Opinions on Grady White 265 Express

[MAKO19]

We are looking to upgrade from our current 23' Grady Gulfstream and we are specifically looking at the 265 Express. We like this boat's layout, the increased range we will get will be extremely nice and we will also still be able to tow it the 50 miles home at the end of the year and have it home to maintain and upgrade. Everything I have read and heard about this boat is good. I was wondering what you guys on here think? I'm looking for people who have been on this boat and fished it. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? How about Yamaha 225 4-stroke power? Any opinions on these engines? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[PurpleGold]

I used to fish on one a few years ago until the owner sold it. Overall it was a great boat! Fished well, rode well(even when it was a little sloppy). I liked the helm being centered and there was plenty of room for 4 or 5 guys to sit out of the weather and spray if need be.

The one I fished on had the same motors you mentioned. Ran good, plenty of power, BUT here is the only downside to this boat.... It DRANK fuel. I have never been on another boat in this size range that burned gas the way that boat did. I think it averaged about 0.7 - 0.8 miles/gallon..... That was the main reason the owner got rid of it. We fish out of Southport, NC and to the break is about 60 miles so the gas bill got to be too much...

I miss the boat though, we fish on a CC now and that gets old if it is even remotely choppy.

[MAKO19]

Thanks for the comeback. The 225 4-stokes should get 1.5 mpg loaded with gear. I've seen people post numbers as high as 1.8 MPG loaded light. I'm gonna say the Grady you fished on had the older OX66 Yamahas.

[Bodie]

check the grady white forum there are lots of posts about that boat. It has a very good following and I really liked the layout also.

[PurpleGold]

It definitely had four strokes. I may not be remembering the numbers exactly right cause I was never the one running the boat but it certainly didn't get anywhere near 1.8mpg.

i will ask the owner and let you know.

[MAKO19]

Thanks again guys!