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Newsletter Sign Up var videoData = {"video_carousel_display":"inline","video_carousel":{"dealer_info":false,"items":[{"title":"Grady White 281 CE (2023) Test Video on Boattest.com","image":{"src":"\/sites\/default\/files\/media-icons\/generic\/video.png","alt":""},"url":"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/828417495?share=copy"}]}}; - [Connect with a Rep](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Test Drive](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Dealer Contact](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Build A Boat](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Compare to other boats](/boats/compare/130807) [Request More Boat Information](/request-more-boat-information-boat-test) --- [ ![Boat History Report Banner Ad](/sites/default/files/images/2020-09/boathistoryreportbanner.jpg) ](https://boathistoryreport.com/?utm_source=BoatTEST&utm_medium=testsNew&utm_campaign=affiliate) ## Brief Summary The 281 CE is not just another warmed-over center console but a boat that the design team put a lot of thought and effort into. And to be frank, it shows. She’s loaded with thoughtful features and improvements over typical designs that we usually see. ## Test Results | RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | SM | NM | dBa | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 600 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 341 | 296.3 | 62 | | 1000 | 5.7 | 5 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 298 | 259.5 | 68 | | 1500 | 7.9 | 6.9 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 256 | 222.3 | 73 | | 2000 | 8.9 | 7.7 | 7.6 | 1.2 | 1 | 169 | 146.6 | 77 | | 2400 | 12.9 | 11.2 | 9.7 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 192 | 166.5 | 84 | | 3000 | 23.3 | 20.2 | 12.1 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 278 | 241.6 | 88 | | 3400 | 32.1 | 27.9 | 14.7 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 316 | 274.4 | 86 | | 4000 | 38.6 | 33.6 | 21.2 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 263 | 228.5 | 86 | | 4500 | 42.2 | 36.7 | 25.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 238 | 207.2 | 85 | | 5000 | 46.8 | 40.7 | 33.2 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 203 | 176.5 | 91 | | 5500 | 52.4 | 45.5 | 44.4 | 1.2 | 1 | 170 | 147.8 | 88 | | 6000 | 55 | 47.8 | 55.3 | 1 | 0.9 | 143 | 124.4 | 107 | [View the test results in metric units](#) ![Perf Chart Grady White 281 CE](/sites/default/files/images/2023-04/perf%20chart%20grady%20white%20281%20CE.png) ## Specifications | Length Overall | 27'7" 8.41 m | |---|---| | Beam | 9'4" 2.84 m | | Dry Weight | 5,650 lbs. 2,563 kg | | Tested Weight | 8,103 lbs. 3,675 kg | | Draft | 19" 0.48 m | | Deadrise/Transom | 16 deg | | Bridge Clearance | 7' 11" 2.41 m | | Fuel Capacity | 160 gal 606 L | | Water Capacity | 18 gal 68 L | | Total Weight | 8,103 lbs. 3,675 kg | ## Acceleration Times & Conditions | Time to Plane | 3.0 seconds | |---|---| | 0 to 30 | 7.5 seconds | | Props | 15.25 x 19 | | Load | 3 persons; 112 gal. fuel; 50 lb. gear | | Climate | 82 deg., 74 humid; wind: 0-5 mph, seas:<1 | ## Engine Options | Tested Engine | 2 x 300-hp Yamaha Four-Stroke | |---|---| | Std. Power | 1 x 450-hp Yamaha XTO Offshore | | Opt. Power | 2 x 300-hp Yamaha Four-Stroke | ## ezstandalone.cmd.push(function() { ezstandalone.showAds(103); }); ![Grady White 281 CE](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/cover.jpg) **The Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer is a well-thought-out, premium-level center console.** ## **Mission** Being a Grady-White, the mission of the 281 CE is fishing first. Her offshore pedigree can carry a boatload of anglers well offshore in safety and her Carolina-flared bow will keep the ride dry. Then it’s an easy transition to a family cruiser heading off to a weekend sandbar or waterfront restaurant. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/layout.jpg) **While the layout of the 281 may seem like a typical center console, she’s so much more once she’s boarded.