Come aboard the Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer with Randy Vance. Brand new and built off the success of the 251 CE, this boat is well-built and has plenty special features to make your time on the water efficient and fun. The 281 CE’s design includes plenty of storage and comfortable lounging with an optional deck extension. Watch now to see why Grady-White wins the Customer Satisfaction Index award year after year.

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Angler enthusiasm for boats designed for both inshore and offshore fishing is growing like Georgia cotton, and Grady-White’s new 281 Coastal Explorer is feeding the frenzy. It checks every box for serious angling and family fun.  

The 281 CE boasts a center line length of 27 feet, 7 inches, with a beam of 9 feet, 4 inches. It is designed to run ­nicely on a single Yamaha 450 XTO or dual F300s. Our test boat sported the latter, offering ­zero-to-30 mph acceleration under 5 seconds, impressive for a 6,500-pound boat. It posted a top speed in excess of 57 mph at 5,950 rpm. 

I like the dual engines because you get better joystick response and all the Yamaha Helm Master EX capabilities. Yamaha’s optional Full Maneuverability package is another worthwhile option that works best with multi-­engine setups. 

The 281’s SeaV2 hull sports a 16-degree deadrise at the transom that provides outstanding at-rest stability and a smooth ride. Running into southeast winds, we found a comfortable speed at about 35 mph. The 281 CE drafts 19 inches, making backcountry fishing easy to accomplish. 

Anglers will appreciate the dual shotgun rod holders and dual gunwale rod holders port and starboard. There is also a pair of rod holders forward. Our boat wasn’t equipped with optional outriggers, but the hardtop is built with sturdy receptacles for them. Four rocket launchers in the hardtop and four in the back of the optional Elite leaning post keep other rods handy. Two rod hangers below the starboard gunwale stow rods, gaffs and boat hooks. We found tackle compartments below the rigging sink on the back of the leaning post, storage in the sides of it, and two more compartments on the front. 

The 281 sports a 38-gallon livewell in the leaning post. Like all Grady tanks, this one has a unique water manifold molded into the side that distributes seawater from bottom to top, surrounding bait with a protective current that eliminates dead spots in the tank. A second 18-gallon well can double as another fish box, but we see tarpon anglers using it for crabs or shrimp. 

The fish boxes are in the forward seating pods, and they drain overboard. But if you plan to fish for tuna (and there’s no good reason you shouldn’t in this high-bow vessel), there’s a double forward lounge with an insulated box underneath that drains overboard. 

To slide a big fish aboard, an electrically operated portside door hinges downward and low enough to slide a beast into the cockpit. The aft cockpit offers a roomy casting deck. It also provides seating with a removable center seatback posted in shotgun rod holders, and convertible port and starboard cushions that swivel into a comfortable beam-to-beam position for riding. These convertible seatbacks also swing outward to create leaning bolsters and add stability when casting at the transom. The center seat cushion can be removed and stowed. 

The foredeck provides a vast casting space by joining the forward console lounge with an optional forward casting deck using a half-moon-shaped removable deck insert. 

Successful boatbuilders like Grady-White know that today’s boating family won’t confine itself to fishing. In fact, on some days, they might decide they don’t want to fish at all. Grady-White kept this in mind when it designed the 281 CE. Sure, the 281 ramps up your range and offshore confidence while keeping tarpon, snook and redfish easily approachable, but the family-­fun platform can’t be beat.

All these casting platforms double as luxury seating through a well-designed, ­lushly upholstered, ­thickly padded series of cushions. On the forward deck, two seatbacks raise with the touch of an electric switch. And the electrically operated portside boarding door mentioned earlier doubles as a swim platform, with reboarding made easy thanks to a stowable ladder. 

With the cocktail table flat in the casting deck, the cushions complete a sun pad. An optional cushion on the half-moon-shaped insert joins the forward console lounge to make this cushion more expansive. Getting up to the deck is easy thanks to molded-in steps to port and starboard. 

The helm included two optional Elite captain’s chairs with armrests and bolsters, adjustable to put the controls in easy reach. Roomy access below the console (with a porcelain toilet and sink) ­accommodates
linebacker-size anglers. 

Grady optionally pre-rigs the 281 CE for a bow trolling motor with a swivel bracket, a motor-shaft support, and three 12-volt batteries for a 36-volt motor. Your ­dealer will add the Minn Kota or Rhodan trolling motor and dual 10-foot Power-Poles—get those, you’ll want them in the backcountry and bays.

