Boat construction

[tgpfloat]

Have a newbe question that i have not gotten a very good answer to yet.

What is the difference between a Trophy boat and a similar looking size, beam
Grady White?

I looked them over at a boat show and the salesmen only tell you what you want to hear.

I have looked over the brochures on both but same thing they are not going to tell you their short comings.

I could see myself owning an almost new or new Trophy but any GW I would own would most likely be 15 years old.

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat construction

my take is Trophy was built by bayliner, and entry lever boat. the GW, is several steps up the ladder.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Boat construction

Trophy has come a long way from days past put they are still a price point boat.

Take a close look the construction of both boats. Look at the quality of things like the hardtop and the enclosure curtains. Look at the quality of the cleats and the rod holders. You’ll find a noticeable difference. Grady does nothing second rate but you pay for it.

Does it make a difference, some will tell you no and other yes. That’s why they some drive Chevy’s and some Mercedes.

I’m a Grady owner and a bit bias but go out and take a ride on both boats on a sloppy day. The difference in the ride quality will become apparent in a hurry.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Boat construction

Another Grady owner.... I second the little things. Strong hardware, smart design, tons of access panels. And of course, solid hull with a great ride. Not to say a value boat with a good price point doesn't have its place.

 

[magster65]

Re: Boat construction

First off, the new Trophys are nice boats... much better than their ancestors! However, the Grady is a tougher, better built boat for the reasons already stated. Yes, in choppy seas the Grady will feel more stable and stronger than the Trophy. This does come at a price though... because the Grady is a heavier boat, the Trophy will outperform the Grady for top speed and fuel economy given identical engines. Having said that, I'd still buy the Grady 'cause I'd give up a performance edge for a nicer boat that has a better resale.
You can't really go wrong either way.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Boat construction

Do you hear those Grady owners? The Grady will hold its value a lot longer and a lot better than the trophy. So if you are also looking at trade value, for the reasons stated in the above posts, the Grady is the way to go. So what if you can only buy a used one? The value will still be there.

 

[Neverhome]

Re: Boat construction

No question the Grady is a more upscale boat with a better resale value.
However, having owned a 2002, 2359 Trophy I can tell you it is a very seaworthy boat with a lot of ammenities for a lot less money. You will find that the quality of the stainless steel fittings is not as good as the Grady, and the fit and finish sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, but the engines are often by the same manufacturers and Trophy's are far less expensive to purchase with a lot of options.

I use my boat in the ocean and have encountered some fairly nasty conditions 20 or so miles off shore and I never once felt that the boat would not get me back in. It is a very dry boat and handles a chop well. I suggest you go over to the Bayliners Owner Forum and ask for the opinions of some of the Trophy owners there. They will give you an hones evaluation of the boat.

If money is no object, the Grady is the way to go. If you are on a budget and want a few dollars left in our pocket at the end of the month, consider the Trophy.

Good luck,

Neverhome

 

[seven up]

Re: Boat construction

Not to be rude but does anyone know about the hulls ?
Are they cored hulls ? Full coring or hullsides only ? Solid laminations ?

What about the deck joint ? Screwed ? Laminated ? Shoebox design ?


Is .40 retention marine pressure treated used in the transom core ?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Boat construction

Not to be rude but does anyone know about the hulls ?
Are they cored hulls ? Full coring or hullsides only ? Solid laminations ?

What about the deck joint ? Screwed ? Laminated ? Shoebox design ?


Is .40 retention marine pressure treated used in the transom core ?

Depends on what Grady your looking at. The hulls with beams over 8'6 are cored above the water line. All others are solid glass.

The liner is screwed in and the transom and stringers are built with Greenwood XL Marine plywood that carries a lifetime warrenty against rot.

 

[Neverhome]

Re: Boat construction

Trophy's are solid glass.

Hull to deck is riveted, bolted and glued.

Stringers are foam filled fiberglass.

Transom is marine grade wood but I don't remember what species.
Hulls come with a five year warranty. If something is going to go wrong with a hull it will usually happen within five years.

Neverhome

 

[seven up]

Re: Boat construction

That's great information. Using those two comparisons makes for a difficult decision. I guess a sea trial would help. Thanks.