Factory Tour

Throughout the decades, Grady-White boats have been recognized for their superior build and classic style, but a closer look reveals Grady-White’s record of exclusive innovations, unmatched by any competitive brand. We design and engineer all the details on our boats to perform superbly, even in harsh conditions, so you have the confidence to enjoy boating adventures safely, comfortably, and worry-free. The sea does not compromise. Why should you?

You will hear knowledgeable seamen say Grady-White boats are “over-built.” That just means that we pay special attention to selecting materials that will be ready to go above and beyond the call of duty. Grady-White is constantly evaluating new materials to ensure we utilize the highest quality components available that give our customers the greatest value for their investment. Grady-White’s extensive in-house testing, and direct testing offshore, assure both durability and a great resale value, too. Our quality assurance lab routinely tests materials such as resins, fiberglass, stainless steel, and mechanical components to be sure that they uphold our standards before they are used on our boats.

Our customers inspire us! We get excited about the synergy that results from incorporating our customers’ ideas with our own to create new designs and to innovate even further (like new patented ideas!). As a result, Grady-White delivers customer satisfaction and value beyond any other manufacturer. Every third-party survey ever done in the marine industry on customer satisfaction has proven this, and when you ask any Grady-White owner they will tell you: Get the Grady!

Digitally drawn, model-specific patterns are carefully created for the fiberglass that goes into each Grady-White boat model. Every piece is designed to be strategically placed throughout the hull and deck, including overlapping in key areas, such as the bow stem and the keel, to give added strength for the toughest sea conditions. Today, a precise computer-programmed digital router cuts multiple layers of each type of fiberglass to exact specifications to guarantee a perfect set of fiberglass material for every hull and deck.

All Grady-White boats have 100% hand laid hulls and decks. This method provides superior strength to face rough sea conditions. Pre-cut, patterned fiberglass is painstakingly and strategically hand laid on the gelcoat surface. Though labor intensive and extensive, only hand lay-up ensures the consistent glass-to-resin ratios and uniform thickness that helps give every Grady-White hull and deck quality, reliability, safety, strength, and long-term value.

Our specially designed fiberglass stringer systems are precision patterned for each model. They are put in place when the hull is finished and still in the mold, and then bonded to the hull with hand laid fiberglass and allowed to cure. This makes the stringer system completely impervious to water, and it becomes a strong, structural grid that is part of the hull itself.

Resin transfer molded (RTM) parts provide a smooth gel coated surface on the top and the bottom for longevity, easier clean up, and aesthetic appeal, compared to the rough, unfinished fiberglass or polyethylene often used by other boat manufacturers. Grady-White uses solid fiberglass RTM for parts like fish box lids, hardtops, and bow pulpits to provide superior strength and durability, as well as a smooth, finished surface on both sides.

The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to Grady-White. All of our boats have closed-cell polyurethane foam flotation, meeting or exceeding the Coast Guard's requirements for basic flotation (and level flotation for boats under 20 feet). Foam flotation is not required for boats over 20 feet, and often not added to other boat brands. We go above and beyond to ensure a Grady-White will offer unsinkable safety to our customers.

To get the added rigidity we demand on our boats, all hulls have composite foam coring added within the hull sides. The composite coring between the layers of glass laminate gives added strength and stability while maintaining a lighter weight. All stringers and transoms on every Grady-White boat built after 2015 are 100% fiberglass. To provide superior, long-lasting strength for the torque of today’s high horsepower engines, all Grady-White boats have fiberglass-cored transoms bolted into the stringer system with a custom designed aluminum brace.

Most other boats have openings that drain water into the bilge or into a sump, both of which require an electrical pump to evacuate the water that accumulates there. Grady-White cockpits are sealed and above the waterline, and all Grady-White insulated boxes have drains above the waterline, too. Gravity–not electricity–drains water overboard from the cockpit and boxes. Even our cup holders and cleats have drains that route the water overboard instead of into the hull like most boats. Building in this very important safety feature from the beginning is another example of our exceptional attention to every detail.

The hull to deck joint is a shoe-box-fit, with the deck overlapping the hull. It is secured together by 316 stainless steel screws and stainless steel blind side fasteners and sealed with a specialized marine adhesive. Finally, it is covered with the stainless steel rub-rail and more stainless screws to completely secure the boat’s deck to the hull. This creates an extremely stable and watertight bond.

No material is stronger and more durable over the long-term than the stainless steel used on all Grady-White through hull fittings, cleats, and bow rails. Stainless is impervious to UV rays that can affect plastics, so it stays bright and strong. We select the highest quality available–this includes it being double passivated (a chemical treatment to protect against contamination) to remove impurities and minimize potential for rust. Also, 316 differs from the industry standard 304 grade because it contains molybdenum and a higher nickel percentage that provide superior corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.

