38 Top Make-Ready Tips for the Spring Boating Season
Top boat launch tips to make sure you’ll be ready for adventure.
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By Jeff Hemmel | March 2023
Learn more about Grady-White boats by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.
Founded by Glen Grady and Don White, Grady-White boats were built to be “tougher than they had to be,” a description that is as apt today as it was when the company was founded in 1959. Grady-White made the successful transition to fiberglass manufacturing under the new ownership of Eddie Smith and family in the late ‘60s. Today, Grady-White produces a full line of models designed to perform equally well in the coastal and offshore environment as well as freshwater inland. Fisherman center consoles range from 18’ – 25’; Canyon center consoles run from 27’ – 45’; a 25’ Coastal Explorer is designed for shallows in bay or inshore waters; family-friendly Dual Consoles range from 21’ – 37’; 33’ and 37’ Express Cabins both entertain and offshore fish; and 21’ – 30’ Walkaround Cabins comfortably fish, cruise and overnight. Grady-White boats are exclusively powered by Yamaha outboards.
Grady-White builds 25 models of boats divided between center console, dual console, express cabin and walkaround cabin layouts. Made to excel in coastal conditions, they’re ideal for both inshore and offshore fishing, family cruising, entertaining and overnighting.
| Boat Types | Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Express Cabins, Walkaround Cabins |
|---|---|
| Hull Types | Fiberglass V-hulls |
| Average Length/Size | Center Consoles from 18’ - 45’; Dual Consoles from 21’ - 37’; 33’ and 37’ Express Cabins; Walkaround Cabins from 21’ - 30’ |
| Fuel Types | Gasoline |
| Cost of New Boats | Priced near the top of the market compared to other similar boats |
| Cost of Used Boats | Priced near the top of the market compared to other similar boats |
| Activity/Usage Types | Inshore and offshore fishing; recreational cruising; recreational watersports; entertaining; overnighting |
Grady-White builds a diverse fleet of coastal-oriented boats suitable for inshore and offshore fishing, cruising, entertaining and overnight stays, including Center Consoles from 18’ – 45’, Dual Consoles from 21’ – 37’, 33’ and 37’ Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins from 21’ – 30’.
As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of over 20 Grady-White boats. These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities, but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety.
Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Grady-White boats. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff, enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Grady-White boats, including the types of boats Grady-White makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Grady-White boat that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Grady-White produces a vast range of boats fit for both ocean, coastal waters and freshwater, including:
Grady-White’s headquarters as well as factory have been located in Greenville, NC since 1959.
Grady-White’s Sea-V2 hull design features a “continuously variable vee,” meaning that the hull has a moderate deadrise angle (the angle, in degrees, between the bottom of the boat and a flat, horizontal surface on either side of the keel) at the stern that continuously sharpens as it moves toward the bow. Less vee at the transom combined with a Grady-White’s wide chines translates to stability while trolling and at rest. Greater vee toward the bow equates to a softer ride in rougher conditions.
Grady-White exclusively uses Yamaha outboards, in single to quadruple configurations.
Yes, Grady-White boats are considered easy to maintain. Basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull, flushing the engines, and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep a Grady-White boat looking like new for years to come. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil and filter changes, to ensure reliable, safe operation. Other than routine maintenance, service should be performed by an authorized Grady-White dealer.
Grady-White boats are designed with fishing as a primary focus, whether it’s offshore, in the bay, or freshwater. Hulls are designed to handle tough conditions. Typical amenities include live wells, insulated fish boxes, rod holders, rod storage and raised casting platforms.
While smaller center consoles and dual consoles are the best choice for watersports, nearly all Grady-White boats are designed to be versatile enough to handle recreational-level waterskiing, wakeboarding and inflatable tubing.
Grady-White has a large network of dealers in the United States, Canada and around the world. Find your closest Grady-White dealer here.
Top boat launch tips to make sure you’ll be ready for adventure.
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