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Grady-White Fisherman 257: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide

The Fisherman 257 is a highly functional saltwater fishing machine.
Grady-White Fisherman 257 on the water
LOA: 24’9″ | Beam: 8’6″ | Fuel Capacity: 135 gal. | Dry Weight: 4,300 lb. plus power | Max HP: 400 | Certifications: NMMA Courtesy Grady-White

Fans of offshore center-console boats want them seaworthy and dry-riding, and they want them generous in fishing room. Grady-White gives them all that in spades, and plenty more.

One of the best-known and most well-respected brands across several categories, G-W is at home wherever both water and fish run big. Of those in our survey who own an offshore center-console boat — of any nameplate — Grady placed first among brands they’d consider in repurchase shopping, by a big margin. And seaworthiness and ride quality play a big part.

Credit that stable, smooth and comfortable ride to the hand-laid SeaV2 progressive hull, which ­begins at a stable 20 degrees (wide chines adding at-rest and trolling stability). The hull sharpens as it approaches the bow, splitting waves cleanly and softly.

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Grady-White was born six decades ago to tame North Carolina’s legendary and ­demanding waters and inlets; while the brand is still built there, its fame and presence have spread well beyond.

Yamaha digital panel on boat helm
The Yamaha digital panel features a Ritchie compass and DC toggle controls. Courtesy Grady-White

Grady-White Fisherman 257
Grady-White says it listened to avid saltwater sport-fishing customers — and to coastal recreation-loving families — before designing and introducing its 25-foot Fisherman 257 center-console.

This boat is ready to battle fish, with thigh-high bolsters throughout, and toe rails along the sides for secure gaffing and fish fighting.

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Anticipating, thoughtfully, great success in those fishy fights, the Fisherman 257 has port and starboard 120-quart insulated fish boxes (which gravity-drain overboard) within cushioned bow seats, and a 185-quart box aft of the leaning post for fish, bait or refreshments. A 32-gallon livewell stands ready in the aft port corner. Four gunwale-mounted rod holders — meeting or exceeding what 70 percent of inshore-fishing survey respondents say is their minimum — stand ready.

Four vertical rod holders are on the rear of the helm seat; an optional fiberglass T-top bears four more.

The console storage locks ­protect the circuit breakers too.

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The leaning bar features a footrest, backrest and flip-up bolster. Foldaway bolstered bow backrests face forward.

69% of survey participants said a foldaway aft seat was important; this patented aft seat fulfills this expertly.

Survey Says: On Target

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  • Rod holders meet or exceed expectations
  • Seating at helm meets two-person preferred minimum
  • Safety flotation meets strong survey preference

Owners Say

  • Very seaworthy and easy to fish
  • Smooth, comfortable ride
  • Easy to fish around

Grady-White Says

  • Highly functional saltwater fishing machine
  • Attention to detail
  • Grady sets a new standard for boater satisfaction, with generous fishing considerations, spacious passenger seating area, and the nameplate’s signature SeaV2 ride
  • Unanimously wins all customer-satisfaction awards

More Info: gradywhite.com

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