2024 Grady-White 281 CE Boat in Sarasota, FL 34230 US
Built in 2024
281 CE
2 Engines (2x Yamaha)
28 feet
Gas
Other
Step aboard the 2024 Grady-White 281 CE (Coastal Explorer) a remarkable blend of performance, versatility, and craftsmanship that defines what it means to be on the water. This well-appointed center console is powered by twin Yamaha F300XSB4 engines, ensuring exhilarating speed and reliability, with only 125 hours of use. Crafted for both serious anglers and leisurely cruisers, this vessel delivers an unparalleled boating experience.
The exterior of the 281 Coastal Explorer is designed with both form and function in mind. Its sleek lines and Coastal Fog Blue gelcoat not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also provide durability against the elements. A spacious 9-foot beam allows for ample room on deck, accommodating family and friends with ease. The layout includes twin 10' Power-Pole Blades for effortless anchoring and a Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 72" 36V i-Pilot trolling motor, making it a fisherman's dream. A SureShade awning provides comfort from the sun, ensuring your time on the water is enjoyable, even during the hottest days.
At the helm, the 281 Coastal Explorer boasts dual Garmin 8616-series displays, providing critical navigation and fish-finding capabilities at your fingertips. The intuitive layout of controls and instrumentation ensures that you can operate the vessel with confidence and precision, whether you are navigating coastal waters or heading offshore. The yacht's full maneuverability system enhances handling, making docking and low-speed maneuvers a breeze.
Below deck, the vessel offers a functional interior that maximizes space without sacrificing comfort. While primarily designed for day trips and fishing excursions, the thoughtful design includes storage compartments that keep your gear organized and accessible. You'll appreciate the attention to detail that Grady-White is known for, ensuring that every inch of the vessel is utilized efficiently.
Performance-wise, the twin Yamaha engines not only deliver impressive horsepower but also ensure optimal fuel efficiency with a generous 160-gallon fuel capacity. This setup not only provides ample range for extended outings but also contributes to a smooth ride, making it ideal for a variety of boating activities.
This 2024 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer stands out as a vessel that encapsulates the essence of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. With its array of premium features and upgrades, it is poised to satisfy even the most discerning boating enthusiast. Experience the thrill of the open water while enjoying unmatched luxury and performance with this exceptional center console.
This 2024 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer was ordered as a highly optioned coastal crossover, combining offshore-capable Yamaha power with shallow-water fishing equipment and family-friendly comfort features. The original purchase agreement documents a $347,841 sale price plus $27,724.90 in customer-added options, for a purchase price with added options of $375,565.90 before trade allowance, taxes and fees. Notable equipment includes Yamaha Full Maneuverability, upgraded Garmin electronics, twin Power-Pole Blades, Minn Kota trolling motor, casting platform, bow table, bow shade, SureShade and underwater lighting.
- Yamaha Full Maneuverability system with helm master joystick controls
- Elite Lean Bar
- At-center backrest
- Twin Yamaha F300 controls and instrumentation
- Dual Garmin 8616 / 8616xsv multifunction displays
- Garmin GT51M transom transducer
- Garmin VHF 215 AIS marine radio with antenna
- Twin 2023 Yamaha F300XSB4 outboards
- 300 HP each / 600 HP total
- Yamaha Full Maneuverability
- Trailing motor prep package
- Casting platform insert with cushion
- Twin 10' white Power-Pole Blade shallow-water anchors
- Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 72" 36V trolling motor with i-Pilot
- Underwater lights
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/8/26 | Initial price | $299,000 |
Grady-White 281 CE: BoatTEST Review
Overview
The Grady White 281 Coastal Explorer is a thoughtfully designed center console boat that prioritizes fishing functionality without sacrificing family-friendly features. With a length overall of 27 feet, 7 inches, a beam of 9 feet, 4 inches, and a draft of 19 inches, this vessel balances robust construction and clever design to deliver a versatile boating experience. It offers a range of engine options including a single 425 horsepower Yamaha or twin 300 horsepower outboards, supporting both performance and reliability.
Fishing Features and Exterior Design
Fishing is at the core of the 281 Coastal Explorer's design. The cockpit is equipped with a 38-gallon live well on the starboard side, a self-draining freshwater sink, and abundant storage including tackle drawers and under-seat compartments. Rod holders are strategically placed along the cap rails, trailing edge of the hardtop, and integrated with cup holders for convenience. The transom features a spacious 7-foot, 2-inch by 2-foot, 2-inch diamond non-skid casting platform, enhanced by the absence of an engine well due to Yamaha's integrated digital electric steering. The flip-out seat back with bolster support provides comfortable seating without compromising platform height. Center hatches reveal an 18-gallon insulated live well that doubles as a cooler, flanked by removable storage bins granting access to the bilge. The boat includes a 21-inch high bulwark for safety and is pre-rigged for aftermarket power poles and trolling motors.
