Grady-White Fisherman 236: Review

When it comes to centre consoles, Grady-White takes some beating. The famous North Carolina fishing-boat brand has a depth of design rivalled only by the extent of the waters it can fish. With a single 300hp Yamaha V6 and 435lt of fuel, the Fisherman 236 will take you from the coast to the submarine canyons and everywhere in between. At the same time, this centre console can play hard with the family. Where’s the compromise? That’s what we’re asking.

OVERVIEW
- A variable deadrise SeaV2 hull and Yamaha outboard power
This 236 Fisherman is one of the latest and greatest offerings in the popular 23-24ft centre-console category. With a 23ft 7in or 7.18m centreline length, measured without swim platforms, this is a big boat. The sizing is enhanced by a classic Carolina flared bow with a raised sheerline. The boat has a pretty and purposeful profile, backed up by exceptional build quality, and great attention to detail. You will just want to get aboard and zoom offshore. Trust us.

Of course, Grady-White is a well-respected marque that designs its boats from the keel up. This sportfishing rig has everything you need built in to venture wide, run hard, troll all day, and pitch lures, baits or fly. The boat is ideal for chasing marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, as much as hitting the reefs for kings, amberjack and Samsons, jewfish and snapper. Up north, you can add all those tropical species to the hitlist. The boat’s also nimble enough to fish back inshore in the bay or harbour or even the flats.

That said, with a single 300hp Yamaha V6 outboard and 435lt of fuel, you get big-boat capability and range. But you also get single-engine manageability and acceptable fuel bills. What we’re saying here is that this is a great size centre console without being a drag.

On a dual-axle alloy trailer with electric brakes, you’re looking at about 3000kg on road. We anticipate the rig will weigh under the 3500kg popular towing limit, providing it’s not full of fuel and gear. The 2.59m beam, common on American boats, means you’ll need a permit. But that’s no ‘biggy’.

That said, our test boat was probably destined for a life on a floating dock, outside a waterfront, or in a dry stack. For the Sydney or Pittwater or Port Hacking boater, this would be about all you need. The Fisherman 236 is both an offshore sportfisher and a family dayboat with plenty of comforts... starting with the great ride.

Grady-White’s close relationship with Yamaha means you get a turnkey boating package with proven performance. The local Short Marine dealer bolted the outboard on the back, but also ticked quite some option’s boxes. We jumped aboard just days after the boat shipped from the North Carolina factory to debut at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show. A showboat, the Fisherman 236 was locked and loaded.

The latest model in the eight-strong centre-console Grady-White fleet, the Fisherman 236 introduces some enhancements for the 2018 line-up. The big thing are those extended swim platforms. Would this affect the fishability around the transom, your rod-tip clearance, say, when hooked up to a deep slugging tuna? I’m stoked to find this boat so stable that you can walk right out there when offshore to fight a fish around the prop. Check the ride and stability in our video…

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- A premium centre console and perfect outboard match
With the maximum 300hp Yamaha F300 and options, the Fisherman 236 was priced at $198,000 drive away. That’s competitive for a premium American centre console when stacked up against its true opposition and not the price-point, pared-backed imports sometimes built to a price, and without this much gear.

The options fitted includd a GRP T-top with 15ft crank alloy telescopic outriggers, Deluxe helm seat with second live well and rod storage, Garmin 12in MFD, power-assisted steering, sky pylon, windlass and stainless anchor, casting platform bow insert, cockpit bolsters, head with macerator, Coastal Fog Blue hull colour, and more. A trailer will add about $12,000 to the package.

You could get a base Fisherman 236 rig with a four-cylinder 200hp Yamaha for as little as $169k, but Grady-White buyers are chasing a premium experience and our test boat with F300 Yamaha, the hardtop and riggers, twin live wells, boosted rod storage, casting platform and Garmin gear, is a top shelf rig with the lot.

Having run this boat hard, I’d venture you will want a 300hp outboard, especially with a full fuel load and live wells, three or four guys, and a few big tuna on the deck. To that end, and that of the fish, we’d upscale the transducer to a 1kW model and run a second flush-mount 12in screen on our boat. With that and your tackle, you are right to go.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT
- Ergonomically designed centre console for fishing and family
Fish and family is a common word association used by boat builders to broaden their audience these days. Let’s not pull any punches, the Fisherman 236 is exactly that — a self-draining offshore sportfisher bristling with features. But this boat does show that you can pack some extra seating, a spacious head and swim steps without blowing your fishability.

At the blunt end, the new extended swim platforms play into the hands of the family boater. There’s actually room to sit with legs outstretched. The integrated swim ladder sits slightly proud, perhaps not to the satisfaction of hardcore anglers seeking line clearance. I think they can improve on this little detail. But, as touched on, there is room out here to stand at sea, fight a fish for a moment, trace, gaff and land that trophy tuna if it’s slugging it out.

