Grady-White 281 CE 28-foot Coastal Explorer boat running on the water with three people aboard

281 CE

28' COASTAL EXPLORER

 

The ultimate inshore/offshore boat, built on Grady-White’s legendary SeaV²® hull, the 281 Coastal Explorer is a real game-changer! Packed with ingenuity, starting with a new standard portside electric fold down platform with stowable ladder and the newly designed aft bench seat with three different configurations, this top-of-the-line Grady-White boat delivers triple the thrills. From fishing the shallows, and the deepest offshore canyons, to riding in luxury and style to and from the sandbar, this incredibly versatile boat will be the delight of the entire family!

PHOTO GALLERY

Photo Gallery

Two Grady White 281 CE Boats Running
Grady White 281 CE Running
Grady White 281 CE Running at Sunset
Grady White 281 CE Running at Sunrise
Grady White 281 CE with Men Fishing from Bow
Grady White 281 CE at Beach With Fisherman on Shore
Grady White 281 CE port side cruising at sunrise
Grady White 281 CE cruising starboard near shoreline
Grady White 281 CE with Woman On Sport Deck
Grady-White 281 CE running starboard bow
Grady-White 281 CE running starboard city skyline
Grady White 281 CE Bow Seating with Seat Back in Upright Position
Grady White 281 CE Bow Table
Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with port and starboard swing-open walk-through backrests
Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with port and starboard swing-open walk-through backrests and seat cushions
Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with Cushions and Seat Backs
Grady-White 281 CE Livewell
Grady-White 281 CE Sportdeck
Grady-White 281 CE Sportdeck with stowable ladder
Grady White 281 CE Head in Console
Grady White 281 CE under gunnel rod holders
Grady White 281 CE casting platform with optional extension insert without cushions
Grady White 281 CE casting platform without cushions
Grady White 281 CE casting platform with cushion
Two Grady White 281 CE Boats Running

Two Grady White 281 CE Boats Running

Grady White 281 CE Running

Grady White 281 CE Running

Grady White 281 CE Running at Sunset

Grady White 281 CE Running at Sunset

Grady White 281 CE Running at Sunrise

Grady White 281 CE Running at Sunrise

Grady White 281 CE with Men Fishing from Bow

Grady White 281 CE with Men Fishing from Bow

Grady White 281 CE at Beach With Fisherman on Shore

Grady White 281 CE at Beach With Fisherman on Shore

Grady White 281 CE port side cruising at sunrise

Grady White 281 CE port side cruising at sunrise

Grady White 281 CE cruising starboard near shoreline

Grady White 281 CE cruising starboard near shoreline

Grady White 281 CE with Woman On Sport Deck

Grady White 281 CE with Woman On Sport Deck

Grady-White 281 CE running starboard bow

Grady-White 281 CE running starboard bow

Grady-White 281 CE running starboard city skyline

Grady-White 281 CE running starboard city skyline

Grady White 281 CE Bow Seating with Seat Back in Upright Position

Grady White 281 CE Bow Seating with Seat Back in Upright Position

Grady White 281 CE Bow Table

Grady White 281 CE Bow Table

Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with port and starboard swing-open walk-through backrests

Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with port and starboard swing-open walk-through backrests

Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with port and starboard swing-open walk-through backrests and seat cushions

Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with port and starboard swing-open walk-through backrests and seat cushions

Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with Cushions and Seat Backs

Grady White 281 CE Aft Bench Seat with Cushions and Seat Backs

Grady-White 281 CE Livewell

Grady-White 281 CE Livewell

Grady-White 281 CE Sportdeck

Grady-White 281 CE Sportdeck

Grady-White 281 CE Sportdeck with stowable ladder

Grady-White 281 CE Sportdeck with stowable ladder

Grady White 281 CE Head in Console

Grady White 281 CE Head in Console

Grady White 281 CE under gunnel rod holders

Grady White 281 CE under gunnel rod holders

Grady White 281 CE casting platform with optional extension insert without cushions

Grady White 281 CE casting platform with optional extension insert without cushions

