A new 28-footer is the latest addition to the Coastal Explorer series from Grady-White. The 281 CE follows the smaller 251 CE, which Grady-White described as a bay and inshore boat. Both the 251 and 281 are combined fishing and family platforms, but the 281 is advertised as an inshore-offshore design. Built with a variable vee hull design and an engine-up draft of just 19 inches, the 281 CE can enter very shallow waters but also head for deeper water.
The 281 CE has a portside sport deck with a folding platform and a stowable ladder for swimming, diving and fishing. The aft bench cushions can be arranged in a variety of configurations. On the bow, cushions and seating are retractable to create a fishing platform or a lounge area.
For fishing, the 281 comes with a 38- and an 18-gallon livewell, a rigging station, a cutting board, lure holder, tackle trays and freshwater shower.
Standard power is a single Yamaha 425 outboard. The 281 is also offered with dual Yamaha 300-hp engines. Owners can choose optional upgrades like a SureShade, Easy up bow shade, ski arch or pylon and more.
Shelley Tubaugh, Grady-White’s Vice President of Marketing says, “Every detail has been designed, rigorously tested, and refined, to ensure we deliver the ultimate boating experience.”
For more information, go to the Grady-White website.