There are also two new wet boxes in the swim platform, one of which can double as storage for the stern anchor for those family beach or sandbar days. The wide starboard-side transom marlin door makes access to and from the cockpit a breeze. You just waltz in and out without thinking about it. Our test boat also had a pop-up ski pole fitted for towing the kids on tubes.

But the stern highlight is the deep integrated live well and the150-litre insulated storage box with overboard drain built into the transom. The virtual aquarium and big fish storage bin will be a key part of your fishing experience. I can see myself stuffing a green 10kg mahi mahi in the fish box and shutting the lid before things get too hectic. Once subdued, I could then transfr the fish to one of the insulated fish boxes up front that was carrying ice and use the raw-water deck wash to tidy up back aft.

The hidden fold down aft lounge also in the transom was beautifully executed, providing impromptu seating for two in the most comfortable part of the boat, while tucking out of the way when fishing. The decks are self draining, while a floor hatch grants access to the bilge, its pump and, cleverly, there are extended levers to easily open and shut the seacocks for the live well and raw-water deck wash.

Pop up cleats, a recessed deck shower/tackle rinser, drink holders that double as lure holders, and rod holders are placed strategically around the gunwales. It’s all very clean thanks to that integrated Grady-White design. Padded coamings and terrific toe kicks — along with a super stable hull — make leaning outboard safe and secure. Ergonomically, it’s hard to beat as a fishing platform.

Rod, gaff and tag pole storage exists under the gunwales in triple racks each side of the boat. The helm bench was the upgraded model with integrated splash-proof live-well under the seat base. There were also tackle trays and a four-rod rod launcher built into the moulded seat module.

But it’s the powder-coated T-top frame with rocket launcher and moulded hardtop that makes this centre console. The rocket launcher has room for four more outfits, while the Taco Grand Slam bases with telescopic 15ft alloy poles let you set a lure spread in no time. There are floodlights and plenty of handholds in the powder-coated tee-top frame. The T-top sets the boat right off. You just need a centre shotgun rigger.

Inside the centre console is a surprisingly roomy step-down head, one of the biggest we’ve seen on a 23-24 footer, with plenty of space for mum and the kids to dress. The additional dry storage will come in handy. We’d probably consider mounting a rod rack in here, as the head is a lock-up. There is an opening portlight, a hook for your Gortex jacket, and a full-length piano hinge on the sealed door.

Meantime, the forward cockpit has some tricks. With the optional infill, the V-seating area in the bow becomes a casting platform. Store the seat cushions in the aforesaid moulded head when fishing. The seat backrests, which allow you to face forward with legs outstretched just like a bowrider, swivel cleverly to the side to create more unobstructed fishing room.

But with the backrests swiveled into position the infill and the cushions on tracks, the bow is one big seating area and sunpad. This detail epitomises the two-way design thinking of the Fisherman 236. Just swivel and switch from fishing to family… quick as that. Add the flip-down transom lounge and this fishing boat for four becomes a great social boat for six.

Beneath the bow seats are twin insulated fish boxes each of 85lt capacity that drain overboard. There’s also insulated storage under the forward ‘mother-in-law’ seat ahead of the console. With the windlass and stainless pick added, you’re getting push-button anchoring. For deep-water work, you’ll need a tub of rope and a buoy-retrieval system.

When up front, the kick in the sheerline and flare raise the freeboard and keep water at bay. That’s the Carolina look and ability we love and, well,  no Aussie boatbuilder seems able to emulate it.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- Built for the bluewater and the long haul
A mate was talking about this boat at my golf course the other day. He spotted our video (embedded above) and was keen to chat. He asked about the quality of the build and engineering as we walked out of the clubhouse. I cast my eyes around the car park and said the Grady-White is akin the Mercs and BMWs in the lot, not the Holden and Fords, Toyotas or Mazdas.

The Grady-White is hand-laid and built to last. There’s a composite stringer system and transom to stop rot, self-draining cockpit with basic underfloor floatation, stainless steel through-hull fittings, all through-bolted 316 stainless deck gear and stainless wheel, plus first class wiring looms, a twin battery set-up, and access to everything including the bilge for servicing.

The mouldings are a highlight and, with the sheerline, flare and raked stem, this centre console just looks right. It has a feeling of solidity and quietness through the water. Nothing rattles. The hull just goes whoosh and the Yamaha V6 is purring.

The hull design is what Grady-White markets as a SeaV2, which is a progressive vee or variable-deadrise design created especially for the boatbuilder by Raymond Hunt. It goes from a sharp entry and stem to about 30 degrees amidships and 20 degrees at the transom. A combination of strakes and chines and flare adds to the lift and water deflection. One look and you know it’s going to work. See the pic above of the hull on the dry dock.

ON THE WATER
- The best of both worlds with ride comfort and stability
We had a nice 20 knots pumping from the west and blowing offshore from Sydney for our test. Of course, the further you ventured out the rougher it got. The wind was up so the spray was flying. All centre consoles are a tad wet on the bow quarter and beam on. With some careful trim adjustments, I managed to find the sweet spot between riding high and dry and keep the sharp forefoot in the water for slicing.

