Conservation & Advocacy

In 1968, Eddie saw something special in Grady-White: a boat maker already known for building tough, seaworthy vessels that could handle rough ocean waters. Eddie didn’t just buy a company—he embraced a calling. He understood that boating and fishing are more than pastimes. They’re about connection—to nature, to family, to freedom.

From the beginning, Eddie made it clear: Grady-White would stand for superior craftsmanship and for conservation. As the company grew, so did its commitment to protecting the waters and fisheries that make every adventure possible. Eddie’s values became the heartbeat of the brand, shared by a passionate team that believed in doing things the right way for its people, its customers, its community, and the environment.  In 2012, Grady-White President Kris Carroll received the very first Eddie Smith Award from the Center for Sportfishing Policy—an honor given yearly to leaders in the recreational boating and fishing industry who champion the health of America’s fisheries and recognize “…that conservation of America's fishery resources is a vital part of the business.”  It was a proud moment that reflected decades of dedication. 

That spirit continues today. Eddie Smith has received the Billfish Foundation’s Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Sportfishing Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and was recognized by the North Carolina Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association for his lifelong commitment.  CCA-NC President, David Sneed, summed it up in 2021, “Eddie Smith’s support for coastal conservation has never been about the recognition or the accolades, but it is still important that he knows how much we appreciate all he has done over the years for CCA in North Carolina and nationally, and for the protection of our coastal resources.” Sneed continued. “It is not always easy to stand up for what you believe in, but Eddie has never shied away from putting his name, and the Grady-White name, alongside the ideals of CCA. Thank you, Eddie Smith, for being a true steward of the resource and a conservation hero.”  He also received the NC Wildlife Foundation’s Governor’s Sportsman of the Year Award for his decades of conservation contributions.

Grady-White’s boats have evolved with cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, but the soul of the brand remains unchanged. Every model carries the company’s signature blend of quality, performance, safety, and stewardship. Clean waterways, thriving fish populations, and responsible recreation aren’t just goals—they’re part of the Grady-White DNA, woven into every boat and every decision.

Grady-White doesn’t just talk the talk—they back it up with action. They’ve led the charge in supporting coastal conservation, investing time, energy, and resources into protecting the places we all love to explore. From the Morris-Deal Commission to partnerships with powerhouse organizations like the American Sportfishing Association, Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, and Boating United, Grady-White has earned and received national recognition from these organizations for being a true steward of the sea.  The company and its leaders have been recognized for their dedication to the International Game Fish Association, Grow Boating, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, and the American Boating Congress, Tag-A-Giant program, Dolphinfish Research Foundation, and many other organizations.

At Grady-White, we don’t just build boats. We’ve helped build a community of adventurers, conservationists, and water lovers who believe in leaving things better than they found them. And it all started with one man’s love for the outdoors and a dream to build something that lasts.

Live the Grady Life—Protect What You Love

Whether you’re a longtime Grady-White owner or just getting started, you’re part of a legacy that values stewardship, responsibility, and protecting our waters for the next generation. Some folks dive deep into local and national conservation efforts, while others simply lead by example out on the water. Either way, we all have a role to play.

So, here’s the call: stay curious, get informed, and speak up. Learn about the issues that impact our fisheries and waterways. Connect with local chapters and national groups doing the work. Share your passion. Get involved.

Because when you live The Grady Life, you’re not just chasing fish—you’re helping make sure the chase never ends.