Spotlight: Grady-White Freedom 325

With more and more boaters jumping aboard crossover fishing-and-family rigs, Grady-White from North Carolina has released a new and improved Freedom 325 in its do-it-all range of bluewater-qualified luxury dual consoles.

The ramped-up comforts include an easy-to-access step-down head, starboard daybed console, and a new standard moulded hardtop for shade. There's also standard-issue SureShade awning system, plush cushioned seating and lounging areas in the bow, at the helm, and in the cockpit, and an optional wet bar with refrigerator and a grill as your on-deck galley.

With such amenities, Grady says the new 2018-model Freedom 328 is an all-day cruise-worthy dual console. Air-conditioning with helm outlets and a generator are among the other options to extend your comfort in tropical climes and provide away-from-dock autonomy with 240V power on tap.

The saltwater performance is underpinned by Grady-White’s exclusive SeaV2 hull, which is a variable-deadrise design, plus the U.S. company’s fishing heritage that goes back nearly 60 years. Of course, the boat boasts an array of serious fishing features stationed intuitively where you need them.

To this end, and that of the fish, there are large insulated bow storage boxes (a 170lt starboard insulated box) and dry storage to port with rod pass-through from the head compartment.

The 121lt live well is at the stern, alongside a 240lt aft insulated fish box, and a fold-away aft bench seat that opens up the aft cockpit when you’re ready for action.

DESIGN BACKGROUND
Christian Carraway, product designer at Grady-White, says the new Grady-White Freedom 325 is a real step ahead in the practical aspects of the boat, such as the new easy access head. The styling is also more contemporary, while still retaining the flared-bow hull.

"The hardtop is standard — as it is in all of our models over 30 feet — but this one is different than ones you see on other brands.

"It’s larger by comparison and comes complete with an overhead rail and flush-mount electronics area, plenty of rod holders, LED lighting, and a self-contained retractable SureShade shade system.

"The windshield configuration and its integration with the hardtop creates a striking look. The windshield is more curved, more ‘wraparound' than others, and also offers an all-new, well-engineered ventilation feature that allows greater air circulation even in rain and wind, yet buttons up tight when needs be."

David Neese, Grady-White’s vice president of engineering, explains that the reworked Freedom 325 is the result of customer communications.

"Our customers want a boat that is superbly engineered and built with exceptional attention to detail; a boat that will do it all, providing the comfort of a luxury cruiser with built-in amenities; along with savvy fishing features, seaworthiness, and performance."

DETAILS SET IT APART
Grady-White is known for its user-friendly boat designs, as reflected by the engineering of the portside boarding/diving door (standard), along with the in-built swim/boarding platforms at the stern, sturdy and safe transom door, plus the details like the recessed cockpit shower and six-speaker stereo system.

The large and roomy portside head and shower compartment has been designed with an easy entry, while the ready-for-a-nap starboard console compartment daybed, along with a push-button adjustable lounge in the starboard cockpit, let your work, rest and play.

Grady says the helm is ergonomically designed with well-placed controls and switches, and room for large screen electronics. The fully adjustable deluxe helm chair adds to the ride comfort and handling.

If the
Grady-White Freedom 285 (our review) is anything to go by, this boat will be a beast in all the right ways.

SEAV2 HULL AND YAMAHA PAIRING
The SeaV2 hull, powered by either twin 300hp or 350hp Yamaha four-stroke engines, is built for bluewater boating. The 300s will give around 42 knots top end and 30 knot cruise speeds, while the 350s are good for more than 47 knots. The fuel capacity is 1090lt.

The option of Yamaha’s Helm Master with the Set Point control system offers anglers a range of virtual anchor functions to enhance fishing and, of course, docking with the Joystick and Yamaha twins.

All 26 Grady-White models from 18 to 37 feet are factory rigged for Yamaha outboards and available in two paint colours and five gelcoat colours, in addition to the standard cream hull. Every Grady-White comes standard with the Captain Grady app, with systems operations guides, manuals, how-to checklists, and helpful videos.

With multifunction outboard-powered boats all the rage, we're betting this updated and enhanced Freedom 325 will find plenty of fish and followers.

At-a-Glance: Grady-White Freedom 325
Centre Line Length w/o Engines: 9.50m (swim platforms not included)
LOA w/Swim Platforms: 10.08m
Beam Amidships: 3.28m
Bridge Clearance: 2.69m
Cockpit Depth: 0.69m
Hull Draft: 0.61m
Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees (SeaV2 progression)
Maximum HP: 700 (522 kW)
Fuel Capacity: 1090lt
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