The range of trim options at hand were most welcome. The boat comes with hydraulic trim tabs so you can ensure you’re running on an even keel even while beam-on. Between the tabs and the Yamaha trim and tilt, you can go from buttoned down and hard into a head sea to free and easy running back on the flatter aft sections when surfing home. A big fish or mate on deck won’t kill your ride either. Just tabs it right. Or left.

As you might see in the video above, I found the 22-25 knot cruise range ideal, hitting 28-30 knots on the way home, with the stated top speed right on 40 knots as per factory sea trials. It’s right on the money with those speeds.

According to Grady, the cruising groove is 3700rpm for 25-26 knots. You’ll burn 36.7lt/hr or about 1.50lt/nm for a range of 272nm+ from 90 per cent of the 435lt underfloor tank. In other words, you can fish long and strong all day. And with 3500-3700rpm giving the best figures, your V6 Yammie F300 isn’t going to be working very hard. Long life.

Offshore, there was an odd lick of spray and it took concentration to run the boat at the right trim on every different angle. But that’s your driving skill right there. And with the trim just right, it didn’t bang at all. The boat has that monocoque feeling, like it’s one unit built for open water, which it is. It also has weight. It’s not a production pop out but a heavy sea boat.

But while I enjoyed running this boat offshore and setting it up just right, to the point I was smoking the camera boat and never getting offline no matter what angles I lined-up, the highlight was back at fishing speeds. I’ve spent time on a lot of centre consoles with more than 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom, including constant deep-vee boats with 24 degrees.

There are centre console with more vee and even more weight that can be run harder than this Grady-White Fisherman 236. But back at trolling speeds and when drifting, my golly, this is a rock solid stable fishing platform. It’s quite remarkable just how good it feels at fishing pace. So for trolling, fighting marlin and tuna, jigging for kings and so on, this is an exceptional platform. You’ll have no time for feeling green or sick.

In the same vein, with the family packed aboard, the surefooted ride and behaviour will add to your comfort, safety and enjoyment. It’s not a boat that teeters to shifting load, but one that sinks the chines and says: "that’s it, no more, stop right there."

Additionally, the lift back aft and the buoyant aids hole shot for anything from bar work to towing tubes, while the high bow adds to the seaworthy profile and the freeboard on the non-skid decks. With all the grab rails at hand, it is a doubly reassuring platform. Trolling at 8 knots in 20 knots will be no issue at all, while other boats will low-slung bows will be wet.

But as much as I enjoyed the straight-line performance, it's the stability underfoot after powering offshore, the dry and pleasant motion at trolling speed, and while drifting, that had me sold. Under the hardtop, I’d happily spend long hot summer days on the bluewater. Ditto the family on Pittwater or Sydney Harbour. You won’t feel wrecked after a day on this boat.

With a single outboard, you’re looking at sensible speeds, economical performance and affordable annual maintenance. Put all this together, and this 23-24 footer is a great fit for today’s serious sportfishing family man. As we said up front, there’s no real compromise.

With quality construction and user-friendly design, the Grady-White Fisherman 236 feels like it's built by boaters for real boaters. It transcends being a mere commodity and moulded fibreglass boat to becoming a family member and best fishing friend.

LIKES
>> Build quality and attention to detail
>> Integrated fishing and family features
>> Keel-up design, storage and ergonomics
>> Easily driven with a smooth ride
>> Exceptional stability
>> Strong reputation and resale value

NOT SO MUCH
>> Aft protruding swim ladder could foul lines
>> You pay a premium for the premium boating experience
>> All centre consoles in this class cope the odd lashing of spray

RATINGS
Overall rating: 94/100
Mechanical/equipment: 4.9/5
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.8/5
Value for money: 4.2/5.0
X-factor: 4.8/5.0

Specifications: Grady-White Fisherman 236
Price as Tested: $198k with Yamaha F300 and options including GRP T-top with 15ft crank outriggers, Deluxe helm seat with live well and rod storage, Garmin 12in MFD, power-assisted steering, sky pylon, windlass and stainless anchor, casting platform bow insert, cockpit bolsters, head with macerator, Coastal Fog Blue hull colour, and more. A trailer will add about $12,000 to the package.
Priced From: About $169k with four-cylinder 200hp Yamaha F200

LOA (standard): 7.80m with swim platforms
Centreline Length: 7.18m
Beam: 2.59m
Weight: 1769kg dry, hull only
Maximum Horsepower: 300hp
Minimum Horsepower: 200hp
Deadrise at Transom:  20 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 435lt
Freshwater: 38lt
Bridge Clearance: 1.96m, 2.49m with Tee Top
Engine: Yamaha F300
Hull Draft: 0.47m
Passenger Capacity: 10

Supplied by:
Short Marine
Ferguson’s Marina,
The Spit, Mosman, Sydney
More at www.shortmarine.com.au.