Grady-White Fisherman 236 (2016-)

Brief Summary

Grady-White introduces an all-new center console right in the sweet spot at 23' and incorporating their SeaV® hull design technology, classically rugged and durable, with an exceptional ride. The Fisherman 236 is a true bluewater angler fishing boat, but her family-friendly amenities set her up for comfort, entertaining, and skiing. She comes standard with a Yamaha F250 horsepower four-stroke engine, with the option of a F300 horsepower model, which we were provided on our test boat. With generous storage space and convertible seating arrangements, this Center Console fisher offers the utility, versatility and durability Grady-White has become known for.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	23' 7'' / 7.18 m
Beam	8' 6'' 2.59 m
Dry Weight	3,900 lbs. 1,769 kg
Tested Weight	5,573 lbs. 2,528 kg
Draft	18.5'' 0.47 m
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	8' 2'' 2.49 m (max)
Person Capacity	10
Fuel Capacity	115 gal. 435 L
Water Capacity	N/A
Total Weight	5,573 lbs. 2,528 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.8 sec.
0 to 30	8.4 sec.
Ratio	N/A
Props	15 1/2"x17"
Load	2 persons, full fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	85 deg., 70 humid.; wind: 0-10 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 300-hp Yamaha F 300 4-stroke
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	1 x 250-hp Yamaha 4-stroke 1 x 300-hp Yamaha 4-stroke

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The 2017 Grady-White Fisherman 236.

Grady-White's all new Fisherman 236 has an LOA of 23'7" (7.18 m) and beam of 8'6" (2.59).

Overview

This all-new center console provides seating and comfort while incorporating the multifunction capabilities of swimming, water skiing, snorkeling, and the pure pleasure of enjoying a multipurpose utility boat. Her stability and solid build are immediately apparent upon stepping aboard and even more so once underway. With her signature profile and trademark Grady-White coloring, she brings features and characteristics that make a versatile boat for both anglers and families.

The Fisherman 236 underway with the optional Yamaha F 300 horsepower engine.

Features Inspection

Construction.

Any review of a Grady-White would be incomplete without a discussion of its construction. Since 1989, each Grady-White hull has been exclusively designed by C. Raymond Hunt and Associates. Known for their solid build and durability, this brand new model incorporates foam floatation and a Continuous Variable V (Sea V2) hull.

Composite stringers and transoms used in the boat’s hull. Her stringers and below deck structures have proved themselves over years to be among the most reliable in the industry.

The Fisherman 236 with lines out. Note the signature Grady-White shear line.

Fishing Features.

Fishing is the primary mission of the Fisherman 236. She has four gunwale rod holders, two on each side and a retractable transom seat to open up the aft cockpit, which has 25” of depth. Toe rails to port and starboard, below the three in-wall rod storage racks (six total), provide footing for leverage.

Three rod racks located under each gunwale for storage. Note toe rail beneath.

In the transom, she has a 160-quart insulated fishbox, which can also serve as a cooler, along with a standard 15.5 gallon, insulated raw water lighted livewell, with a full column distribution inlet and overboard drain.

Transom fish box that doubles as a cooler.

The lighted livewell on the transom is standard.

The Fisherman 236 showing the optional T-top. Note her Carolina bow flare.

The Fisherman 236 is offered with an optional T-top, and this comes with the additional option of either 15-foot mounted crank or radial outriggers, along with four rod holders, extended windshield, radio box, dome light, spreader light, and a radar flat. The integrated design of the optional painted T-top with full-height windshield gives noticeably better visibility than conventional piping designs.

Family Features.

The Fisherman 236 does not skimp on seating, and her bow rider layout has port and starboard reclined seating when the folding backrests are deployed into place. When not in use, to allow freedom of movement, they each retract against the gunwale. The port and starboard lounge seats are connected forward by an additional cushion, creating a U-shaped benchseat, which, when the padded insert is put into place, creates a sunpad. In addition, a table can be mounted in place creating a space for enjoying lunch and snacks at the bow. A traditional seat is positioned forward against the console with insulated storage beneath.