The 281 Coastal Explorer brings all of Grady-White’s best attributes together in a boat that opens doors to blue water without shutting doors to bays and backwaters. And it does so with impeccable construction, beautiful lines, and a track record of winning every ­customer-satisfaction award ever offered in the ­marine industry. 

Specifications

Grady-White – gradywhite.com

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Grady-White Boats’ attention to detail is as unchanging as its focus on continual improvement. Its boats feature the brand’s exclusive SeaV² hull, and boast unsinkable foam-filled hull construction, true self-bailing cockpits, and iconic versatility, luxury, and value.

The celebrated brand builds boats from 18 to 45 feet in its Greenville, North Carolina, plant, with a total of 25 models in five design families: coastal explorer, center-console, dual-console, walkaround cabin and express cabin. 

The company has received every third-party customer-satisfaction award ever presented in the marine industry.

Grady-White Canyon 306

Innovation, comfort and versatility begin at the bow of the Grady-White Canyon 306, where patented forward-facing backrests—in place for the ride to the fishing grounds—fold away for fishing. An optional insert transforms the bow into a casting platform or sun pad, with a bow table being another option.

At the helm, with its full-height windshield, two Command Elite adjustable helm chairs provide comfort, commanding views forward, and put you in comfortable reach of the wheel, throttle and displays. Standard are Yamaha Helm Master EX digital electric steering controls; the Helm Master EX with full maneuverability is an upgrade option.

The fishing-foremost Canyon 306 has holders for up to 25 rods, as well as a 47-gallon lighted livewell with full-column water distribution within the deluxe lean bar. A cockpit side door makes access to the water easy to haul in the big catch. 

The lean bar also contains a freshwater sink with pullout faucet, lockable storage, tackle trays, and rod and tool holders. 

Within the cockpit is a 304-quart fish box, and two more of 150 quarts each are within port and starboard bow seats. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

At Grady-White, we focus on combining innovation, performance, and safety all packaged in elegant luxury to delight our customers.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Yamaha 4.2L four-stroke
• Test Props: Yamaha Saltwater Series II, 15 ¹⁄₂” x 17”
• Test Load: 10,286 lb., including boat, engines, crew, fuel, water and gear
• Test Speed: 50.5 mph at 5,900 rpm
• Max Range: 430 miles (90 percent of 290 gal. fuel capacity at 1.65 mpg, 30.2 mph, 3,600 rpm)

Specs

Editor Says

The Grady-White name was emblazed in my ­memory at an early age, and its enunciation ­invariably brings forth in my mind the qualities that I seek in an ­offshore fishing machine. -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

gradywhite.com

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The celebrated brand builds boats from 18 to 45 feet in its Greenville, North Carolina, plant, with a total of 25 models in five design families: coastal explorer, center-console, dual-console, walkaround cabin and express cabin. 

The company has received every third-party customer-satisfaction award ever presented in the marine industry.

Grady-White Canyon 271 

Already an agile center-console sport-fisher with big-boat features, the popular Grady-White Canyon 271 now boasts a port cockpit side door and dockside power.

These amenities join fishing-friendly standard features such as lockable rod storage, deluxe full-feature lean bar, and a trio of fish boxes: two of 85 quarts each in the bow and one of 196 quarts in the cockpit, which also features a 32-gallon insulated livewell with full-column distribution.

A bench seat faces a helm with a large, flush-mount electronics panel, Yamaha Helm Master EX digital electric steering, and hydraulic trim-tab controls. The large, scratch-resistant windshield is incorporated into the painted aluminum-framed T-top, which boasts rod holders and outrigger plates, among other attributes.

Comfort features include Grady-White’s patented foldaway aft bench and a console with a tinted side window and ventilated head. A transom door makes boating large fish or accessing the swim platform easy.

Options include a leaning-bar upgrade, Command Elite helm chairs, stainless-steel outriggers with carbon-fiber poles, a Yamaha Helm Master EX full-maneuverability package and/or bow thruster, and an electrically retractable hardtop sunshade with Sunbrella canvas.

