Grady-White Freedom 275 (2016-)

Brief Summary

Grady-White was one of the first center console fishboat builders to realize that that there was a large market for a dual console, family-oriented boat that could engage in traditional watersports activities as well as fishing. Over the years, Grady-White has developed 9 different models ranging from 19' to 37' (5.8 m to 11 m) specifically for this audience. Consumers responded for a number of reasons, including the added utility of the vessels and as well as their salty, good looks. The Freedom 275 falls right in the middle of Grady-White's 9-boat dual console series.

Key Features

• Recessed cockpit freshwater shower
• 316 grade stainless steel through-bolted deck hardware
• Aft 185-qt. fish/ice box aft insulated box
• Hardtop with painted aluminum frame with storage net
• Integrated outboard mounting system with swim platform and ladder
• 3 horizontal rod storage racks
• Fold away aft bench seat with cushion
• Stereo system with AM/FM tuner and VHF receiver
• Bow table that doubles in cockpit area
• Pressurized raw water washdown with hose

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	26' 11'' / 8.20 m
Beam	8' 6'' 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,972 lbs. 2,255 kg
Tested Weight	7,129 lbs. 3,234 kg
Draft	20'' 0.51 m
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	8' 6'' 2.59 m (max)
Fuel Capacity	184 gal. 696 L
Water Capacity	20 gal. 75.7 L
Total Weight	7,129 lbs. 3,234 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	6.5 sec.
0 to 30	7.9 sec.
Ratio	2.0:1
Props	18
Load	2 persons, 1/2 fuel, 1/2 water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	85 deg., 99 humid.; wind: 10-15 mph; seas: 1-2

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 200-hp Yamaha outboard
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	Not Available

Captain's Report Learn More
Watch Our Video

Mission Statement

Grady-White is known for producing rugged offshore and coastal fishing rigs, but its Freedom line of dual consoles targets the whole family’s needs for boating. The Freedom 275 is a dual console, outboard-powered, self-bailing, big-water-capable cousin to the sterndrive powered bowrider. The hulls for all nine Freedom DC models from 19’ to 37’ (6 m to 11 m) come out of the same molds as their center console stable mates.

The intent is to provide anglers with a proven fishing platform – the aft half of the DC and CC models are similar if not identical - while at the same time offering family entertainment, cruising and watersports capabilities. The boat’s C. Raymond Hunt-designed deep-V bottom and twin-engine power allows her to cruise comfortably in conditions that bowriders, and many other dual consoles for that matter, are incapable of handling. The Grady-White Freedom 275’s rough-water capability allows her to be used more reliably on a given outing that’s been long planned, and also allows the boat to be used more days each season, increasing her value relative to many sportboat dual consoles.

Features Inspection

Cruising

The bow seating area is both convertible to suit the occasion and generously proportioned. Two lounges with backrests and long handholds provide comfort and safety. Also, keep in mind that the hull’s ultra-smooth ride makes things safer and more comfortable up in the bow where motions are most pronounced.

A table inserts into a deck socket when wanted during lunch or cocktails, and a filler section on centerline converts the bow into a big sun pad or, with cushions removed, a big casting platform. The crew can walk right up to the anchor locker to handle the anchor and docklines without having to kneel on the seat, which is a detail we like.

Cockpit Seating

Although the cockpit is dedicated primarily to the avid fisherman, a double-wide folding bench seat is fitted for increased guest capacity. When stored, the seat swings vertically to neatly lock into place parallel to the transom. This configuration maximizes the usefulness of the cockpit while fishing and provides a comfortable place to enjoy the ride when cruising.

The captain is treated to one other seat choice over the standard “Deluxe II” helm seat. This is important, not just because captains like to be comfy, but the entertainment console option(s) require certain helm seat upgrades in order to make it work in unison. Offered as a seating option is a command elite upgrade. The companion seat is well padded and incorporates a fold-down footrest, as well as having access to the port-side stereo system.

Entertaining

The port side console houses the head compartment, which features a heavy-duty lockable door, a marine head with a macerator unit (with 10-gallon holding tank), vanity mirror, and three rod holders. A toilet upgrade to an electric flush marine head with macerator and 10-gallon (38 L) holding tank is available. The builder offers customers two entertainment console options. An optional deluxe wet bar is located directly behind the helm seat and includes a Corian countertop, drink holders, a fire extinguisher holder, sink, storage drawers and a trash compartment. The console can be upgraded with an electric inverter powering a 1300W grill that replaces the shallow storage tray.

Fishing

While the Freedom 275 is a dual console, Grady-White’s designers did not stint when it comes to sheer sportfishing capability. The Freedom 275 starts with a 27” (.68 m) deep cockpit with 60 sq. ft. (5.57 sq. m) of working space surrounded by thick bolster padding. The transom features a 185-quart (175 L) insulated, self-draining fishbox and 128-quart (121 L) cooler or livewell located to port. The optional 32-gallon (121 L) livewell is available for those who intend to fish, which judging from the orders to date is well over half of the buyers. An inlet plenum with holes drilled from the top to the bottom of the tank introduces clean seawater gently and evenly into the tank, which improves bait health and vigor, according to the builder. To starboard is a molded fiberglass door for easy access to the boat's integrated swim platform and motor well.

The Freedom 275’s fiberglass hardtop is supported by a hull color-matched, painted aluminum frame and is complemented by the boat’s large wrap-around glass windshield. Grady-White paints rather than powder-coats its aluminum, finding that this automotive-based process is both more durable and easily repaired. The tall windshield provides excellent all-weather visibility, and combined with the plastic side curtains and hardtop (which can support outriggers and electronics), adds three-season use for the owner.

Power

Grady-White equips its Freedom 275 with four different outboard propulsion options from Yamaha. Standard equipment is a pair of Yamaha 150-hp 4-stroke engines, while twin F200 4-cylinder and F250 6-cylinder outboards are also available. A single F350 is also offered and Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick control is available with the F250s, adding an all-digital helm, joystick control capability and integrated autopilot.

Performance

Our test day was windy with rough chop, so we were able to get a meaningful look at the 275’s performance equipped with twin Yamaha 200s. We loaded the boat with two people, half a tank of fuel, and a half tank of water for an overall test weight of 6,632 lbs. (3,008 kg). The combined 400 horsepower propelled us to 30 mph in 7.9 seconds. Optimal cruise speed, at least in terms of efficiency, was at 4000 rpm which produced 31.5 mph and 2.2 mpg. Top speed with the twins turning 5800 rpm produced 48.9 mph while burning 38.9 gph.

Standard Equipment

• 100% hand laid hull and deck

• Cockpit recessed freshwater shower

• 185-quart (175 L) aft insulated fish/ice box with light and ob drain

• 88-quart (83 L) starboard, insulated fish/ice box with ob drain

• Hardtop with painted aluminum frame

• Lockable head console with bulk storage and marine head with macerator

• Hydraulic trim tabs with indicator and retractor

• Integrated outboard mounting system with swim platform and ladder

• Stereo system with AM/FM tuner, VHF receiver, MP3 auxiliary audio connections/amplifier, and Bluetooth

• 128-quart (121 L) aft insulated box

• Bow table (doubles in cockpit area)

• Fiberglass transom door

• Pressurized raw water washdown with hose

• 20-gallon (75.7 L) freshwater water tank

• Walkthrough tempered-glass windshield

Options to Consider

We’d go for the anchor windlass, since this takes all of the real work out of anchoring. Canvas options are another smart upgrade but choices will depend on where the boat is being used. One option that really cannot be overlooked is the wet bar. Since it can be configured in a couple of ways, it will certainly enhance the entertaining experience for both owner and guests.