Grady White 281 CE casting platform without cushions

Grady White 281 CE casting platform without cushions

Grady White 281 CE casting platform with cushion

Grady White 281 CE casting platform with cushion

DOWNLOAD MODEL POSTER

281 CE Main Specifications

Beam Amidships
9'4" (2.84 m)
Center Line Length w/o Engines
27'7" (8.41 m)
Bridge Clearance
7'11" (2.41 m)
Cockpit Depth
22" (0.56 m)
Hull Draft
19" (0.48 m)
Transom Deadrise
16 degrees (SeaV2® progression)
Maximum HP
600 (448 kW)
Fuel Capacity - Standard
160 gal. (606 l)
Weight w/o Engines
5650 lb. (2563 kg)

281 CE Features & Options

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Select camera icons where available to view feature photos

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Denotes feature as trademarked, exclusive, patented, or patent pending

STANDARD FEATURES

Safety

2 automatic bilge pumps (total 2600 GPH) (9842 LPH)

Basic flotation

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with full bow casting platform insert and sun pad

Bow grab rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steel

Composite stringer system & transom - water impervious

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with fire extinguisher holder and storage compartment

Fire extinguisher holder

Grady-White Boats nonskid fiberglass liner on deck of every model

Nonskid fiberglass liner

Self-bailing cockpit w/cockpit drains (2)

Stainless Steel Through Hull Fittings

Stainless steel through-hull fittings

Stern grab rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steel

Cockpit & Deck

patent icon
100% hand laid SeaV² hull & deck

100% hand laid SeaV² hull & deck

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with bow anchor locker and windlass

Anchor windlass w/rode, line, and remote switches at helm & windlass

Battery and select switch on a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Batteries (2) w/battery select switch (1) & battery charger (1)

Casting platform insert w/cushion

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with pull up cleats

Cleats - flush mount (pull up)

Blue cockpit lights on a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Cockpit lights - blue LED

Deck hardware - 316 grade stainless steel through-bolted

Deck hardware - 316 grade stainless steel through-bolted

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with drink holders in the gunwale

Drink holders - stainless steel (8)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with engine flush attachment

Engine flush system w/hose attachment aft (one per engine)

Factory engine pre-rigging

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with forward fish boxes

Fish box - 70-qt (66.2 l) forward port & starboard insulated fish box w/ob drain (2)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with full bow casting platform insert and sun pad

Forward bolsters

Hydraulic Trim Tabs on the stern of a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Hydraulic trim tabs w/indicator & auto retract

International lighting on the bow of a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

International lighting

17.59-gallon livewell aft on a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Livewell - 18-gallon (68 l) aft insulated raw water livewell w/light & ob drain (500 GPH pump) (1893 LPH)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with rod holders in gunwale

Rod holders - aft (4), amidships (4)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with gunwale rod storage racks

Rod storage racks - horizontal (2)

Rub rail port side of a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Rubrail - high density PVC w/stainless steel insert

patent icon

Seating - aft bench seat w/port & starboard swing-open walk-through backrests

patent icon
Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with forward console seat and bow seats

Seating - port & starboard bow cushioned seating w/electromechanically adjustable backrests

Sport Deck – electromechanically folding platform w/boarding ladder

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer stereo.

Stereo system w/waterproof touch screen display, AM/FM tuner, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth® connectivity; speakers w/LED lights - bow (2), cockpit (2), T-top (2)

Stern eyes on a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Stern eyes - 316 grade stainless steel

Port and Starboard under seat storage at the bow of a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Storage - port & starboard under seat drop in boxes

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with dedicated ladder storage compartment

Storage - port boarding ladder storage

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with forward anchor locker storage

Storage - forward anchor locker w/rode storage

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with storage drawers in bow

Storage - lockable storage drawers (2)

Water tank - 18-gallon (68.1 l) fresh water

Console

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer accessory outlets.

Accessory outlet - 5V duplex USB port

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer accessory outlets.

Accessory outlet - 12V (1)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with compass at helm

Compass

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer grab rail.

