"What sets the Chesapeake 290 apart from other coastal boats in this size range is just how enjoyable and easy it is to operate this new boat," says Joey Weller, Grady-White vice president of sales and marketing. "The spacious cockpit, cabin and helm areas, the very comfortable deluxe helm seating and optional "wraparound-style" companion seating, plus great visibility afforded by the large, well-ventilated protective windshield, will make this a super and safe investment for families who enjoy spending time together outdoors on the water."

"We've taken much of what we learned in the development and fine-tuning of our highly successful big outboards, the 33-foot and 36-foot Grady-White Express models, and transferred this knowledge to fulfill the requests of Grady-White customers who prefer a walkaround style," explains David Neese, vice president of engineering. "The fact is, we're the company that pioneered the walkaround 34 years ago and we've put years of refinement into this great new boat. Whether you're looking for serious fishing capability that is also family pleasing, or you're looking for a family-friendly boat complete with a roomy head and overnight sleeping comfort that can do the job right when a tuna bite is on, the new Chesapeake 290 has it all."

Families will be very happy with the transom area featuring a sturdy fiberglass door with a battleship-strength 316L stainless positive locking device. The transom door does double duty, opening wide to bring big game fish aboard, and serving as the family's swimming and diving access. The Chesapeake also has the biggest transom fish box of any boat in its class, a cavernous 265-quart insulated box with overboard drain. The box has a divider so in addition to holding the catch there is a separate area for bait or whatever you'd like to keep cool. Grady's patented folding aft bench seat (the best seat in the house!) is located just in front of the transom, and when in the up position not only really opens the deck but also allows ready access to the generator that provides power for air-conditioned cabin comfort.

The 56-square foot cockpit also has a starboard-side 132-quart insulated fish box, and a portside 35-gallon raw water livewell that really keeps bait alive with a powerful 1100 gallon per hour circulating pump plus a light and a full column distribution inlet. The livewell and all boxes are true self-bailing; everything drains overboard by the natural force of gravity.

Take a walk along the roomy walkaround to the foredeck. The Bowmar hatch on the foredeck offers great ventilation for the cabin below, and at 20 inches wide is big enough for a teenager to scramble through (try that in other brands of coastal boats)! The Chesapeake 290 also offers an improved low-profile windlass system with optional controls at the bow as well as at the helm.

The helm's all new flush-mounted, easy-to-read gauges are positioned above the big 316L stainless steering wheel. Backlit switches are easier to read in the low light of dawn or dusk, and instrument screens are right there. A handsome, newly styled hardtop encloses the helm area and has a radio box, roomy storage nets for PFDs and other items (an idea pioneered by Grady-White), spreader lights and four side-mounted rod holders. Hardtop drop, front and side curtains are also standard. AV outlets to charge your cell phone or power your MP3 player are located right at the cabin entrance.

Entering the cabin you immediately sense a big-boat feel accentuated by the use of handsome teak and holly in the cabin sole-a classic combination complemented by the attractive oval-shaped teak dinette table. Standard features of the portside galley include nice big teak shelving, Corian(R) countertops, a deep stainless sink, refrigerator, microwave oven, and an electric stove with touchpad flush controls. One look reveals genuine liveability in the new Chesapeake: the amply sized head provides plenty of privacy as well as a sink, stand-up shower and lots of space for toiletries and more. The Chesapeake should be particularly great for overnights. The starboard berth stretches a full 81 inches, and overnighters or afternoon nappers can crawl into the aft berth for a very comfortable snooze. Grady engineers think of everything: the cabin access steps are open-treaded to allow visibility into the aft berth, so parents can keep an eye on resting children. The forward low profile hatch and two opening screened windows draw in refreshing breezes. Cabin air conditioning is optional. There is also a DC television option that is cleverly fitted into the bow cabin area-a good choice if you have younger ones to entertain.