New Grady-White Fisherman 216 centre console

Grady-White has come out swinging in the popular 21ft centre console market, with an all-new model Fisherman 216 designed to set the standard for smaller premium sportfishers. The smart boat promises big-water performance, serous fishing features, loads of storage and access, along with innovative seating and the brand’s signature rugged elegance.

Pitched as a new 8'6" (2.59m) beam-category leader, the Fisherman 216 uses the North Carolina’s boatbuilder’s track-proven SeaV2 hull, topped with its 57-year heritage of creating finely-tuned fishing rigs, then top billing for family friendliness.

The new model's release is timely give the recent announcement and arrival of new boats at the nw Grady-White dealer Short Marine in Sydney.

FISH BOAT FIRST
Grady-White’s fish-boat design expertise in patently obvious in the new Fisherman 216. A room-to-move-around cockpit, with impressive rod and tackle storage, plus just the right placement and angle for rod holders, begins the list of functional features.

Twin 76lt insulated fish boxes are under the bow seating, which is long and wide enough to stretch out on, with optional patent-pending foldaway forward facing bolstered adjustable backrests. Grady says it’s a great spot to ride to the fishing grounds.

The console is available with a sturdy fiberglass T-top including integrated windshield, radio box, storage net, dome light, spreader light, and four rod holders, plus radar platform. The optional T-top replaces the standard console windshield.

The helm seating adds to the fishing functionality. A lean bar with backrest, flip-up bolster, footrest, tackle trays, lockable storage, and four rod holders comes standard. The available deluxe lean bar adds a serious 95lt livewell with uniquely Grady-White engineering designed to really keeps bait lively.

The helm itself is said to be ergonomically designed, with easy access to systems and controls, and a big electronics area offers plenty of room for flush mount equipment with monitor screens as large as 12in.

With a maximum 250hp rating and more than 300lt of fuel, the 21-footer will have a very decent offshore fishing range, we add.

INNOVATIVE TRANSOM AND SEATING
The Fisherman 216’s new transom swing-away port and starboard aft seat backrests pivot out of the way for entry and exit via the swim and dockside boarding platforms. This is said to be a first in the industry and a highlight of the boat’s functionality.

"Whether you’re bringing aboard tackle and gear for a day on the fishing grounds, or loading the family aboard for water sports, swimming and a cook-out at your favourite beach, this innovative feature gives new meaning to the words ‘user friendly’," says Shelley Tubaugh, Grady-White vice president of marketing.  

The aft jump seats are deeply cushioned on their topsides, and are over 60cm wide for roomy, super-comfortable seating enhanced by the cushioned backrests. Seat cushions are safety-equipped with a rubber non-skid surface on their underside for sure footing when tackle-loaded fishermen, wet swimmers, beach explorers and picnickers step aboard.

The all-day comforts continue with an oversized enclosed head compartment, complete with standard portable head, indirect LED lighting, and plenty of extra lockable storage for rods, tackle, beach gear… you name it.

"A roomy head is a rare commodity in a 21-foot boat," Tubaugh enthuses, "but our engineers and design team got it just right aboard this amazing winner!"

FISHING AND FAMILY
Christian Carraway, Grady-White design engineer, remarks, said it’s all about fishing and family aboard the Fisherman 216.

"Grady-White’s fishing-savvy engineering is seamlessly incorporated into a boat that doubles as a great family boat with perfection in every detail, creating tremendous value and really offering all the best of many boats that are much larger.

"The 216 performance shines because, no matter the engine horsepower choice, underneath is the proven continuously-variable shape of the SeaV2 hull — a perfect reflection of the company’s core values of quality, safety, and reliability.

Carraway adds that the long list of 216 features and meticulous attention to detail reflect the boatbuilder’s rich heritage, while superb engineering and innovation underscore the brand’s bright future.

COLOURED HULLS
The Fisherman 216 and all Grady-Whites are available in six hull gelcoat colours or two paint colours. Every model features the acclaimed SeaV2 hull that Grady-White says provides a softer, drier, more stable ride, meaning you can enjoy more days on the water more often.

Established in 1959, Grady-White builds a full range of versatile, saltwater-tough centre console, dual console, express and walkaround cuddy cabin, sportfishing and coastal family boats from 18 to 37 feet in length. Visitors are welcome to tour the factory in Greenville, North Carolina.

AT-A-GLANCE: Grady-White Fisherman 216
Centreline Length (w/o Engine): 6.48m/21'3" (swim platforms not included)
LOA w/Swim Platforms: 7.16m /23'6"
Beam: 2.59m/8’6”
Bridge Clearance: 2m/6'7", w/T-top: 2.31m/7'7
Cockpit Depth: 0.64m /25"
Hull Draft: 0.40m/16in
Transom Deadrise: 19 degrees (SeaV2® progression hull)
Maximum HP: 250 (187kW)
Fuel Capacity: Standard: 303lt
More at Grady-White.