grumman sport boat old vs. new

[sdsujacks]

I tried this on the canoe/kayak forum with no response.

Can anybody tell me the difference between the classic and the newer version of the Grumman Sport Boats? The older versions are rated for something like 1100 lb. capacity and the newer ones are in the 450lb. neighborhood. Is there a significant difference in the manufacture and subsequent carrying capacity or are the new ratings a function of different rating requirements? Any thoughts or theories? Thanks.

[Fish&Fowl]

I don't know about the new ones, but we have two of the good, old school grummans and they are awesome. We have hunted 3 guys and a dog out of each of them at times and they have done great. Just got a little 6 horse evinrude for the back of one of them, and it is one sweet duck hunting set-up. Do the new ones really only support 4-500 lbs?

[sdsujacks]

G-Man,

455 lb. total capacity is what the Marathon/Grumman website says. Old and new look the same to me so I'm pretty confused. I've had a couple other people tell me that they also love their old sport boats so I might just have to hold out until I can find a vintage model. Thanks.

[magnum mike]

I have an early 60's sportboat. It is rated for a 6 hp. The first and oldest versions will only take a 5 hp legally. Mine is rated for 1050 pounds. We have been on Canadian portage trips years ago with 3 guys, gear and a 15 hp outboard. The old Gruman really flies with a 15 hanging on the back but don't turn too sharp.

[Ptman]

If you are still looking for an older grumman canoe, they just had one listed on craigs list today. I saw it when I was looking through their boat listings

[sdsujacks]

Thanks for the tip. I found one on Craigslist a couple of weeks ago. The boat I got is a 1978 and the plate says it's rated for about 500 lbs but I've already had more than that in it. Paired with a little 3hp Evinrude it's an awesome little boat, manueverable and very stable. Can't wait for fall.