Our Legacy

Over 60 years of legendary reputation.

Founded in 1959 by Glen Grady and Don White, the company built small, rugged boats with Carolina craftsmanship. What began as a small boatbuilder in Greenville, NC, would eventually become a legacy of craftsmanship and integrity, shaped by future CEO Eddie Smith’s lifelong passion for the outdoors and the values instilled by his father.

By 1968, Grady-White Boats was struggling to adapt to fiberglass manufacturing, prompting founders Glen Grady and Don White to consider selling. A chance meeting introduced 26-year-old Eddie Smith to Don White—and an irresistible opportunity. Driven by youthful ambition and a passion for quality, integrity, and hands-on entrepreneurship, Eddie, backed by his father, bought Grady-White.

In the 1970s, Grady-White Boats entered a bold new era of innovation and growth. Guided by Eddie Smith’s vision and a dedicated team, the company transformed boat manufacturing with modern facilities and customer-driven designs—pioneering practical, comfortable, and seaworthy boats that set new standards for fishing and family adventures on the water.

In the 1980s, Grady-White faced one of its greatest tests—and proved its commitment to integrity and customers above all. Eddie Smith’s strong leadership and customer-centered focus turned a potential crisis into a defining moment, reinforcing his values and paving the way for innovation, including the groundbreaking SeaV^2® hull that redefined offshore comfort and performance.

As demand surged in the 1980s and ’90s, Eddie Smith chose quality over rapid growth, preserving Grady-White’s commitment to craftsmanship and customer care. His loyalty to employees and focus on doing what’s right built an enduring company culture—one that continued under Kris Carroll’s visionary leadership, guiding Grady-White to new heights.

Under Kris Carroll’s forward thinking, Grady-White entered the 2000s with record-setting innovation, industry recognition, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction culminating in winning the first ever marine industry J.D. Power Award in 2008. Landmark models like the Express 330 and 360 redefined outboard performance, while continuous design excellence, modern facilities, and heartfelt customer focus propelled Grady-White into a new era of growth, quality, and enduring success.

Innovating with bold design and customer-focused evolution, Grady-White introduced new models and reimagined classics as well as redefined product names for clarity and purpose.  This led to the company developing a new category of boats, the Coastal Explorer series and a new flagship, the Canyon 456, the largest Grady-White boat ever built. Also introduced the first models with the integrated boarding platforms, the Freedom 325, 235 and 215, and the Fisherman 216 and 236. Strengthening its lineup and deepening connection with loyal customers, the company set the stage for another era of growth, excellence, and industry leadership.

In the early 2020s Grady-White Boats continued to make waves with innovative new models like the Freedom 415, the largest outboard dual console ever built, and a new favorite the Canyon 326, plus a complete reimagining of a few classics. Through industry challenges, historic demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the great supply chain disruption, the company remained steadfast in its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction—earning continued recognition and solidifying its legacy as a leader in premium boating.