Fans of offshore center-console boats want them seaworthy and dry-riding, and they want them generous in fishing room. Grady-White gives them all that in spades, and plenty more.
One of the best-known and most well-respected brands across several categories, G-W is at home wherever both water and fish run big. Of those in our survey who own an offshore center-console boat — of any nameplate — Grady placed first among brands they’d consider in repurchase shopping, by a big margin. And seaworthiness and ride quality play a big part.
Credit that stable, smooth and comfortable ride to the hand-laid SeaV2 progressive hull, which begins at a stable 20 degrees (wide chines adding at-rest and trolling stability). The hull sharpens as it approaches the bow, splitting waves cleanly and softly.
Grady-White was born six decades ago to tame North Carolina’s legendary and demanding waters and inlets; while the brand is still built there, its fame and presence have spread well beyond.
Grady-White Fisherman 257
Grady-White says it listened to avid saltwater sport-fishing customers — and to coastal recreation-loving families — before designing and introducing its 25-foot Fisherman 257 center-console.
This boat is ready to battle fish, with thigh-high bolsters throughout, and toe rails along the sides for secure gaffing and fish fighting.
Anticipating, thoughtfully, great success in those fishy fights, the Fisherman 257 has port and starboard 120-quart insulated fish boxes (which gravity-drain overboard) within cushioned bow seats, and a 185-quart box aft of the leaning post for fish, bait or refreshments. A 32-gallon livewell stands ready in the aft port corner. Four gunwale-mounted rod holders — meeting or exceeding what 70 percent of inshore-fishing survey respondents say is their minimum — stand ready.
Four vertical rod holders are on the rear of the helm seat; an optional fiberglass T-top bears four more.
The console storage locks protect the circuit breakers too.
The leaning bar features a footrest, backrest and flip-up bolster. Foldaway bolstered bow backrests face forward.
69% of survey participants said a foldaway aft seat was important; this patented aft seat fulfills this expertly.
Survey Says: On Target
- Rod holders meet or exceed expectations
- Seating at helm meets two-person preferred minimum
- Safety flotation meets strong survey preference
Owners Say
- Very seaworthy and easy to fish
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Easy to fish around
Grady-White Says
- Highly functional saltwater fishing machine
- Attention to detail
- Grady sets a new standard for boater satisfaction, with generous fishing considerations, spacious passenger seating area, and the nameplate’s signature SeaV2 ride
- Unanimously wins all customer-satisfaction awards
More Info: gradywhite.com
