Nearly a decade has passed since Grady-White released its first hybrid center console, the 251 Coastal Explorer. The goal of this model was to address the needs of anglers and their families, both inshore and offshore. Now, Grady-White has introduced its newest CE and we are not disappointed!
The Grady-White 281 CE has a centerline length that nears 28 feet, and it is here to disrupt the industry. Built for comfort, safety and efficiency, the ways in which this model can be adapted to your required mission is a true testament to the engineers. Families that are looking for a boat that will allow them to shake things up every time they head out need look no further. Take this baby out to a sandbar, through back waters or far out to sea – she can handle it all!
Beam: 9′ 4″
Cockpit Depth: 22″
Deadrise: 16°
Draft: 19″
Bridge Clearance: 7′ 11″
LOA: 27′ 7″
Max. HP: 600 hp
Fuel Capacity: 160 gal.
Weight: 5,650 lbs*
*approx. w/o engines
The gelcoat color options for this beauty are: Classic Grady White (this is the standard color), Celestial Blue, Coastal Fog (grayish-green), Ocean Mist (very pale blue), and Sea Glass (green).
There are also color options for the 2 Yamaha factory-painted engines available with this model via Grady-White’s website. The single 425 offers gray (standard), pearlescent white or primer (unpainted). The twin 300s come in the standard gray or the pearlescent white.
Grady-White recommends the Yamaha 425 or twin F300s, but an additional option tested by experts is the single Yamaha XTO 450. Based on reviews, however, the dual 300s seem to be favored across the industry for a few different reasons. For starters, we have the obvious benefit of redundancy; if one motor fails, you still have one working motor. Secondly, the twin motors provide maximum power, pushing almost 50 knots (57.4 mph), while also being able to troll with smooth precision.
The 281 CE comes equipped with Helm Master EX and an integrated digital electric steering system, which is compatible with Yamaha’s newest V6 4.2-liter F300s. This is an exciting feature to many boat enthusiasts that makes dual 300s a popular choice. The optional Helm Master Full Maneuverability upgrade package takes autopilot to a new level and provides all the fantastic capabilities of FishPoint, StayPoint and joystick maneuvering.
Ingman Marine only offers Yamaha Motors for New boats. We partner with Yamaha Outboards and even have a repower specialist, KG. You can also opt to buy this boat without a motor and purchase your desired motor elsewhere.
The level of ingenuity behind this Coastal Explorer is impressive! It’s hard to believe that some of the below features come standard, but we are here to tell you – it’s true and we are thrilled to tell you about this outstanding watercraft.
Safety Features
The 281 CE has an abundance of rod holders placed strategically throughout, 2 of which double as posts for removable seatbacks to create additional seating in the aft cockpit when you don’t need as much casting space. The modular nature of the lounges and seats on this vessel are a large part of what makes it such a versatile vessel. The forward seating options, for example, hide many secrets. The foredeck includes a removable insert that can join the console lounge with an optional casting deck to provide more casting room. The removable cushions forward of the lounge hide port and starboard fish boxes, as well as the anchor locker with rode storage. On the flip side, if you’re looking to create the ultimate lounging area, you can convert the middle cushion into a table or electronically control the adjustable backrests of the side seats. This doesn’t even cover the fully adaptable aft seating area. The options for configuration are mind-blowing!
A favorite feature of many industry reviewers, though, is what Grady-White calls the “sport deck”. Controlled electronically, the sport deck is a door on the port side of the cockpit that opens downward to create a small platform with a removable ladder built in. This platform makes it easy for passengers to get on and off during watersports, snorkeling and swimming.
Both Boating Magazine and Soundings Magazine specifically mention the impressive visibility that is a result of a full, acrylic windshield that extends to the T-top, which has supports that are removed from the operator’s line of sight. The hard top is also equipped with four rocket launchers and receptables that can accommodate outriggers.
The lean bar that comes standard with this model is a little slice of heaven for our serious anglers. It plays host to a 38-gallon livewell, a rigging station with a sink and pullout shower, several tackle compartments and lockable storage drawers.
For our families that love water sports, the 281 offers an optional ski arch or pylon on the transom perfect for towing your favorite toys. When it’s time to pile back onboard, you and your little ones could greatly benefit from the optional SureShade retractable cockpit shade.
In addition to or as upgraded optional features, you can choose from these following options:
With a 16-degree deadrise at the transom of a SeaV² hull and a 19-inch draft, you can conquer any offshore tuna chase or back-bay tarpon trip. PRO TIP: This model can be pre-rigged for a trolling motor, so this is an option for those that prefer to be inshore. The forward and aft casting decks allow everyone enough room to comfortably do their thing. You can utilize the multitude of livewells, fish boxes and wells to store snook, redfish, shrimp and crab.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a boat that checks every box you could possibly have on your dream boat list, this one would be the winner. Every element was ingeniously designed, tested, refined and perfected. It is fast, responsive, smooth in chop, quick to plane, has a ton of storage capacity, offers immensely comfortable seating arrangements and is adaptable to almost any scenario. Start your day off early with an inshore or offshore pursuit; then, you can quickly and easily convert your boat into a lean, mean, family fun machine by making some minor adjustments and letting down the sport deck. Finally, flip your boat one more time into your most relaxing luxury oasis with a large forward sunpad and comfortable aft bench.
As Saltwater Sportsman Magazine and Boating Magazine so elegantly put it, “The 281 Coastal Explorer brings all of Grady-White’s best attributes together in a boat that opens doors to blue water without shutting doors to bays and backwaters”, doing it with “impeccable construction, beautiful lines and a track record of winning customer-satisfaction awards.”
