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Grady-White Boats and MarineMax - A Successful Partnership

Coastal Life Magazine, February/March 2022 — Grady-White Boats was established in 1959 in Greenville, NC, and has been privately owned by Eddie Smith since 1968. From the start, he set the bar high for the Grady-White team to achieve uncompromising quality through exceptional attention to detail. This includes Grady-White’s exclusive SeaV^2® hull, which delivers boating’s driest, softest, and most stable ride. More than 60 years later, Grady-White’s remarkable level of quality and customer service remains unparalleled. Today, under the leadership of Kris Carroll, President, they continuously refine their craftsmanship as they design and build elegant, tough offshore fishing boats.

In addition to creating the highest quality boats, Grady-White builds strong customer relationships. They accomplish this by working hand-in-hand with their dedicated network of dealers. MarineMax of Pensacola, FL, a decades-long Grady-White dealer, is a shining example of this partnership that delivers uncompromising results to their customers. Tucked away in a quiet basin near the inlet to Bayou Chico, MarineMax Pensacola and The Oar House Restaurant provide the perfect starting point to the area’s many dock-and-dine eateries, sugar-white sandy beaches, and all the wild beauty of nature offered by Pensacola Bay, Escambia Bay, East Bay, Blackwater Bay, and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. MarineMax Pensacola has a marina with full-service retail sales, the highest quality full-service marine repair, and easy water access to the surrounding bays and the Gulf of Mexico. World-class service is a hallmark of MarineMax Pensacola, and the team is proud to serve and provide unparalleled personal customer service to Grady-White owners.

“Grady-White builds an exceptional product,” says MarineMax North Florida District President, Aaron Kramer. “It is their passion and dedication that makes a difference in the lives of our customers. Together, MarineMax and Grady-White are committed to making boating dreams come true!” Grady-White Boats manufactures 25 models from 18 to 45 feet. Their dual console design epitomizes the company’s innovation with a helm on the starboard side, a companion seat on the port side, and a walkthrough windshield to access the bow for lounging and fishing. A pioneer of the offshore dual console model, Grady-White has created a versatile boat that has stood the test of time for families that want to do it all. From offshore fishing to water sports and cruising, Grady-White’s nine dual console models combine the luxury, ruggedness, and durability you’ll want in an offshore family fishing boat. Imagine yourself owning one as we explore two models, the Freedom 275 and the Freedom 325.

Grady-White builds dual consoles from 21 to 37 feet. Sized right in the middle, the Freedom 275 offers a multitude of amenities in a mid-size twin engine day-boat. The wide, 8'6" beam makes it trailerable but also large enough to take family, friends, and all the boating toys out for the day in comfort and style. With twin Yamaha 150s or 200s, this boat can be rigged with Yamaha’s exclusive steering options, including power assist, Helm Master EX^® Digital Electric, or Helm Master EX^® with Full Maneuverability.

Versatility is the name of the game starting in the spacious bow that not only seats six comfortably but also includes a table that can be installed at the bow or the cockpit. So, when it’s time for lunch or cocktails, you can pick your spot. Other luxuries include seating options from a Command Elite helm chair that’s both horizontally and vertically adjustable to a patented deluxe companion seat that is electromechanically extendable into a lounge seat. Bow cushions are plush and can be expanded into a sun platform with an insert and additional cushion. Aft is a patented foldaway bench seat that provides added seating or can easily be lowered for extra space in the cockpit when fishing.

This boat is equally built for fishing with all the extras you’ll need for a day offshore. With multiple rod holders, tackle trays, a 29.5-gallon livewell, and an optional outrigger kit with carbon fiber poles, you’ll be ready to head to the fishing grounds. Load up the day’s catch in two fish/ice boxes–one 165-qt. aft and one 96-qt. in the starboard bow. For safety and convenience, the livewell and fish/ice boxes are all equipped with overboard drains.

When entertaining, the side-facing elite wet bar with sink, storage drawers, and trash compartment is a convenient plus and can be upgraded to the optional deluxe wet bar that also includes a Corian countertop, providing extra space for serving guests. A lockable portside head console is complete with a dome light, mirror, bulk storage, shelf, and electric flush head with a 10-gallon holding tank.

When you’re anchored out at the sand bar or enjoying water sports, a transom door provides easy access to the integrated outboard mounting system with swim platform and ladder. Need a break from the sun? Deploy the optional SureShade^® electrically retractable hardtop shade with Sunbrella^® canvas in the cockpit and the easy up bow shade, a Grady-White innovation, in the front of the boat.

Whatever you choose to do, the beautiful, sleek Freedom 275 will provide you with complete confidence while turning heads at every dock you pass.

If you’re looking for more space and power in a dual console model, the Freedom 325 is a superb choice. One of Grady’s top sellers, this model’s beam extends to almost 11 feet and offers an immense amount of cockpit space, perfect for fishing or entertaining. Two consoles with a head and berth make the 325 suitable for overnighting. On top of all the luxuries of the Freedom 275, the 325 also adds a cockpit side door with port boarding ladder for easy loading and unloading or for convenient access when swimming, diving, or boarding a large fish!

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The integrated hardtop comes standard with the SureShade  for deployment when you’ve had enough sun, along with side curtains for added protection if the weather kicks up. The portside console head area includes a cedar lined storage closet, extended storage space, fold down seat with cushion, and a 10-gallon holding tank. The starboard console provides a cushioned berth and bulk storage. Both consoles have indirect lighting, composite cherry and holly soles, and optional air conditioning. Another optional amenity is a 6-gallon water heater for a cockpit freshwater shower.

​The twin Yamaha 300s are rigged with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX^® Digital Electric Steering or can be upgraded with the optional Helm Master EX^® with Full Maneuverability. Like the 275, only larger and with more bells and whistles, the 325 will turn heads and keep your family and friends begging for an invitation.

True to the name, every Grady-White comes complete with The Grady Life! Only the actual experience will prepare you for the excitement and delight you’ll feel when you take ownership of your new Grady-White boat. Visit MarineMax Pensacola and let us show you the Grady-White difference!