2010 Grady White Fisherman 230 Center Console Boat Review
Reviewed by Bob Eaton
Fishing Favorite
Grady White has been a favored fishing boat in the Southern US for many years. One acquaintance of mine raved about his new one 20 years ago, still has it, fishes every week, and wouldn’t have anything else. Only in recent years have many of them made their way into Canada, and that trend will continue with strong dealers. The subject of our review was sea trailed in Biscayne Bay during the 2010 Miami International Boat Show. The centre console model comes with an impressive array of standard equipment and can be optioned out as the purchaser sees fit to suit his or her personal requirement.
Well Equipped
Starting at the bow is an enclosed anchor locker and this one had an optional power windlass. Cleats for and aft are flush mount, and all through hull fittings are stainless, not plastic. Opening the forward seat cushions on either side reveals 101 qt (96L) insulated fish boxes with overboard drains. Just forward of the centre console another cushion sits atop a removable 72 qt cooler. The lockable console has a stand-up head area, for storage and/or optional head with through deck pump-out and access to other mechanicals.
The lockable helm has a footrest, flush mount electronics, acrylic windshield, handrails and this one had the optional T-top with radio box. It also had the deluxe lean bar with backrest, and flip-up bolster for great comfort while underway. LED lights under the gunwales light the cockpit and storage areas on both sides for 6 fishing rods. The entire floor area is aggressive non-skid pattern that can be cleaned with a pressurized wash-down pump that self drains through 2 cockpit drains. At the rear centre, we have a cushioned foldaway bench seat with a lift-out tackle box with lure trays and optional 35-gallon live well on either side. A battery select switch is easily accessed. The back of the helm has many tackle drawers and storage for PFD’s, etc.
Yamaha Power
Our test model came factory rigged with a Yamaha 300 HP four-stroke engine. The Yamaha “Command Link” display and controls keep you abreast of everything you need to know about engine and boat performance There is lots of torque throughout the operating range and time to plane takes about 5 seconds. Full speed with a 15½ X 17” stainless prop is just under 50MPH at 5800 RPM. Grady White recommends optimum cruise of 3800 RPM, which results in about 30MPH. That allows a range of well over 300 miles, more than most day’s endurance for even the most avid fisherman.
Solid Ride
As one would expect from a hand-laid hull built for ocean use in G/W’s home waters of North Carolina, ride was solid, quiet, and very dry. While the protected water of Biscayne Bay was not very rough, there were lots of wakes from other boats up to 70’ being tested.
Grady White builds these boats to fish, but if you don’t, then leave off a few fishing options and yours would be ideal to haul people, gear and groceries and whatever else needs to be taken to and from your cottage. Or water skiing with your kids or whatever else you would like it to do. Most of my boating has been in the Great Lakes and one of these would be ideal as a cruising centre console day boat with little fear of being left stranded somewhere by a little wind.
Grady White Fisherman 230 Center Console Specifications:
| Length: |
22' 8"" |
6.9 M |
| Beam: |
8' 6" |
2.59 M |
| Draft: |
1' 8"" |
51 cm |
| Dry weight: |
4002 lbs |
1815 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: |
120 US gals |
454 L |
| Engine: |
F300 Yamaha 4-stroke, 300HP |
| Price as tested: |
$70,000 |
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