boat choice: grady -or- albermarle

**mac83** · 09-19-2009, 05:54 PM

I need some help everyone. I'm in the market for a boat. I'm trying to decide between a 20-22 ft grady white , either CC or seafarer -or- 21 or 24 ft. albermarle. I know these are three completely different boats. I will be trailering this boat with a 05 1500 4X4 5.7L silverado with the hd trailering package. I need everyone expertise if all of these boats can be trailered with this vehicle. I also want to hear everyones opinions on these 3 boats. I really do not want to spent more 10,12K for the boat. I am willing to do some work on the boat to keep the price down. I am not very familiar with I/O , so if you have expertise, please let me know how much i would be looking at to repower the albermarle if i have to? thanks in advance everyone

**gary49** · 09-19-2009, 08:55 PM

Stay away from I/O IMHO, you are talking about old I/O's and it will likely not be a happy experience for you if you get a boat with one. Isn't your '05 Silverado a 5.3? I thought they had quit putting the 5.7 in the pickups by then. You should be ok with the tow rig on an outboard boat up to 24' or so. Over that, and you will be safer and happier with the 3/4 ton Chevy--you don't really need a diesel, the 6.0 gas motor tows like a champ.

**Capt Kid** · 09-19-2009, 10:15 PM

depends on the type of fishing you are doing the grady will drift better (more stable) while the albe will ride much better. yea the i/o can be a PITA if they arent maintained PROPERLY. if i had to choose i would say albe. the three gradys ive been on rode like barn doors with motors compared to my seacraft (similar design/deadrise to albe). not sure where you are located but there are serveral 23 seacraft sceptres ( very similar to the albe 24 with more cockpit space) for sale in southeastern va and northeastern nc. belive me they are great boats if you want the charactistics of the albe 24

**mac83** · 09-19-2009, 10:58 PM

how about trailering?

**mac83** · 09-20-2009, 04:13 PM

yes, sorry....5.3L

**Capt Kid** · 09-20-2009, 04:41 PM

i tow my 25 seacraft with a 1500 suburban Z71 as long as you have trailer brakes in good working order you will be ok

**twobyfour** · 09-21-2009, 06:40 AM

Where do you fish, and what type of fishing do you normally do?

**Bryansfish** · 09-21-2009, 11:38 AM

You need to pull your manual and look up the spec's for towing. You also need to check the tow hitch to see what it reads. Remember the hitch will probably give you two sets of number so use the lower numbers unless your going to add a WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM. I found that most trucks are rated to tow more then what the hitch is not rated for.