Console grab rail

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with forward console cooler box

Cooler - 296-qt (280.1 l) cooler under forward console seat w/removable divider

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer grab rail.

Drink holders - stainless steel (2)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with molded console footrest

Footrest - molded console footrest

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat helm layout with flush mount electronics area

Flush mount electronics area

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with stand up head area

Head - lockable console w/lighting, bulk storage, composite cherry & holly sole & marine head w/electric flush, 10-gallon (38 l) holding tank w/macerator, overboard discharge & deck pump out

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with full bow casting platform insert and sun pad

Seating - molded forward console lounge seat w/cushion & backrest

Helm of a Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer.

Steering - Helm Master® EX w/Integrated Digital Electric Steering (does not include joystick)

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer steering wheel.

Steering wheel - 316 grade stainless steel w/knob

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer t-top.

T-top (fiberglass) w/painted aluminum frame, storage net, LED spreader lights, rod holders (4), tri-colored (red, blue, white) LED recessed lights (3), radar flat & outrigger plates

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with stand up head area

Window - tinted frameless glass

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with integrated windshield and windshield wiper

Windshield - scratch resistant acrylic integrated w/T-top

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with integrated windshield and windshield wiper

Windshield wiper w/washer

Deluxe Lean Bar

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with built in lean bar rod storage

Knife & pliers holders

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with lean bar livewell and bait locker with washdown

Livewell - 38-gal. (144 l) insulated raw water livewell w/light, full column distribution inlet & ob drain (1100 GPH pump) (4164 LPH)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with built in lean bar rod storage

Painted rod holders (4)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with lean bar livewell and bait locker with washdown

Rigging station - freshwater shower (recessed), cutting board & bait locker

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat deluxe lean bar seat backrest w/split flip-up bolster.

Seating - backrest w/split flip-up bolster

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with tackle storage and drawer

Storage - lockable storage drawer

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with tackle storage and drawer

Storage - lockable w/tackle trays (6)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with lean bar washdown and storage

Storage - port net storage area

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with lean bar washdown and storage

Washdown - pressurized raw water w/hose

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Options

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with bow table

Bow table package

Casting platform extension insert w/cushion

CE certification package (European Conformity)

Grady-White hull color examples

Hull color - Celestial Blue, Coastal Fog, Ocean Mist, or Sea Glass gelcoat

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer, 28ft coastal explorer underwater lighting.

Lighting - underwater blue LED (2)

Outrigger kit - 18-ft. (5.5 m) crank hardtop mounted stainless steel outriggers w/carbon fiber poles

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with command elite helm seats on lean bar

Seating - Elite lean bar w/Command Elite helm chairs (2), painted rod holders (4), 38-gal. (144 l) insulated raw water livewell, freshwater shower (recessed), raw water washdown w/hose, bait locker, cutting board, lockable storage drawers (3), tackle storage, port net storage area & knife & plier holders

Seating - removable aft bench seat center backrest

Ski pylon (only available w/twin 300 engines)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with helm master full maneuverability

Steering - Helm Master® EX Full Maneuverability w/autopilot

SureShade® electrically retractable cockpit shade w/Sunbrella® canvas (oyster)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat with T-top

T-top color - underside of fiberglass T-top (requires matching gelcoat hull color option)

Grady-White 281 coastal explorer 28' fishing boat bow layout with full casting platform and trolling motor

Trolling motor pre-rig - swivel mounting bracket w/quick release, head stabilizer, 36V batteries (3), and 20-amp battery charger (trolling motor not included)

Canvas Options

Grady-White 251 CE, 25ft coastal explorer easy up bow shade.

