/skiing ect. and not worry too much about getting swamped..

The 24 footer is a few thousand more than the bayliner but may be worth it for its sea worthiness and space.

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I certainly wouldn't say either is suitable for the Bristol channel unless its completely flat which is rare. Look at something like a Hardy.
 
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Marinaman said:
I'm looking at buying a new boat and am stuck between this bayliner BR 180 as it is really nice inside but not sure if it would be good in choppy seas, then there is a 24 foot Grady-White centre console stern drive with 120hp diesel engine that would suit most sea conditions, but I've read that the stringers are wood and fiberglass and if its old could be rotten. The seller of the grady says the engine is at the mechanics to fix a worn coupling..

Would anyone have any advice? I just want a nice boat I can take offshore for fishing/sun bathing/skiing ect. and not worry too much about getting swamped..

The 24 footer is a few thousand more than the bayliner but may be worth it for its sea worthiness and space.

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7mElINr.jpg
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My two penneth would be that you get really clear on what type of boating you want to do as this will make choosing the right boat much easier.
A boat that is good for skiing is a much different beast from one that is good for offshore fishing or sunbathing.
The Bayliner and Grady-White are both open boats which means they are best suited to inshore waters (around 3 miles from the shoreline) and could get swamped relatively easily. The Grady is designed for fishing the Bayliner for sunbathing but both could be dangerous to use as a ski boat due the unguarded props on the outboard/outdrive on them.

If you just fancy buying one of these two boats then buy the one that is sound/best value for money.
 
When I lived some years ago in USA those who really knew about fishing offshore out to the gulf stream swore by the Grady White. The GW was the boat everybody aspired to. In sailing terms, Bayliner to Grady White was Bavaria to Halberg Rassy; in motoring terms, fiat to mercedes.
 
I think I will go for the grady as it has plenty of space, storage and a huge fuel tank, I could put a ski pole on it so the prop wouldn't be a problem, mainly just to pull a donut the odd day, fishing most other days and maybe the odd trip over to holyhead and back :)
 
Years ago all my ski boats had unguarded props and I don't think that has changed today. The Grady White looks great as an all rounder. Rough waters are more about handling than the boat itself although it's to avoid it if you can (in any boat)!:cool:
 
I just think it would be swamped. Have you actually been out mid channel?
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Never been out on the channel although I lived near Portishead for many years. I have some idea it can be sporting.

The reason for my question was that I understood GW were a 'proper' design, an evolution of the Boston Whaler, and generally well thought of. They are rare over here and I don't think they have a dealer in the UK.
 
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