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Greetings to the group.

I may be in the process of switching sides- from the Grady White owners forum to the Whaler forum. I’m currently in an older Grady 208, which I love, but it is time to move on. In my area (northern Maine) there are currently more Whalers available than Gradys. I’m quite sure either would meet my needs (large lake trout/salmon fishing and general family rec use with 2 adults and a big dog).

Next week I will be sea trialing 2 Whalers- from the same broker at the same time. It should be a fun comparison.
Boat #1: 1998 Conquest 23 repowered with single 2013 Honda VTEC 250 (250hrs)
Boat #2: 2006 Conquest 235 with original 2006 Mercury Verado 250

I have read all the threads I could find on this forum relevant to the models. Good stuff.
I will survey the boat if I plan to buy, but for my initial evaluation purposes:

- Any areas to focus on specific to these models or years?
- I understand the 1998 was designed for twin outboards- probably 2 strokes? Any experience or comments regarding performance with single 4 stroke power?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions. I may have more after the test rides, and even more if I pull the trigger on one!

JB
Beaver Cove, ME

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Does either have a hardtop? Some owners say this is important.

How many hours on the Verado?

Do you have a factory certified mechanic to work on the Verado where you are? Theses are complicated engines.

I know one owner who ran a Conquest 23 with a single Mercury 225 with no lead ballast installed (added at factory for single engine installs). Very pleased with it.

Have you already done a Search on "Conquest 23' " and "Conquest 235" using the "must contain" selection in the nav bar search option and read all the threads here?

Do you plan to keep the boat on Moosehead or trailer around?

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Thanks for the reply, Phil.

Both have hard tops. My current Grady has a full soft enclosure and that works well for me. The hardtop with enclosure will be a slight step up.

Both also have bow pulpits, which is a preference for me but not a requirement. The 2006 has a windlass, which is a luxury item (and something to break).

The 1998 has a transom door. This is a nice feature for me since my oversized clumsy Rotti struggles to board from the water!

The Verado has about 475hrs, the Honda about 260.

My local marina mechanic is comfortable with both engines.

Yes, I’ve been reading all the relevant threads I can find. (As with the Grady forum, the tone and content on this owner site is soooo much more helpful and respectful than generic sites- especially THT)

I was unaware of the ballasted single-engine thing on the 1998. I’ll see if I can find out if it started life as a single-engine boat.

She will live exclusively in a slip on Moosehead Lake. I used to trailer back and forth between the lake and the coast (Deer Isle, if you know the area).