Our horizontal cockpit rod storage racks are made from polyethylene, which will not crack, split, or weather. The on deck rod holders are custom made for Grady-White to our specifications. Drink holders are considered in the design of every Grady-White, and placed in convenient locations in helms, cabins, and cockpits. Whether you’re fighting fish or out on a day cruise, it’s always important to have the perfect spot to stow your beverage! Both of these items are plumbed to drain overboard, not into the hull of your boat.

Exceptional care is paid even to the smaller details, like lids, storage drawers, (and for the larger boats, cabinetry) which are all hand-fitted into each boat. Strategically located storage is an important part of every Grady-White’s layout. A place for everything, and everything in its place, we like to say. Conveniently located drawers, under-seat compartments, and tackle storage allow for organization and easy access to all your family fun and fishing gear. Being able to keep loose items out of the way makes every adventure safer and more enjoyable!

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to the design and layout of our boats. The cockpit gunwale height has been designed to reach mid-thigh level for six foot plus passengers (with the exception of the CE series). Higher cockpit depth allows safer movement, especially for children. The standard toe rail feature increases safety when reaching out to gaff fish or tie up to a dock. Our over-sized deck cleats distribute stress over a larger area, are inherently stronger, and allow the use of thicker, stronger lines when docking and anchoring. In addition, hand grab rails are placed strategically throughout the boat for optimal comfort and convenience. This is all evidence of our passion for details and for the safety of our customers.

All Grady-White boats have ultra-comfortable seating designed with special high-density quick-drying foam covered in waterproof breathable material that feels luxurious to the touch and drains automatically. Each seat is crafted to suit the specific ergonomic needs of where it is placed in the boat. Additional seating is provided by adding stylish cushions to fish box lids, and engineering convertible seats for double-use efficiency. All Grady-White seats are perfectly contoured for a long ride out to the fishing grounds, or an afternoon of island hopping with your family.

Our rounded recirculating livewells extend bait life by eliminating corners where bait can bump when the boat is running and allow them to swim freely in a circular pattern. Raw water from overboard is constantly exchanged within the livewell, providing oxygen to bait, superior to aeration which just pumps air into the existing water. Foam insulation means that our livewells can double as coolers when needed. Many models currently feature the lighted livewell with a full column distribution inlet and large volume pump.

Grady-White has over 150 quality checkpoints throughout our manufacturing and assembly process. No one in the marine industry has more stringent and effective quality control systems, and these all come together in the rigorous final QA check performed in the finishing department. This check encompasses everything from engine rigging to canvas fit, electrical and plumbing connections, and the overall fit and finish of the entire boat. All of this ensures that each boat leaving our factory meets our high standards for quality and performance.

Grady-White’s dealer network is structured solely for the purpose of serving our customers better. We are careful in how we select our dealers and we maintain close contact and communication to ensure alignment of the values and principles of customer care that are at the core of our company. We are confident that our dealers provide excellent service because each year we ask new boat owners to rate their experiences with their dealerships in categories including delivery, service, and overall satisfaction, at both 30 days and one year after purchase. Grady-White dealer Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores consistently rank at the top of the industry, as noted by Grady-White being awarded with every third-party Customer Satisfaction award ever presented in the marine industry, including all eight JD Power Awards ever given in the Saltwater Fishing category, along with every NMMA CSI Award given since its inception in 2002.

Grady-White is unique in their dedication to encouraging employees to continue learning and growing, both as teammates and coworkers, and in their personal lives. Employees are rewarded for reading books from the Grady-White library, as well as taking part in health and personal development challenges related to our 8 Domains of Life. The team is also encouraged to work towards achieving Craftsman levels, which are associated with becoming the best at your craft at Grady-White. The highest designation, Master Craftsman, is the ultimate achievement on our team. The goal of all of this is to help each and every person become the most happy, healthy, and fully developed versions of themselves that they can be.

This weekly meeting is a staple of life at Grady-White. On Friday mornings, everyone in the entire factory is gathered in one place for a presentation given by leadership. Topics include lifelong learning discussions, news about production, happy customer stories, and so much more. It is very important to us that everyone on our team has the same information so we are all aligned in our goals. Friday Morning Focus allows us to remember that we are in this together, delivering the ultimate boating experience to our customers while joyfully working towards fulfilling our own personal potential at the same time.

Who builds your boat matters. Human hearts and hands are the most important part of our boat building process. Grady-White produces exceptional quality work with engaged, focused, and happy craftsmen. We would love for you to come visit us at the factory and see for yourself!