Boat Test: 2025 Grady-White Freedom 345

Overview

It is Grady-White’s consistent adherence to its style points that tells all other boaters that they are looking at a Grady, even when the nameplate is not visible. So it is with the new Freedom 345 dual-console. Its high bow deflects seas and their spray and sweeps gently to gunwales in a cockpit ideally proportioned to allow anglers to manage fish boatside or entertain a crowd.

The ride is gentle thanks to the SeaV2 hull. This trademarked hull design of every Grady gives a smooth ride with a crisp stem and sharp deadrise forward that spreads out to 20 degrees at the transom. The effect cleaves waves, sliding through them without rattling hatches—or teeth. It’s the wider deadrise aft which gives Grady the at-rest stability that eases footing aboard when trolling or bottomfishing and makes ­cruising enjoyable for all.

Equipped with Yamaha’s full-maneuverability joystick, station-keeping while awaiting a slot at the fuel dock is a hands-free affair; just tap the button. Other settings allow the boat to drift a weed line maintaining optimal fishing orientation, or hover over a ­bottomfishing target with efficiency by allowing the boat to rotate to an ­orientation most easily held while maintaining position. 

The 345 is built tough with multiple layers of woven fiberglass that overlap at the keel, further strengthening the build. But before any of that is laid up, the perfectly glossy mold is gelcoated and then protected with a barrier coat that helps resist woven roving print through and ensures that the exterior finish is as smooth as a mirror—and nearly as reflective. This kind of work ensures that owners can take pride in their vessel for decades. 

Interior and Accessories

Also adding to that satisfaction are style points such as ­multiple ­contrasting textures and colors of seating vinyl, including black ­accents, diamond stitching, and durable ­mildew-resistant and stain-resistant washable ­vinyl surfaces that are tough enough to keep the interior as shipshape as the exterior. 

In the compartments below, a head includes a teak hatch to hide the toilet. The sink features mother-of-pearl tile backsplash. Grout joints are ­almost invisible between mosaiclike tile. 

At the elevated helm sit dual Command Elite helm chairs with ergonomic access to electronics and accessory controls, including air conditioning to keep the area cool. 

The options list is short and starts with choosing twin 450 or triple 350 ­Yamahas. The Seakeeper stabilizer is a no-brainer, and if you fish, the outriggers, underwater lighting, and aft refrigerator/freezer/fish box with digital thermostat are a must.

Seeking a luxury dayboat with overnight options and the confidence that comes from owning a bluewater-­capable boat? Check out Grady-White’s ­Freedom 345.

A second compartment provides a lounge that converts to a double berth at the tap of a button. Recessed lighting present in both compartments, along with the upscale decor, adds a comforting, roomy feel, and upholstery is the same tough material found topside. To cap it all, cabinets boast shop-built fluted wood doors that add a craftsman’s excellence.

The 345 is built to carry a large crew with spacious bow seating, a powered extendable lounge seat forward, and a broad, fold-away transom seat. Bow seats include inclined backrests and folding armrests. The seating angle is ideal, and armrests add comfort. Coaming compartments (remember those black ­vinyl accents?) boast dual phone-charger ports on both sides, cup holders, and storage areas for sunscreen. The center forward seat folds up to grant access to the windlass. Cushions all stow away for hardcore angling. Coaming pads complete the wraparound seating backs, as does the transom bolster aft. Both serve anglers, offering a comfortable brace against the fish while they tuck their toes under cockpit rails on the deck. That’s another Grady-White touch that you’ll find on nearly every boat.

The cockpit sports an entertainment ­galley with grill, refrigerator and freshwater sink. Air conditioning in the cockpit is available, as is a genset and Seakeeper to better manage ocean motion for sensitive stomachs. Dual captain’s chairs are positioned well and are adjustable for optimal reach to the helm and throttle. To port is an L-shaped lounge, which can convert to a full sun pad by using a table insert and a cushion.

The Freedom 345 offers dual boarding doors to double boarding options and provide an easy way to slide pelagic trophies on board.

Read Next: Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer

Boston Whaler is the arch competitor of Grady-White, and its Vantage 330 brings Whaler’s own platform for a casual, luxury approach to fishing in the Vantage 330. Its base price with dual Mercury 400s and joystick steering is $531,097 and pushes the boat to 56 mph. ­Whaler offers a single dive door and a transom door. Grady’s interior decor is more traditional with softer lines, while Whaler’s reads “BMW” with a more angular, rectangular theme. Both offer a retractable cockpit shade and removable bow shades.

Grady’s fishing amenities include well-­positioned rod holders on the transom and gunwales, plus undergunwale storage and hardtop rocket launchers. Optional outriggers will make it pelagic-ready. The livewell features a vertical plenum, which causes water to circulate around the tall tank, ensuring that no bait gathers in corners or finds its way to unoxygenated water. The exclusive design has been proven ­effective for decades.

Access to the bilge is manageable for ­changing filters and servicing mechanics. ­Yamaha flushing ports inside the boat also ease end-of-day chores.

The Freedom 345 is designed to boat in style, fish effectively, and do it free of undue ownership obligations

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha 350
• Drive/Props: Outboard/15 1/4″ x 19″ SWS II SDS
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• Dual fuel-fill ports means simpler mooring at the fuel dock.
• Retractable deck shade cools the aft deck. 

Low Points

• Having a transom fish box and livewell eliminates a transom door, replaced by both port and starboard dive doors.
• The 345 is behind some competitors, who are exchanging charger ports for inductive chargers throughout their boats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation