Grady-White Freedom 375: Review

Billed as the ultimate transformer or crossover, the flagship of the Grady-White Freedom range is the impressive 375 dual console bowrider cruiser and sportfishing rig. Loaded with features and equipment, and with a $1m+ price tag to match, this stunning high-end US craft is available with twin or triple Yamaha V6 and V8 four-stroke outboards and Helm Master joystick for docking.

OVERVIEW
- Dual console models for family boaters and fishermen
Grady-White Boats is a leading US fibreglass boat manufacturer wth an enviable but well-earned reputation for producing high-quality boats with a superior standard of finish and fit-out.

Headquartered in Greenville, North Carolina, Grady-White is best known for its high-end, hardcore offshore sportfishers. But in recent times this adaptable and enduring manufacturer has developed new, more versatile, multi-purpose craft to appeal to family boaters as well as keen anglers.

In the latest Grady-White range, for example, you will find more family-orientated dual console bowrider boats and cabin models than traditional centre-console fishing craft.

Specifically, there are now 10 models to choose from in the dual-console range, starting with the Freedom 192 trailerable bowrider and continuing through to the flagship model, and subject of this report, the imposing Freedom 375.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Top dollar price for premium quality and all-inclusive fit-out
Grady-Whites have always been wonderfully outfitted and appointed, and our Freedom 375 test boat was no exception. The price of admission is high, but you do get an immaculately built and finished craft with all the bells and whistles.

Rather than itemise all of the included gear and equipment (which would take up most of this page) we will make note of the relatively few options fitted to the test boat. They included an aft drop curtain and bow cover (not shown) air conditioning at the helm, and refrigeration to the transom icebox.

That’s it! Apart from electronics gear, everything else you can see in the attached photos is included in the standard inventory for Australian specification models.

Of course you do have several engine options. The base engine package consists of a pair of Yamaha 350hp counter-rotating V8, extra-longshaft (25in) outboards with power steering and Yamaha Command Link Plus digital controls.

With this engine configuration, and sans options and electronics, the Freedom 375 has a local starting price of $1,032,200 from Aussie distributor, Gold Coast based Game And Leisure Boats.

If you’re unsure whether a mere 700hp on the transom will be sufficient, you might consider upgrading to triple Yamaha 300hp V6 four-stroke outboards, or add a third 350hp V8 Yamaha outboard to achieve a whopping 1050hp.

Our test boat package was fitted with the pair of Yamaha V8 outboards, but the duo were optioned with Yamaha’s Helm Master boat control system which incorporates fly-by-wire digital binnacle throttles, electric power steering, digital LCD engine display, and a joystick for easy manoeuvring around the marina.

The Yamaha Helm Master digital control system is available with dual, triple and quad outboard engine installations and is compatible with Yamaha outboards above 200hp. The system works beautifully, although it is relatively costly, adding around $33k to the cost of the Freedom 375 test package.

With Yamaha’s Helm Master engine controls, the aforementioned options, a VHF radio and a pair of Garmin GPSMap 7416xsv multi-function displays, the price of our test boat package rises to $1,099,496.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- Dual cabins, wide decks with ample seating and storage areas
The Freedom 375 dual console looks quite svelte and streamlined on the water, but it is bigger than it looks, measuring over 11m long and 4.0m wide. The deck has a relatively low profile, yet beneath each of the dual consoles you will find a deep, enclosed, and air-conditioned cabin.

On the port side, forward of an L-shaped seating area in the saloon, a door in the side console opens out to reveal steps leading down to a surprisingly spacious cabin area. Within the cabin you’ll find a long seating area with drop-down mirrored table and surrounding cedar-timber lined storage cupboards.

A retractable berth/seat extension slides electronically out from beneath the starboard side cabin wall to meet with the port side seat cushion to form a large double bed.

An additional full length single berth lies aft of the seating area, along with a bulkhead mounted flat screen TV, and underberth storage.