Manufacturer’s Remark

At Grady-White, we focus on combining innovation, performance, and safety all packaged in elegant luxury to delight our customers.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Yamaha 4.2L four-stroke
• Test Props: Yamaha Saltwater Series II, 15 1⁄4” x 19”
• Test Load: 8,638 lb., including boat, engines, crew, fuel, water, gear and accessories
• Test Speed: 56.2 mph at 6,000 rpm
• Max Range: 347 miles (90 percent of 186 gal. fuel capacity at 2.07 mpg, 30 mph, 3,300 rpm)

Editor Says

Grady-White became best known for its superlative walkarounds, but over the last two decades, the Canyon series has changed that. Built on the company’s smooth-riding SeaV² hull, you can reach the offshore grounds while remaining dry and comfortable.  -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

More Info

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The new Adventure 218 from Grady-White represents an all new design of the iconic walkaround, first introduced in the 70s. While maintaining beloved aspects of the walkaround cuddy layout, Grady-White reengineered the 218 to increase usable space while transitioning to sleeker lines and modernized details. A broader beam, 5 inches wider than the 208, represents the largest of any 21-foot boat in its class today. LOA has been stretched to 21 feet, 3 inches, nearly a foot longer than the 208. The cabin interior includes cozy cushions with spacious storage hatches below, as well as a covered head to the starboard side. Two side windows and a forward hatch keep the cabin ventilated. An extended and modernized helm dashboard provides ample space for today’s electronics. There’s a 31-gallon livewell and two insulated fish boxes, 120 quarts at starboard and 126 quarts at port. The walkaround layout makes fishing easy. Two swim platforms are integrated into the transom. Riding on Grady’s exclusive SeaV2 hull design, the 218 is rated for a single Yamaha outboard up to 250 hp. 

Grady White – gradywhite.com

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Founded in 1959, Grady-White Boats builds 26 models of fiberglass offshore, sport-fishing and family-fishing boats, from 18 to 45 feet, in Greenville, North Carolina.

One of the best-known and well-respected brands across several categories—and most represented in our survey—Grady-White’s reputation rides in large part on its hand-laid SeaV2 progressive hull. Deadrise begins at a stable 18 to 21 degrees at the transom, with wide chines providing stability both at rest and trolling, sharpening as it approaches the bow to split waves cleanly and softly.

The company has been awarded every third-party customer-satisfaction award ever presented in the marine industry, including JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Awards and NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index honors.

Grady-White Canyon 306

Grady-White’s popular 30-foot Canyon 306 has evolved, while retaining signature features.

Bow seating on the center console now features forward-facing backrests that fold away to further boost already -generous fishing room. An optional insert converts the entire bow to a roomy casting platform. Beneath the seat cushions are a pair of 150-quart insulated fish boxes.

The 306′s helm can accommodate two 16-inch displays, plus additional electronics and controls. The standard -fiberglass T-top has a large radio box, rod holders, outrigger plates, overhead PFD storage, LED lights, molded-in sound-system speakers, and spreader lights fore and aft, plus a full-height windshield.

Aft of the companion seat is a 47-gallon lighted livewell with a patented full-column aeration plenum and viewing window. A stand-up rigging station/-multipurpose area attends it.

The console features a roomy stand-up head enclosure with marine head, shower system and sink, teak accents, and recessed lighting.

Tuna-stick storage is -important to offshore center-console -respondents—68 percent stash seven or more—and the Canyon 306 meets their demands. Gunwale storage accommodates fly rods 9-plus feet, or 50-pound-class trolling sets, reels positioned forward or aft, secured behind a hinged locker door.

A 304-quart aft cockpit fish box, in addition to the two in the bow, awaits the catch of the day.

Survey Says: On Target

• Patented foldaway transom seat
• Unsinkable construction

Owners Say

• Very reliable and steady offshore platform
• Sturdy, reliable, functional
• Quality and customer support

Brand Says

• The size-range standard in the luxury sport-fishing market
• We always keep key fishing features first in our designs, then we add the luxurious comfort and other features

Reader Response

• “A solid, seaworthy boat in all types of seas”

Specs

LOA: 30′6″

Beam: 10′7″

Fuel Capacity: 290 gal.

Dry Weight: 6,950 lb. plus power

Max HP: 700

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

gradywhite.com

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Unparalleled in customer satisfaction, Grady-White Boats has earned top honors in every third-party satisfaction study ever done in the marine industry, including 19 straight National Marine Manufacturers Association Customer Satisfaction awards. 

Established in 1959, and privately owned for 50 years by Eddie Smith, Grady-White clearly puts customers first in its concept, design, and manufacturing to ensure they have the ultimate boating experience. Currently, Grady-White builds 25 unsinkable models from 18 to 45 feet, all on the award-winning SeaV^2® hull, these boats are the perfect example of the detail put into every model.

Grady-White Fisherman 257

Grady-White knows what an offshore fisherman wants in a boat: great ride and handling, plenty of power, and built-in fishing features. 

A fisherman’s family desires a roomy layout, deluxe seating, a powerful stereo, an enclosed head, and storage and core fishing capabilities.