** ## **Major Features** - Electrically-actuated foldout portside platform with reboarding ladder - Deluxe leaning bar with rigging station - Standard T-top with spreader lights, storage net, rod holders and LED lighting - Transom bench seating - Engine flush system - Dual 70-qt (66.2L) bow fishboxes - 18-gal (68L) livewell - Electrically-actuated bow lounge backrests - Molded forward console lounge seat - Standard anchor windlass ## **Performance** The Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer has an LOA of 27’7” (8.41 m), a beam of 9’4” (2.84 m) and a draft of 19” (48.26 cm). With an empty weight of 5,650 lbs. (2,563 kg), 70% fuel, three people onboard and test power, we had an estimated test weight of 8,103 lbs. (3,675 kg). **With the twin 300-hp Yamaha outboards** turning 15 ¼ x 19 props and run up to 6000 RPM, our speed topped out at an average of 55 MPH. Best cruise was found to be at 3400 RPM and 32.1 MPH. At that speed, the 14.7 GPH fuel burn worked out to be 2.2 MPG and a range of 316 statute miles, all while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 160-gallon (606 L) total fuel capacity. In acceleration tests, we reached planing speed in an average of 3 seconds, continued through 20 MPH in 5.5 seconds, 30 in 7.5 and onward past 40 in 9.6 seconds. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/run_0.jpg) **Top speed during our performance runs was 55 mph.** ## **Handling** There’s so much to like in a Grady-White, but at the top of the list is handling. This feels like such a strong and sturdy boat. Its robust construction can really be felt all the way through the boat. We had a flat calm test day, but crossing our waves, crossing the wake of the camera boat… showed clean transitions through the waves and no hull slap. We could generate a hard slap at top speed but that's not how you want to drive this boat. You want to slow a bit into cruising speed, and at that speed, she's able to push right through the waves and throw them aside and keep a nice dry ride thanks to that huge Carolina flare. Putting it into turns, she leans nicely into the turn with a gentle roll so no one’s getting pushed to the outside of the turn. She'll lose about 2-3 MPH during the turn, which isn't bad at all, and can easily be accommodated by adding a little bit of throttle. As far as trim is concerned, she does like trim. Bring the trim gauge up to the point where there are only about three indicators left showing, and that's the easiest way to do it. That puts her into a nice cruise attitude. Trim tabs are only used for an uneven distribution of weight. I didn't need them for performance at all. ## **Boat Inspection** **Being a Grady-White, the models all start with fishing first.** Here those features start in the cockpit with the Deluxe Leaning post that includes a 38-gal (143.8L) livewell behind the dual seats. Right alongside that is a self-draining sink with a pull-out spray right next to it. That sprayer is plumbed to the 18-gal (68.13L) fresh water supply. Below there’s plenty of tackle storage. To the port side, there’s a raw water washdown connection with a cargo net storage in a recess to hold the coiled hose. More storage and a tool holder are in a compartment to the starboard side. Around to the front, and under the seats, there’s drawer storage. Above the sink and livewell, there are four rod holders and four more are at the trailing edge of the fiberglass hardtop. This is in addition to the eight rod holders lining the caprails and three horizontal rod holders to the starboard gunwale will holds rods up to 10’ (3.04m). Once the catch is brought onboard, it’s stored in the dual 70-qt (66.2L) bow fishboxes are insulated and self-draining. There’s also 296-qt (280.1L) coffin box storage under the lounge ahead of the console. **As for where we’ll be conducting the fishing**, there is the cockpit of course, with its 21” (53.34 cm) high bulwarks for added safety. Aft of the cockpit there’s the elevated transom casting platform. It measures 7’2” x 2’2” (2.18m x .66m) and includes flush-mounted hardware. Another attractive feature of the stern is thanks to the new Yamaha digital integrated electric steering that’s integrated into the outboards. That means no hydraulic lines protruding from the engines and no need for a motorwell. So, in effect, we have another casting platform right up to the outboards. Additionally, if we swing the pedestal-mounted seatbacks outward, then we have side-leaning bolsters to enhance the usability of the area. ![281CE](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/aft%20deck.jpg) **The aft casting deck actually has two levels thanks to the absence of an engine well. Notice how the side seatbacks are swung outwards to make leaning bolsters.** ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/aft%20storage.jpg) **There’s storage under the aft bench that includes insulated storage.** There’s another casting platform at the bow — this time a full 6’10” x 8’10” (2.08 m x 2.7 m). It's created by adding a filler section in between the two side lounge seats and then another filler piece goes in between the forward section and the lounge ahead of the console. It’s important to note that this platform is now 18” (45.72 cm) of the main deck, but instead of having to negotiate that large a step, Grady-White simply added another 9” (22.86 cm) step halfway up, making it much easier to step up onto the platform. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/bow%20platform.jpg) **A couple of fillers make the bow into a large non-skid casting platform.** Above all, there’s a standard fiberglass T-top and it has a few tricks that separate it from the competition. First, it’s standard. Nearly every other center console will have an optional version. Everyone gets the option, but the base price of the boat is lower when it’s offered as an extra. Second, it’s fiberglass. How often do we see just a canvas tied to some pipe? The supports to this one are attached to the console rather than the deck, which would then take up valuable 22” (55.88 cm) side deck space. And there are added features such as LED lighting, rod holders, cargo net storage, painted supports and radar and outrigger reinforcements. Couple all that with an acrylic windshield that goes all the way to the top and it’s a giant leap over the competing brands. **Transitioning to family features**, it starts with the 7’2” (2.18 m) transom bench seating. Now here is where some of that clever GW design thinking comes into play. All too often we see the flip-up bench seat that doubles as a casting platform. The problem with that is that because we need to keep the casting platform relatively low, the seating is far too low to be comfortable and the cushions have to be so thin that they are equally uncomfortable. Here, there’s storage under the seat and the cushions go on top. Now we have a comfortable solution. There’s a removable seatback in the center and two swing-in/out seatbacks to the sides. By swinging those seatbacks inward, we create a lounge seat across the transom. And all this can be under the protection of an electrically-extendable awning overhead. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/transom%20bench.jpg) **The aft bench seat can seat five across. Notice the center backrest, which is supported by a pair of pedestals that insert into rod holders.** ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/transom%20cooler.jpg) **Under the transom bench seating is storage, including an 18-gallon (68.13 L) insulated cooler. By removing the side bins, we gain access to the bilge area.** ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/side%20seat.jpg) **By swinging the side seatback inwards, we create a side-facing lounge seat.** **But the big news about this cockpit area** has to be the hull side flip-out platform. We’ve seen these before on other boats, but Grady has a few significant twists on the concept. Firstly, it’s standard. How easy it would have been to make it an option to lower the base price of the 281 to make it more competitive in this strong market segment? But that’s not how GW conducts itself. Secondly, it’s electrically actuated. Typically, it’s not until a model gets a lot larger than the 281 before an electrically actuated platform enters the picture, but here it is in a sub-28’ (3.81 m) boat. There’s a reboarding ladder that inserts into receivers at the outer edge and this ladder had dedicated “point of use” storage right alongside the platform. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/platform.jpg) **The drop-down platform is among the many major features on the 281 CE.** The bow seating transforms by simply adding cushions to the casting decks. This leaves us with a forward sunpad and a lounge ahead of the console that can hold two persons. The filler supporting the center cushion can be raised on a second pedestal to create a table between the two side lounge seats. Most notable is the lounge seat backs. They’re electrically actuated to chaise lounge positions and can be set at any angle from horizontal to 90 degrees at the touch of a button. That button could stand a move to a position where it could be reached from the lounge position. Currently, it’s a bit far aft. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/bow%20pad.jpg) **The bow includes a sunpad filler and a lounge ahead of the console.** ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/bow%20lounge.jpg) **With the table up and both side lounges in chaise positions, there’s plenty of forward-facing seating. Above, an “Easy Up” shade can add protection.** The comfort level is remarkable in these side lounge seats. There’s a convenient grab rail nestled inside the caprail and a beverage holder is right where the hand rests when the arm is on the caprails. Add the table right alongside and the picture is complete. For protection from the hot sun, add the optional “Easy Up” bow shade that gets supported by 4 carbon-fiber poles that are attached to the leading edge of the hardtop. Couple this with the extendable awning at the cockpit and the entire length of the 281 CE can be shaded. **The head compartment** is accessed from the port side of the console. The door has a handle and mirror on the inside and it’s held open by a magnetic latch. When open it creates a 19” (48.26 cm) wide entry. A grab handle inside the door eases the entry and a light switch right alongside makes searching for a light source a non-event. The interior has 5’4” (1.62 m) of overhead clearance, which leaves 4’ (1.21 m) of sitting headroom. There are storage racks made from solid cherry. A side window adds natural light and a vent is overhead. Naturally, there’s also access to the back side of the helm console to ease installations of the electronics. And the side grab rail makes egress a breeze. **Safety is a big concern for Grady-White** and they take it seriously. For example, regulations require that there be foam floatation for all boats less than 20’ (6.1 m) but Grady-White does it in every boat in the lineup. The boats are constructed with a grid stringer system for additional strength. And everything that can hold water… cup holders, storage lockers, the deck… everything is designed to drain overboard. Not into the bilge… overboard. There’s always something to grab onto as we move about including an overhead grab rail at the T-top that ends at midships where the bow rail begins. That rail tops out at 33” (83.82 cm). **The helm console has seen some upgrades.** The most notable feature is the rows of electrical switches that lined the top of the console have been moved down. This allows for the twin 16” (40.64 cm) displays to be moved upwards, more in the operator’s line of sight. The displays are installed at the dealer level, GW is not in the electronics business, and that means that there are more choices for the buyer. A compass is center-mounted to the top of the console rather than in line with the operator. The 316 grade stainless wheel is portside mounted. It includes a steering knob and rubberized grips to the front and back side. The electrical switches are flanking a Yamaha engine display. There’s a wraparound acrylic windshield that is mounted outside the T-top supports and it goes all the way up to the fiberglass hardtop. A windshield wiper is also fitted as standard equipment. Seats are part of the Elite lean bar package and include flip bolsters, flip armrests and they adjust fore and aft. Standard would be a single bench seat. ![281ce](/sites/default/files/images/2023-05/helm.jpg) **The helm has room for dual 16” (40.64 cm) displays and notice how the switches are below, not above the displays.** ## **Optional Equipment** - Choose from a single 425-hp or twin 300-hp Yamaha outboards - Bow table package - Casting platform extension insert w/cushion - Engine paint — Yamaha factory-painted engine(s), pearlescent white (300 and 425 HP) or primer (425 HP only) - Hull color — Celestial Blue, Coastal Fog, Ocean Mist, or Sea Glass gelcoat - Lighting — underwater blue LED (2) - Outrigger kit —18-ft. (5.5 m) crank hardtop mounted stainless steel outriggers w/carbon fiber poles - Seating — Elite lean bar w/Command Elite helm chairs (2), painted rod holders (4), 38-gal. (144 L) insulated raw water livewell, freshwater shower (recessed), raw water washdown w/hose, bait locker, cutting board, lockable storage drawers (3), tackle storage, port net storage area & knife & plier holders - Seating — removable aft bench seat center backrest - Ski arch (only available w/single 425-hp engine) - Ski pylon (only available w/twin 300-hp engines) - Steering — Helm