Easy up bow shade (ivory mesh)

T-top wing curtains (ivory)

281 CE Performance Data

XTO Offshore® 450
Single

Top Speed: 50.0 MPH @ 5900 RPM

Optimum Cruise: 29.8 MPH @ 3800 RPM

GPH at Optimum Cruise: 13.6

MPG at Optimum Cruise: 2.19

White engine color

CLASSIC WHITE

Standard

300 Yamaha Four-Stroke
Twin

Top Speed: 57.4 MPH @ 6000 RPM

Optimum Cruise: 29.1 MPH @ 3100 RPM

GPH at Optimum Cruise: 12.3

MPG at Optimum Cruise: 2.37

White engine color

CLASSIC WHITE

Standard

XTO Offshore® 450
Single

Engine Size

5.6L

Test Date

3/22/2022

Prop Size

16 5/8 X 19 XTO SDS

Weight as Tested

7977 lb. (including persons, fuel, water, gear, engines & accessories)

Hardtop

Yes

Bow Pulpit

No

Bottom Paint

No

Optimum Cruise

29.8 MPH @ 3800 RPM

RPM MPH GPH MPG
1000 5.6 1.9 2.95
1500 7.5 2.8 2.68
2000 8.7 4.2 2.07
2500 12.5 6.7 1.87
3000 18.1 8.8 2.06
3500 26.0 11.6 2.24
3800 29.8 13.6 2.19
4000 32.4 14.8 2.19
4500 37.6 20.1 1.87
5000 42.4 25.5 1.66
5500 47.1 34.3 1.37
5900 50.0 37.3 1.34
Back To Engines
PERFORMANCE DISCLAIMERS
The following variables can affect performance: wind, current, sea conditions, speed, engine performance, transducer, trolling time, engine trim, bottom paint, trim tabs, curtains, tops, gear placement and prop size/condition/type. This report should be used only as a general reference guide. Prop size, pitch and prop features listed in this performance report reflect the available props factory installed on new boats from Grady-White at this time. Props cited in the report may be an updated version(s) of the prop(s) used at the time of the test.
300 Yamaha Four-Stroke
Twin

Engine Size

4.2L

Test Date

4/22/2022

Prop Size

15 1/4 X 19 SWS II SDS

Weight as Tested

8247 lb. (including persons, fuel, water, gear, engines & accessories)

Hardtop

Yes

Bow Pulpit

No

Bottom Paint

No

Optimum Cruise

29.1 MPH @ 3100 RPM

RPM MPH GPH MPG
1000 6.2 2.7 2.30
1500 8.5 4.5 1.89
2000 10.4 7.3 1.42
2500 17.6 10.0 1.76
3000 27.8 12.2 2.28
3100 29.1 12.3 2.37
3500 33.8 15.8 2.14
4000 39.3 22.3 1.76
4500 43.6 28.6 1.52
5000 48.5 36.5 1.33
5500 53.4 47.1 1.13
6000 57.4 53.8 1.07
Back To Engines
PERFORMANCE DISCLAIMERS
The following variables can affect performance: wind, current, sea conditions, speed, engine performance, transducer, trolling time, engine trim, bottom paint, trim tabs, curtains, tops, gear placement and prop size/condition/type. This report should be used only as a general reference guide. Prop size, pitch and prop features listed in this performance report reflect the available props factory installed on new boats from Grady-White at this time. Props cited in the report may be an updated version(s) of the prop(s) used at the time of the test.
XTO Offshore® 450
Single

Engine Size

5.6L

Test Date

3/22/2022

Prop Size

16 5/8 X 19 XTO SDS

Weight as Tested

7977 lb. (including persons, fuel, water, gear, engines & accessories)

Hardtop

Yes

Bow Pulpit

No

Bottom Paint

No

Optimum Cruise

29.8 MPH @ 3800 RPM

RPM MPH GPH MPG
1000 5.6 1.9 2.95
1500 7.5 2.8 2.68
2000 8.7 4.2 2.07
2500 12.5 6.7 1.87
3000 18.1 8.8 2.06
3500 26.0 11.6 2.24
3800 29.8 13.6 2.19
4000 32.4 14.8 2.19
4500 37.6 20.1 1.87
5000 42.4 25.5 1.66
5500 47.1 34.3 1.37
5900 50.0 37.3 1.34
300 Yamaha Four-Stroke
Twin

Engine Size

4.2L

Test Date

4/22/2022

Prop Size

15 1/4 X 19 SWS II SDS

Weight as Tested

8247 lb. (including persons, fuel, water, gear, engines & accessories)