The second cabin under the starboard side console contains the head, shower and vanity unit with surrounding storage areas.

This starboard side cabin also doubles as a secondary galley area as there is ample bench preparation space, storage cupboards and a microwave oven.

The primary galley/wet bar is situated above decks, behind the helm and facing the rear cockpit. Galley features include an electric grill/BBQ, sink with hot and cold water, dual voltage fridge/freezer, ample drink holders and storage drawers.

The layout is practical and works well, especially as there is a retractable awning off the hardtop which extends out over the cockpit to provide shelter when cooking in poor weather.

Between the two consoles there is a companionway running forward to the bow seating area - through a large, centre opening door and windscreen. This bowrider compartment is ideal for family boating as there is plenty of convertible seating and several storage lockers.

Other features include two height adjustable tables, padded backrests, grab rails, drink holders and speakers for the stereo system.

The centre seat cushion in the forepeak is removable too, so you can easily access the large anchor well – or stand and fish from this forward position.

Moving aft now, you’ll find the helm is situated on an elevated mezzanine deck one step up from the rear cockpit, and forward of the galley/wet bar. There is provision at the helm for a crewmember to sit alongside the skipper on a wide bench seat with flip-up front bolsters.

The L-shaped seating opposite, with height adjustable cocktail table, caters for another two or three people.

From the helm, the skipper has an unobstructed view forward and aft, and the tilt-adjust steering wheel and digital throttle controls (included joystick) are appropriately positioned. We found the boat easy and intuitive to drive and to control at speed and when manoeuvring around the marina at docking speeds.

The fascia is designed to accept a large switch panel, compass, VHF radio, engine instrumentation and two big flush-fitted electronics units — such as the dual Garmin GPSMap 7416xsv multi-function displays optioned with the test rig.

Overhead, under the hardtop, you’ll find a sunroof with shade and sliding screen, storage netting for life jackets, a first aid compartment, horizontal and vertical rod storage racks and provision for a drop-down LCD TV on the port side.

COCKPIT AND FISHING FEATURES
- Vast rear fishing deck with high freeboard and padded coamings
Anglers will be impressed with the enormous size of the Freedom 375’s self-draining rear cockpit. Behind the galley unit and portside seating area there is 2.45m of space back to the transom wall by 3.25m in width. There is ample space here to fit a central game chair or bait rigging station.

The cockpit is not only broad, but deep, with 700mm high freeboard along the sides and across the rear transom wall. In addition, the coamings are padded and there are excellent toe-rails under the side storage pockets.

Anglers will also appreciate the 114lt circular live bait tank over on the port side (alongside the transom door), along with the huge, 197lt refrigerated (multi-compartment) icebox which stretches across the transom on the starboard side.

Other key features include a fold-out bench seat, electric slide-out port side passenger seat/lounge, fresh and raw water deck wash, pop-up stern cleats, horizontal coaming rod racks, starboard side dive door, six gunwale mounted rod holders, and a lazarette/bilge compartment beneath the rear cockpit floor to access the included 8kw diesel (yes, the boat has a separate 76lt tank) generator, batteries, steering and plumbing gear.

ON THE WATER
- Proven deep-V hull from renowned US design house
The Freedom 375 is a big, solid cruiser, yet it feels quite nimble and agile underway with fingertip power steering and very responsive throttle controls.

The all-composite, foam-cored hull is also soft, dry and stable, thanks to Grady-White’s proven SeaV2 deep-V hull which was designed by legendary naval architects C. Raymond Hunt Associates.

The SeaV2 hull has a deadrise of 20 degrees and a fine entry forward to cut through choppy water. A series of running strakes provide lift and suppress spray, helping to keep the boat dry in quartering and following seas.

Our test boat was rigged with the base power package in the form of dual 350hp Yamaha V8 four-stroke outboards. As noted earlier, if you’re game, you can option the boat with a third Yamaha V8, lifting the total power output to a considerable 1050hp.