Grady-White has long met both wish lists, most recently with upgrades in its popular Fisherman 257. The 25-footer’s hardtop has been reengineered with LED spreader lights and three tricolored recessed LED lights. A full-height scratch-resistant windshield is incorporated into its painted aluminum frame, and it is surrounded by safety hand grips; stainless steel handrails are generously positioned throughout the boat. 

The Fisherman 257 boasts three large overboard draining insulated fish boxes, a 32-gallon livewell with full-column distribution plenum, horizontal storage for six rods—plus eight vertical rod holders in the hardtop and at the leaning post—and four rod -holders flush-mounted in the gunwales. 

An optional downrigger kit features 18-foot outriggers on the hardtop. Other options include a bow casting platform insert, a bow table, Helm Master EX steering in one of two formats, an easy-up bow shade, and hardtop curtains.

Manufacturer’s Remark

An innovative industry leader, Grady-White creates the most superbly-engineered, versatile, luxurious and enduring offshore family fishing boats.

Performance Data

• Test Power: 200 hp 2.8 L Yamaha Four-Stroke
• Test Props: 14 1/4” x 18” Reliance SDS
• Test Load: 6,646 lb. (incl. people, fuel, water, gear, engines and accessories)
• Test Speed: 52.5 mpg @ 6,000 rpm
• Max Range: 360 miles

Specs

Editor Says

Grady-White hit the sweet spot with the ­Fisherman 257. At 24 feet, 9 inches, with twin outboards and tons of fishing features, the 257 makes a solid ­offshore platform. – Chris Woodward, Executive Editor, Fishing Group

More Info

gradywhite.com

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Unparalleled in customer satisfaction, Grady-White Boats has earned top honors in every third-party satisfaction study ever done in the marine industry, including 19 straight National Marine Manufacturers Association Customer Satisfaction awards. 

Established in 1959, and privately owned for 50 years by Eddie Smith, Grady-White clearly puts customers first in its concept, design, and manufacturing to ensure they have the ultimate boating experience. Currently, Grady-White builds 25 unsinkable models from 18 to 45 feet, all on the award-winning SeaV^2® hull, these boats are the perfect example of the detail put into every model.

Grady-White Canyon 376

Fishing amenities and lavish comfort abound in the Grady-White Canyon 376, the second-biggest in the company’s Canyon line of center-consoles. 

The Canyon 376 offers top-of-the-line center-console fishing functionality and all-around access, but its roomy console interior has luxury accommodations one might expect in a cabin-style boat: a roomy stand-up shower, a VacuFlush head, a galley with Corian countertops, a stainless-steel sink, and a refrigerator and microwave. A large berth welcomes two. 

The hardtop enclosure has a large ventilation hatch, a radio box, outrigger plates, recessed tricolor LED lights, stereo speakers and wing curtains. Two air-conditioning vents serve the helm, and AC, like the diesel generator and cockpit Sunshade, is also standard. 

Three Command Elite helm chairs feature deluxe cushioning and flip-up bolsters. Standard is Yamaha’s Helm Master EX with full maneuverability. 

Rod storage and holders accommodate a total of 38 rods. Within the leaning bar are a pair of 41-gallon livewells with clear lids and full-column water distribution, as well as a rigging station with a freshwater sink. A 291-quart cockpit fish box is cooled by a refrigerator/freezer, and two additional fish boxes, nearly as large, are located in the bow.

Manufacturer’s Remark

An innovative industry leader, Grady-White creates the most superbly-engineered, versatile, luxurious and enduring offshore family fishing boats.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple 425 hp Yamaha Four-Stroke (5.6 L)
• Test Props: 16 3/8” x 21” XTO
• Test Load: 19,185 lb. (incl. people, fuel, water, gear, engines and accessories)
• Test Speed: 60.1 mph @ 5,900 rpm
• Max Range: 392 miles

Specs

Editor Says

During a trip, seas in Islamorada, Florida, had built to menacing proportions. While trolling up-sea, we dropped into a trough and faced a steep, towering 10-footer. I braced for a flood of water over the bow, but the 376 refused to stuff and climbed handily over the capping monster. That’s the kind of boat you want.  – Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Fishing Group

More Info

gradywhite.com

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Founded in 1959, Grady-White Boats builds 26 models of fiberglass offshore, sport-fishing and family-fishing boats, from 18 to 45 feet, in Greenville, North Carolina.

One of the best-known and well-respected brands across several categories—and most represented in our survey—Grady-White’s reputation rides in large part on its hand-laid SeaV2 progressive hull. Deadrise begins at a stable 18 to 21 degrees at the transom, with wide chines providing stability both at rest and trolling, sharpening as it approaches the bow to split waves cleanly and softly.