Master EX® Full Maneuverability w/autopilot - SureShade® electrically retractable cockpit shade w/Sunbrella® canvas (oyster) - T-top color — underside of fiberglass T-top (requires matching gelcoat hull color option) - Trolling motor pre-rig — swivel mounting bracket w/quick release, head stabilizer, 36V batteries (3) and 20-amp battery charger (trolling motor not included) - Easy up bow shade (ivory mesh) - T-top wing curtains (black or ivory) ## **Price** Please see dealer for pricing ## **Observations** It’s refreshing and satisfying to see how well the concept of a center console can be executed when some out-of-the-box thinking is applied. This is one of the more premium levels out there and her features are right in line with that upscale level. It’s also nice to see how so many clever features can be added into the mix without making the boat cramped or hard to get around on. This seems to have everything done right. And that’s the Grady-White difference. ## Test Video Summary ### Overview The Grady-White 281 CE (Coastal Explorer) is a fishing-first center console that easily converts into a family fun boat. BoatTEST’s Captain tested her with twin 300-hp Yamaha outboards. > *“I’m surprised by how many thoughtful features there are in this boat and how clever it’s laid out, mostly though how they fit so many things into a boat without making it seem cramped and crowded.”* ### Mission And Intended Owner - **Built To Do:** Fishing first, then family fun - **Designed For:** Owners who fish in the morning and bring the family out in the afternoon - **Locus Of Operation:** Coastal waters > *“This is a Grady White, so that means fishing first, and we can’t get away from that, nor do we want to get away from that.”* ### Design Overview - **Engine Mounting:** No engine well, because the new Yamaha engines have integrated digital electric steering, which creates a lower stern casting platform - **Foredeck Access:** Two 9-inch steps instead of a single 18-inch step up - **T-Top Mounting:** Not mounted to the deck, so supports don’t take up deck space. Supports sit inside the windshield and have integrated handrails. - **Drainage:** Every compartment, storage area and drink holder drains overboard - **Flotation:** Foam flotation on every Grady-White, even though it is required only on boats 20 feet or less - **Hatch Hardware:** Custom Grady-White backing plates with welded bolts support the gas struts on hatches > *“So this boat is made to last a lifetime.”* ### Specifications - **Length Overall:** 27 feet, 7 inches - **Beam:** 9 feet, 4 inches - **Draft:** 19 inches - **Empty Weight:** 5,650 pounds - **Fuel Capacity:** 160 gallons - **Bulwark Height:** 21 inches - **Bow Rail Height:** 33 inches - **Side Decks:** 22 inches wide - **Stern Casting Platform:** 7 feet, 2 inches by 2 feet, 2 inches - **Forward Casting Platform:** 6 feet, 10 inches wide on average by 8 feet, 10 inches - **Bow Shade:** 7 feet, 2 inches wide ### Test Conditions And Test Weight - **Sea State:** Almost flat calm - **Load:** 70% fuel and three people - **Test Weight:** 8,103 pounds ### Performance - **Tested Power:** Twin 300-hp Yamaha outboards turning 15.25 x 19 props - **Optional Power:** A single 425-hp Yamaha - **Top Speed:** An average 55 mph at 6,000 rpm - **Best Cruise:** 32.1 mph at 3,400 rpm, burning 14.7 gph - **Fuel Economy At Best Cruise:** 2.2 mpg - **Range At Best Cruise:** 316 statute miles, holding a 10% reserve | RPM | MPH | GPH | MPG | Range (SM) | |---|---|---|---|---| | 3,400 | 32.1 | 14.7 | 2.2 | 316 | | 6,000 | 55 | — | — | — | **Acceleration:** 1. **Time To Plane:** An average 3 seconds 2. **0–20 mph:** 5.5 seconds 3. **0–30 mph:** 7.5 seconds 4. **0–40 mph:** 9.6 seconds ### Sea Trial And Handling - **Construction Feel:** Strong and sturdy throughout - **Wakes:** No pounding or hard hull slap crossing wakes, except at full speed - **Ride:** At cruise she pushes through the waves and throws them aside for a dry ride, thanks to her Carolina flare - **Turns:** Leans nicely into turns with a gentle roll, planting passengers into the boat rather than pushing them outward - **Speed In Turns:** Loses about 2–3 mph, easily made up with a little throttle - **Trim:** Likes trim; bring the gauge up until about three bars remain showing for a good cruise attitude - **Trim Tabs:** Needed only for uneven weight distribution, not for performance > *“There’s just so much to like on a Grady White, and at the top of the list probably is handling. It feels like such a strong and sturdy boat.”