2026 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer

The 281 CE provides a solid, smooth, comfortable ride and a stable fishing platform at rest or when trolling. Courtesy Grady-White Boats Visit Grady-White Build Your Grady-White Find a Grady-White Dealer

Fishing boats have to be more than casting platforms, livewells and fish boxes. Today’s boating families want comfort, luxury seating and cruising appointments and that’s what Grady-White delivers in the 281 Coastal Explorer.

The 281 CE with a newly redesigned  glass windshield is 27 feet, 7 inches with a 9-foot-4-inch beam and runs nicely on twin 300 EXs. With integrated digital steering and optional full-maneuverability joystick steering, the 281 provides exciting performance, easy handling and the safety twin engines bring. 

All the casting decks fore and aft convert from luxury seating to lethal fishing features. Courtesy Grady-White Boats

For cruising there are removable seat cushions and Grady’s swingback aft backrests add comfortable seating to the aft casting deck. In fact, all the casting decks fore and aft convert from lethal fishing features to luxury appointments. On the forward deck, two inclining seatbacks are actuated by an electric switch. Lower the cocktail table, and lay in the cushions to complete a sun pad. Then an optional half-moon-shaped insert and cushion joins the coffin box lid for a stem-to-console platform. 

Fish boxes in the forward seating drain overboard. Two livewells keep baits lively.

Once the 281 CE gets you offshore, dual shotgun rod holders, and dual gunwale rod holders hold your quiver of sticks. There are a pair of rod holders forward as well, should you choose to use them, say for bottom fishing.

Outriggers are optional but four rocket launchers in the hardtop are standard. Tackle compartments below the rigging sink and on front of the lean bar hold the gear you need.

The console is equipped with an electric-flush marine head. Courtesy Grady-White Boats

Grady optionally pre-rigs for a trolling motor with a swivel bracket, a motor shaft support and three 12-volt batteries for a 36-volt motor. Dual 10-foot Power Poles can be added if you desire.

Grady-White’s SeaV2 hull provides a solid, smooth, comfortable ride and a stable fishing platform at rest or when trolling.

Grady-White’s 281 Coastal Explorer reinforces its impeccable reputation for durable beauty and gracious comfort. 

No wonder the boatbuilder has a long-standing track record of winning customer-satisfaction awards.

Grady’s swingback aft sets add comfort to the aft casting deck. Courtesy Grady-White Boats High Points

• The hardtop is redesigned with curved glass for added durability, a sleeker look and better forward visibility.
• A spacious head compartment is equipped with a porcelain flushing head.
• A 38-gallon main livewell with Grady’s proprietary circulation plenum and 18-gallon livewell are standard.
• A convertible aft bench seat can form comfortable seating for three or more, lounging, or for a walk-through and casting platform.
• The electronically folding sport deck with boarding ladder is the perfect swim and diver platform or great for landing large fish.

Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer Certified Test Results Boating Magazine How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha 300 EX
• Props: SWS II 15.25″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 150  gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs Price:$331,200 (base with test power)LOA:27’7″Beam:9’4″Draft (max):1’7″ (engines up)Dry Weight (approx.):5,650 lb. (less engines)Fuel Capacity:160 gal. Contact Grady-White

Grady-White Boats – Greenville, North Carolina; 252-752-2111; gradywhite.com

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