Behind the helm of the new Grady-White Fisherman 230, I leaned against the bolstered post and tucked one foot on the rest, comfortably secured, with my hands on throttle and helm. I tossed my cell phone on top of the console in the convenient nonskid padded tray. Pivoting from our berth and idling toward the harbor entrance, I escaped the shade of Miami’s hotels, and warm sun illuminated the beige-tinted white gelcoat to a rich magenta.
So, I wax poetic. But every Grady I’ve captained, I’ve wanted. Run a Grady and people will know exactly who you are as a boater. It’s more than brand panache.
The Grady feel comes from the classic lines plus fit and finish. The boats’ color sets them apart in look. So does the depth of the luster that comes from careful refinishing of molds between hull lay-ups. Corners are nicely rounded and bulkheads heavily fortified to keep the gelcoat from cracking or crazing.
The feel also comes from the power, like our test boat’s Yamaha F300 with its Command Link Plus instruments and color readout. You can program the wallpaper of the digital gauge like we did, matching it to the graphite look of the trim around the switches, or pick a pattern you prefer. Our boat pivoted easily from port, thanks to power steering and an electronic throttle and shift that made fingertip control easy.
Aft, the cockpit has a flipup seat that’s comfortable for two. Stowed, it makes a great bolster for battling fish. The battery switch, pumps, petcocks and plumbing are reasonably easy to reach for service.
Forward, a sturdy Yeti cooler with cushion rests against the console. Fish boxes port and starboard open to reveal deep compartments, each with a socket to stow a five-gallon bucket. Optional seating and filler cushion create a sun pad. Without them, you have a clear shot at the anchor locker or access to horse a fish over the bow.
That matters most to me, because I want my boat to fish.
Comparable model: Mako 23