* > *“Trim tabs, pretty much only need those for an uneven balance of weight... I didn’t need them for performance at all, never touched them.”* ### Engine Room Or Mechanical Compartment - **Bilge Access:** Removable storage bins at the transom give access to the bilge area. The head compartment also provides easy bilge access. - **Overhead Height:** Head compartment has 5 feet, 4 inches of overhead clearance and 4 feet of sitting headroom - **Freshwater Flush:** Ports for both single and twin installations ### Features Inspection #### The Helm - **Dash:** Flat panel with room for dual 16-inch dealer-supplied screens - **Switches:** Placed down low, keeping the screens up in the line of sight - **Engine Display:** Yamaha display in the center, ahead of the digital engine controls - **Steering Wheel:** 316-grade stainless steel, with non-skid on the top and bottom, a steering knob and a tilt base - **Compass:** Mounted in the center of the console - **Storage:** Large padded space up front, plus zippered storage overhead - **E-Box:** Overhead, with a dealer-installed VHF - **Windshield:** Wraparound acrylic, outside the T-top supports, with little distortion at the corners, running all the way up, with a standard wiper - **Audio:** Fusion stereo package with connectivity near the beverage holders - **Lighting:** Overhead LEDs that cycle red, white and blue - **Seats:** Elite Lean Bar package with flip armrests, flip bolsters and fore-and-aft adjustment - **Footrest:** Molded into the bottom of the console - **Side Wings:** Tracks allow wings to be added to the console sides for chilly days - **Fire Extinguisher:** Dedicated storage in the port bulwarks > *“The switches are down low rather than up high, they don’t need to be in the line of sight, the screens do, so move the switches down and the screens up, very clever.”* > *“The compass is mounted into the center of the console, I’d like to see that in line with the steering wheel.”* > *“I’d like to see a flip-down footrest underneath the observer seat.”* #### Anchor Locker And Ground Tackle - **Height:** On an elevated platform, so there is no bending or stooping - **Hatch:** Held open by a gas-assist strut - **Windlass:** Standard, with the anchor running through the stem - **Controls:** Alongside the hatch and at the helm - **Cleats:** Three 8-inch pull-up cleats on each side - **Nav Light:** Pop-up, fully forward #### Boarding Amenities - **Swim Platform:** Standard, electrically actuated, with a ladder that attaches to it and stores alongside. Also useful for hauling in a big catch. - **Bow Rail:** Comfortable to use when boarding from a fixed pier - **Grab Rails:** Along the side decks and overhead under the T-top, transitioning to the bow rail - **Ski Tow Arch:** Available with a single engine - **Ski Pylon:** Standard to port with twin engines > *“We can use this for hauling in a big catch, even if that big catch is your kid.”* #### Cockpit Arrangement And Equipment - **Livewell:** 38 gallons, to starboard - **Sink:** Self-draining, with fresh water alongside - **Storage:** Drawer and tackle storage underneath, more storage to starboard and drawers in front - **Washdown:** Raw water - **Rod Holders:** Above the station, at the trailing edge of the hardtop and along the cap rails, some combined with cup holders - **Tool Storage:** Above the station - **Transom:** - Diamond non-skid casting platform - Seatbacks swing out to the stern, creating a bolster to lean against - Seats at a comfortable height, with feet on the deck, instead of a low flip-up bench - 18-gallon insulated livewell in the center, usable as a cooler - Removable storage bins on both sides - **Power-Pole:** Can be added aftermarket - **T-Top:** Standard, with fore and aft spreader lights and pre-rigging for outriggers - **Under-Deck Rod Storage:** Holds rods up to 10 feet - **Cockpit Shade (Optional):** Electrically extendable from the trailing edge of the hardtop > *“I’d actually like to see these be the combination rod holders and cup holders in every one of these positions.”* > *“I’d like to see some integrated toe rails as well.”