Boston Whaler Ventura Vs Grady White Tournament or other ocean dual console

[eric80]

My 2003 16' Ventura has been awesome and it's time to move up to a longer boat. I've been looking for an 18 maybe 20. I fish trawling down riggers for salmon. The Ventura has a big seating area in the bow meaning the rear deck is smaller. I noticed the Grady Tournament has a smaller bow area and bigger deck. I live in the mountains, trailer the boat and fish in the ocean so since i don't get out much when i do I don't like to come back if the weather and waves come in. I boat fairly sheltered waters. 6' swells is big water for me. i.e. Vancouver Canada and the inside of Vancouver island, Comox, Campbell River area. My question what is a good hull design for my needs? Buying used like i will i have concerns about rot under the floor boards. A quality build with sealed stringers etc is a must. Any ideas? Whaler and Grady have great reputations but there are other manufactures making quality builds, what might i look for?

 

[dingbat]

I've run and fish a Grady 226 for a number of years. You will not find a softer riding boat in snot.

If you like to fish, you will not find a boat with a bigger, more accessible cockpit than Grady. I've literally had a picnic table in the back of my boat. I'm currently set up to troll 21 rods in a tournament spread. I fish 40-50 miles offshore (Atlantic) on a pretty regular basis in the summer.

Having said that, you wouldn't find my out front in a bow ride. I've had ankle depth water in the cockpit more times than I care to admit with the enclosed bow of my walk-around. Stuffing the bow in a bow rider can't end well.

 

[JimS123]

No experience with Gradys, but a lot with Whalers.

They advertise them as "unsinkable". Mine has a 6 person capacity, but supposedly it will handle the weight of 36 before its no longer viable.

Any boat will give an uncomfortable ride in the chop. But not my Whaler. I can put her at WOT and she takes the waves comfortably without feeling like you're having a white knuckle experience. I have already taken air and when she comes down there is no clunk.

I would have no problem burying the bow in a wave. The auto bilge pump will pump it all out.

 

[dingbat]

I would have no problem burying the bow in a wave. The auto bilge pump will pump it all out.

Took one over the cuddy cabin of my first boat. Rolled up and over the bow, blowing out the center section of the windshield.

Completely overwhelmed the bilge. Submerged the lower half of the motor (I/O?) and shorted out the bilge pump wiring.

Had 1/2” of standing water on the deck. Frantic bailing with plastic milk jugs got the starter above water level to dry out. I have not owned, nor would I own, a boat w/o a self bailing cockpit after that.

Everything goes directly overboard on my current boat. The only thing that drains into the bilge are the cup holders and the anchor locker.

The garboard plug has not been out of the boat in a couple of years.