The company has been awarded every third-party customer-satisfaction award ever presented in the marine industry, including JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Awards and NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index honors.

Grady-White Canyon 306

Grady-White’s popular 30-foot Canyon 306 has evolved, while retaining signature features.

Bow seating on the center console now features forward-facing backrests that fold away to further boost already -generous fishing room. An optional insert converts the entire bow to a roomy casting platform. Beneath the seat cushions are a pair of 150-quart insulated fish boxes.

The 306′s helm can accommodate two 16-inch displays, plus additional electronics and controls. The standard -fiberglass T-top has a large radio box, rod holders, outrigger plates, overhead PFD storage, LED lights, molded-in sound-system speakers, and spreader lights fore and aft, plus a full-height windshield.

Aft of the companion seat is a 47-gallon lighted livewell with a patented full-column aeration plenum and viewing window. A stand-up rigging station/-multipurpose area attends it.

The console features a roomy stand-up head enclosure with marine head, shower system and sink, teak accents, and recessed lighting.

Tuna-stick storage is -important to offshore center-console -respondents—68 percent stash seven or more—and the Canyon 306 meets their demands. Gunwale storage accommodates fly rods 9-plus feet, or 50-pound-class trolling sets, reels positioned forward or aft, secured behind a hinged locker door.

A 304-quart aft cockpit fish box, in addition to the two in the bow, awaits the catch of the day.

Survey Says: On Target

• Patented foldaway transom seat
• Unsinkable construction

Owners Say

• Very reliable and steady offshore platform
• Sturdy, reliable, functional
• Quality and customer support

Brand Says

• The size-range standard in the luxury sport-fishing market
• We always keep key fishing features first in our designs, then we add the luxurious comfort and other features

Reader Response

• “A solid, seaworthy boat in all types of seas”

Specs

LOA: 30′6″

Beam: 10′7″

Fuel Capacity: 290 gal.

Dry Weight: 6,950 lb. plus power

Max HP: 700

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

gradywhite.com

The post Grady-White Canyon 306: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Founded in 1959, Grady-White Boats builds 26 models of fiberglass offshore, sport-fishing and family-fishing boats, from 18 to 45 feet, in Greenville, North Carolina.

One of the best-known and well-respected brands across several categories—and most represented in our survey—Grady-White’s reputation rides in large part on its hand-laid SeaV2 progressive hull. Deadrise begins at a stable 18 to 21 degrees at the transom, with wide chines providing stability both at rest and trolling, sharpening as it approaches the bow to split waves cleanly and softly.

The company has been awarded every third-party customer-satisfaction award ever presented in the marine industry, including JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Awards and NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index honors.

Grady-White Express 370

Grady-White’s revisited Express 370 offers more cabin room, performance, details and reliability than many inboard boats larger in length, with plenty of sport-fishing focus too.

The cabin, with teak and holly sole, takes advantage of space otherwise dedicated to an inboard engine room. The dinette includes an adjustable table and booth-type seating. Berths are forward and aft, with a convertible dinette berth, and it’s all air-conditioned. Besides a full-feature galley, there’s abundant storage in cabinets, closet and drawers.

A deluxe captain’s helm chair adjusts vertically and horizontally. An electromechanically controlled enclosure raises and lowers to present electronics and instruments at the right height when needed, tucked away when not.

The 370′s hardtop has a motorized sunroof, four side rod holders, LED spreader and recessed lights, outrigger plates, SureShade electrically retractable shade, and side and drop curtains.

A starboardside rigging station includes sink and lockable tackle drawers (welcoming the four utility boxes that 49 percent say they need), along with a 48-gallon livewell.

A reinforced floor area awaits a fighting chair. Four gunwale-mounted rod holders meet the needs of 27 percent of survey respondents in the inboard sport-fisherman category, in which this outboard boat most nearly fits. A 291-quart aft refrigerator/freezer fish box with thermostat dramatically reduces ice demands.

Survey Says: On Target

• Patented foldaway transom seat
• Unsinkable construction

Owners Say

• Very reliable and steady offshore platform
• Sturdy, reliable, functional
• Quality and customer support

Brand Says

• The size-range standard in the luxury sport-fishing market
• We always keep key fishing features first in our designs, then we add the luxurious comfort and other features

Reader Response

• “A solid, seaworthy boat in all types of seas”

Specs

LOA: 36′7″

Beam: 13′2″

Fuel Capacity: 344 gal.

Dry Weight: 15,224 lb. plus power

Max HP: 1,275

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

gradywhite.com

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