Forward console seat showing self-bailing storage compartment for beverages or fish.

Within the console and accessed from the starboard side is the head compartment, which has standing headroom, LED lighting, and opening portlight with a screen in the window, a bulk storage compartment, and portable toilet.

The Fisherman 236 head compartment with portable toilet and portlight.

Against the transom is a folding bench seat with backrest that, when fishing, can be conveniently retracted against the transom bulkhead, increasing freedom of movement about the aft cockpit, but when deployed, comfortably seats three. The Fisherman 236 has a capacity rating for 10 people, regardless of the optional seating arrangements ordered.

Transom of the Fisherman 236. Note aft seat in the folded position and spring loaded ski pole in the center.

The substantial fiberglass transom door is on the starboard side and provides access to the extended swim platforms, which are easily accessed around the engine on both the port and starboard sides, with the four step swim ladder to starboard for ease of entry into the water for swimming or skiing. The optional integrated, spring-loaded ski pole quickly stows between the livewell and fishbox.

The transom door is strong.

There are two storage lockers in each side of the swim platform area, ideal for snorkel gear and an auxiliary stern anchor, which is useful when anchoring the boat astern to the beach to hold her into position or as an auxiliary bow anchor. No boat should ever be anchored by the stern offshore.

Telescoping four-step swim ladder from starboard platform.

Swim platform storage compartment for an auxiliary anchor.

Helm Features.

The helm of the Fisherman 236 has a lean bar with two seats, comfortably placing her operator within reach of the controls. The console consists of the adjustable stainless steel wheel for the hydraulic tilt steering, compass, a Yamaha EVC diagnostics display, Fusion stereo, hydraulic trim tab controls, and all DC switches for the boat’s electric controls and lighting. There is room on the console for two flush-mounted, dealer-installed, 12” navigation displays. Two cup holders create an extra convenient holding space for items such as keys and a cell phone.

The console of the Fisherman 236 has room for two navigation screens.

Performance Review

Our test of the Fisherman 236 was conducted in Morehead City, North Carolina outside of the inlet in the Atlantic Ocean. The seas and winds were calm, and it was a warm and clear day in the high eighties. With the optional upgrade of the Yamaha F 300 horsepower four stroke engine and a 15 ½” by 17” propeller, we reached a top speed of 48.5 miles per hour at a full throttle 5700 RPMs. At this speed, we were burning 28.5 gallons per hour, with an economy of 1.7 miles per gallon.

Best Cruise.

Dialing back to 3,500 RPMs, we achieved our best economy at 27 miles per hour, burning only 9.1 gallons per hour. This gave us a fuel economy of 3 miles per gallon and, keeping 10 percent of fuel in reserve, gave us a range of 307 statute miles.

The Fisherman 236 on plane. Note the “bowrider” configuration with the optional back rests.

The time to plane for the Fisherman 236 was 4.6 seconds, and we reached 20 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds. Continuing to cruising speed of 30 miles per hour took an additional 3.8 seconds for a total of 9.4 seconds from the point of acceleration. We put the Fisherman 236 through a series of tight turns at full power, both coming out of a straight run and at take off, and she was both stable and responsive with no slippage. All in all, her operation, stability, and turning characteristics were what we would expect in a Hunt-designed hull.

The Grady-White Fisherman 236 at anchor. Note the extra-long swim platform.

Observations

With this all new model, Grady-White has brought to market a center console that is nimble and manageable while incorporating family-friendly features. Whether it be her primary mission of fishing or entertaining the family for a day on the water, the Fisherman 236 offers the ride and comfort for which Grady-White has come to be known. Her construction and sea keeping ability give this boat the rugged endurance of an offshore fisherman, while offering enjoyment for the whole family.