Having triple V8 outboards and over a 1000hp is sure to increase the "buzz factor" when you drive this big rig, but is likely to be overkill for most situations — especially given our dual V8-powered test boat accelerated to a more than acceptable top speed of 37.4kts.

As a compromise between the two extremes, you might consider fitting three of Yamaha’s superb 300hp 4.2L big-block V6 outboards. The extra 200hp would lift the top speed of the Freedom 375 into the low 40-knot area and give the boat a little more zing through the middle rpm range.

VERDICT
- A comfortable, fine-quality family cruiser and offshore fishing platform
The Grady-White Freedom 375 is a fine quality craft, combining a clever open-plan deck layout (with emphasis on outdoor living) with the lock-up cabin accommodation and overnighting facilities of a more traditional cabin cruiser.

The Freedom 375 blurs the line between fishing and family boat, being more than capable of performing both roles with little compromise. If you enjoy and can afford the finer things in life, this premium quality sports cruiser could be just the ticket.

LIKES
>> Proven SeaV2 deep-V hull
>> Excellent build quality, fit and finish
>> Spacious dual console cabins
>> Abundance of seating and storage areas
>> Easy docking with Yamaha Helm Master controls
>> Massive self-draining cockpit with galley facilities
>> Padded coamings and toe-rails under side pockets

NOT SO MUCH
>> Big ticket price
>> No centre-transom rod holders or bait station
>> Bow covers and drop-curtains essential to limit weather damage to seating and upholstery
>> Separate diesel fill for genset

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.6/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.9/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.6/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.8/5.0
Value for money: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 4.7/5.0

PERFORMANCE
2.9kts (5.4km/h) @ 1000rpm
6.8kts (12.6km/h) @ 1500rpm
8.8kts (16.3km/h) @ 2000rpm
9.3kts (17.2km/h) @ 2500rpm
13.0kts (24.0km/h) @ 3000rpm
17.1kts (31.6km/h) @ 3500rpm
19.8kts (36.6km/h) @ 4000rpm
27.8kts (51.4km/h) @ 4500rpm
31.0kts (57.3km/h) @ 5000rpm
34.8kts (64.4km/h) @ 5500rpm
37.4kts (69.2km/h) @ 5750rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY (BOTH ENGINES)
11.0 l/ph @ 1000rpm
20.0 l/ph @ 1500rpm
32.2 l/ph @ 2000rpm
46.9 l/ph @ 2500rpm
72.3 l/ph @ 3000rpm
83.3 l/ph @ 3500rpm
109.7 l/ph @ 4000rpm
130.4 l/ph @ 4500rpm
173.5 l/ph @ 5000rpm
234.8 l/ph @ 5500rpm
240.0 l/ph @ 5700rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95% OF 1211L FUEL TANK: 245.4nm @ 4500rpm

Specifications: Grady-White Freedom 375
Price: $1099,496 including twin Yamaha 5.3L V8 350hp extra-longshaft (25in) four-stroke outboards with Yamaha Helm Master boat control system with joystick, dual Garmin GPSMap 7416xsv multi-function displays, VHF radio, aft drop curtain and bow cover (not shown) air conditioning at the helm, and refrigeration to the transom ice box/cooler. Everything else is standard.
Priced from: $1,032,200 including twin Yamaha 5.3L V8 350hp extra-longshaft (25”) four-stroke outboards with power steering and Yamaha Command Link Plus digital controls.
Hull length: 11.15m
Beam: 4.01m
Weight (no engines): 7370kg
Draft: 740mm
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Maximum power: 1050hp
Engines as tested: Dual Yamaha 350hp four-stroke outboards
Fuel: 1211lt (+76lt diesel tank for genset)
Freshwater: 204 litres
Water heater/shower: 76lt
Toilet holding tank: 38lt

Supplied by:
Game And Leisure Boats
Factory 1, Runaway Bay Marina
247 Bayview Street,
Runaway Bay QLD 4216
Telephone (07) 5577 5811
Website: Game and Leisure Boats