Hardtop

Yes

Bow Pulpit

No

Bottom Paint

No

Optimum Cruise

29.1 MPH @ 3100 RPM

RPM MPH GPH MPG
1000 6.2 2.7 2.30
1500 8.5 4.5 1.89
2000 10.4 7.3 1.42
2500 17.6 10.0 1.76
3000 27.8 12.2 2.28
3100 29.1 12.3 2.37
3500 33.8 15.8 2.14
4000 39.3 22.3 1.76
4500 43.6 28.6 1.52
5000 48.5 36.5 1.33
5500 53.4 47.1 1.13
6000 57.4 53.8 1.07
Back To Engines
PERFORMANCE DISCLAIMERS
The following variables can affect performance: wind, current, sea conditions, speed, engine performance, transducer, trolling time, engine trim, bottom paint, trim tabs, curtains, tops, gear placement and prop size/condition/type. This report should be used only as a general reference guide. Prop size, pitch and prop features listed in this performance report reflect the available props factory installed on new boats from Grady-White at this time. Props cited in the report may be an updated version(s) of the prop(s) used at the time of the test.

281 CE Overhead

Select the hotspots below to learn more about the 281 CE features.

281 CE Virtual Tour

VIDEOS

Videos

Single or Twin Engines - Build Your PERFECT <em>281 CE</em>!
Grady-White <em>281 Coastal Explorer</em> Intro Video
Grady-White <em>281 Coastal Explorer</em> seen at MIBS 2023 - The Boat Show
Introducing the all new Grady-White <em>281 Coastal Explorer</em> - Will Christien of FOX Sports
April 2023 - Grady-White <em>281 CE</em> walk-through by Randy Vance
Grady-White <em>281 CE</em> (2023) Features and Performance Video by BoatTEST.com
Single or Twin Engines - Build Your PERFECT <em>281 CE</em>!

Single or Twin Engines - Build Your PERFECT 281 CE!

Grady-White <em>281 Coastal Explorer</em> Intro Video

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer Intro Video

Grady-White <em>281 Coastal Explorer</em> seen at MIBS 2023 - The Boat Show

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer seen at MIBS 2023 - The Boat Show

Introducing the all new Grady-White <em>281 Coastal Explorer</em> - Will Christien of FOX Sports

Introducing the all new Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer - Will Christien of FOX Sports

April 2023 - Grady-White <em>281 CE</em> walk-through by Randy Vance

April 2023 - Grady-White 281 CE walk-through by Randy Vance

Grady-White <em>281 CE</em> (2023) Features and Performance Video by BoatTEST.com

Grady-White 281 CE (2023) Features and Performance Video by BoatTEST.com

Industry Reviews

 

 January 2024, Fishing Boat Buyers Guide 2024 - "Grady-White Boats 281 CE"

 

 December 2023/January 2024, Florida Sportsman - "Grady-White 281 CE Tarpon Time Off The Beaches of SW Florida"

 

 December 1, 2023, OnTheWater.com - "Explore the Grady-White Adventure 281 CE"

 

 November 2023, Power & Motoryacht - "Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer"

 

 Boating Edition 2023, Chesapeake Bay - "Six-Tool Player for Boating on the Bay—Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer"

 

 October 2023, Fisherman - "Grady-White 281 CE"

 

 August 2023, Lakeland Boating - "Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer"

 

 June 2023, Southern Boating - "Grady-White 281 CE blends the best of fishing and water sports fun"

 

 May 2023, BoatTEST.com - "Grady-White 281 CE (2023-)"

 

 May 2023, Soundings - "Launched Grady-White 281 CE"

 

 May 2023, Salt Water Sportsman - "Fishability Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer"

 

 May 2023, Boating - "Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer"

 

 May 2023, FishTalk - "Grady-White 281 CE: Exploration Sensation"

 

 April 27, 2023, AnglersJournal.com - "New Boat Report: Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer"

 

January 31, 2023, OnTheWater.com - "First Look: Grady-White Debuts 28'Coastal Explorer"

 

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