* #### Bow Arrangement - **Casting Platform:** Huge, all diamond non-skid, with an optional insert that extends it aft - **Table:** An insert can take a pedestal to become a table - **Storage:** 70-quart insulated, self-draining compartments under the two forward hatches - **Coffin Box:** 296-quart insulated, with a removable divider - **Trolling Motor:** Pre-rigged - **Lounge Seating:** - Two forward-facing loungers with cushions - Side cushions add seating - Electrically actuated seatbacks create two more loungers, stopping at any position - A seat that flips in for a side-facing lounger - Full-length grab rail and beverage holders within reach - **Bow Shade:** Easy-up, on carbon fiber stanchions, shading four or five friends > *“I like that we can stop this in any position rather than bring it up and put it into one position that’s been decided by somebody in a desk far away from where I am.”* > *“One change I would make, however, is the switch that brings the seat back up, I’d like to see that moved a little bit forward so that it’s within reach of the seated position.”* #### Interior Spaces **Head Compartment:** - **Entry:** Side access, with a handle inside the door and a mirror held open by a magnetic catch - **Grab Handle:** Just inside - **Lighting:** Light switch at the entrance, with indirect lighting - **Headroom:** 5 feet, 4 inches overhead, 4 feet sitting - **Storage:** High and low racks, one with plexiglass and one with cargo netting - **Access:** Easy access behind the console for installations and to the bilge - **Ventilation:** Solar-powered vent overhead - **Exit:** Bow rail extends back so it’s convenient to grab when leaving the head > *“I’d like to see a wastebasket down here, but that’s easy to install right into this area.”* #### General Construction - Strong and sturdy construction felt throughout the boat - Everything drains overboard - Foam flotation, standard on every Grady-White - Custom backing plates with welded bolts on hatch strut mounts ### Advantages And Disadvantages #### Advantages - Strong, sturdy feel with no pounding at cruise speed - Dry ride thanks to her Carolina flare - Gentle, comfortable turns - Planes in an average 3 seconds and tops 55 mph - 316-mile range at best cruise - No engine well, creating a lower stern casting platform - Two 9-inch steps to the foredeck instead of one big step - Electric swim platform is standard - Everything drains overboard, with foam flotation throughout - Huge fishing capacity, including a 296-quart coffin box and two livewells - Electric bow lounge backrests stop at any position #### Disadvantages - Compass is not in line with the steering wheel - No toe rails in the cockpit - No flip-down footrest for the observer seat - Not every rod holder is a rod and cup holder combination - The bow lounge seatback switch is out of reach from the seated position - No wastebasket in the head - Some pounding when crossing wakes at full speed ezstandalone.cmd.push(function() { ezstandalone.showAds(104); }); - [Connect with a Rep](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Test Drive](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Dealer Contact](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Build A Boat](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/130807) - [Compare to other boats](/boats/compare/130807) --- ## Related Boats [ Review with Captain's Report ![](/sites/default/files/styles/500x375_max/public/Grady_White_Canyon_271cc_2016_Running_0.jpg?itok=RDU3c6Tf) ](/boats/grady-white/canyon-271-2016) [Center Consoles](/boats/center-consoles) ### [Grady-White Canyon 271 (2016-)](/boats/grady-white/canyon-271-2016) Currently no test numbers [ Report with Video Review with Captain's Report ![](/sites/default/files/styles/500x375_max/public/Grady_White_251ce_2015_Running.jpg?itok=LXypENX9) ](/boats/grady-white/251-ce-2015) [Center Consoles](/boats/center-consoles) ### [Grady-White 251 CE (2015-)](/boats/grady-white/251-ce-2015) 1 x 300-hp Yamaha F300 [ Report with Video Review with Captain's Report ![](/sites/default/files/styles/500x375_max/public/my17_236_outriggers-cranks_2000.jpg?itok=sjiobkoh) ](/boats/grady-white/fisherman-236-2016) [Center Consoles](/boats/center-consoles) ### [Grady-White Fisherman 236 (2016-)](/boats/grady-white/fisherman-236-2016) 1 x 300-hp Yamaha F 300 4-stroke [ Report with Video Review with Captain's Report ![](/sites/default/files/styles/500x375_max/public/qtp9891_306_2000.jpg?itok=jyLH4LWS) ](/boats/grady-white/canyon-306-2017) [Center Consoles](/boats/center-consoles) ### [Grady-White Canyon 306 (2017-)](/boats/grady-white/canyon-306-2017) 2 x 350-hp Yamaha V8 5.3L Grady-White Center Consoles, Sportboat/Runabouts,