Forward Deck and T-Top Design
Forward of the cockpit lies a large casting platform measuring approximately 6 feet, 10 inches wide by 8 feet, 10 inches long, accessible via two 9-inch steps that enhance safety and ease of movement. The deck features diamond non-skid surfaces and two insulated, self-draining 70-quart storage compartments. A 296-quart insulated coffin box with a removable divider extends the platform aft. The T-top is mounted to the console rather than the deck, preserving 22 inches of side deck clearance and providing a clean, unobstructed walkway. Its supports are inside the windshield frame and include integrated handrails for helm operation. The T-top is equipped with spreader lights fore and aft, pre-rigged for outriggers, and features underground rod storage for rods up to 10 feet.
Convertible Seating and Family Features
Beyond fishing, the 281 Coastal Explorer converts easily into a family-friendly boat. Cushions transform the forward area into two forward-facing lounges, complemented by electrically actuated side seatbacks that create additional lounges with adjustable positions. The seatbacks can be stopped at any angle, enhancing comfort and usability. A full-length grab rail and conveniently placed beverage holders add to the comfort. An easy-up bow shade supported by carbon fiber stanchions provides sun protection for up to five passengers. The forward seating also includes a side-facing lounger option, an electrically extendable shade from the hardtop’s trailing edge, and options for a ski tow arch or pylon depending on engine configuration. The sport deck at the stern is electrically actuated and standard, featuring a ladder and side doors for easy water access.
Head Compartment and Safety Features
The head compartment is designed with thoughtful engineering, featuring side access with an inward-opening door equipped with a handle and magnetic catch to hold it open. Inside, a grab handle and conveniently located light switch provide ease of use. The compartment offers 5 feet, 4 inches of overhead clearance and 4 feet of sitting headroom, with cherry storage racks and a solar-powered vent overhead. The bow rail extends fully back for secure handholds when entering or exiting the head. Safety is emphasized throughout the boat, with 21-inch high bulwarks, multiple grab rails along the side decks and under the T-top, foam flotation beyond regulatory requirements, and comprehensive overboard drainage for all compartments and drink holders.
Helm and Operational Features
The helm console is designed for operational efficiency and comfort. It accommodates dual 16-inch flat panel displays supplied by dealers, with switches positioned low on the console to keep the line of sight clear. A centrally located Yamaha engine display sits just ahead of digital engine controls. The steering wheel is a three-spoke gray stainless steel design with non-skid surfaces and a steering knob, mounted on a tilt base. The compass is mounted centrally on the console, although slightly offset from the steering wheel. Storage includes a large forward compartment and an overhead electronics box housing a dealer-installed VHF radio. The wraparound acrylic windshield extends outside the T-top supports with minimal distortion and includes a standard windshield wiper. Additional features include a Fusion stereo system with connectivity, zippered overhead storage, LED lighting capable of cycling through red, white, and blue, and an elite leaning post with flip armrests, flip bolsters, and fore-aft adjustment. Fire extinguisher storage is integrated into the portside bulwark.
Ground Tackle and Deck Hardware
The ground tackle is conveniently located on an elevated platform at the bow, eliminating the need to bend or stoop. The anchor locker hatch is supported by a gas assist strut and houses a standard windlass with controls both at the bow and helm. The bow features a pop-up navigation light and three 8-inch pull-up cleats on each side, facilitating secure mooring.
Performance and Handling
During testing with twin 300 horsepower Yamaha outboards equipped with 15 1/4 by 19 props, the 281 Coastal Explorer achieved a top speed of 55 miles per hour at 6,000 RPM. The optimal cruising speed was found at 3,400 RPM, delivering 32.1 miles per hour with a fuel burn of 14.7 gallons per hour, equating to 2.2 miles per gallon and a range of 316 statute miles while maintaining a 10% fuel reserve from the 160-gallon capacity. Acceleration to plane occurred in approximately three seconds, reaching 20 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds, 30 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, and surpassing 40 miles per hour in 9.6 seconds. The boat exhibits strong, sturdy construction with excellent handling characteristics, including a smooth, dry ride through waves and wakes, gentle leaning into turns without excessive centrifugal force, and minimal speed loss during maneuvers. Trim adjustments are straightforward, with the boat favoring a trim gauge setting that leaves about three notches visible for optimal cruising attitude. Trim tabs are primarily used for correcting uneven weight distribution rather than performance enhancement.
Conclusion
The Grady White 281 Coastal Explorer stands out for its meticulous attention to detail, robust build quality, and thoughtful integration of fishing and family features. Its clever use of space, extensive storage solutions, and comfortable seating arrangements make it a versatile vessel suitable for serious anglers and recreational boaters alike. Performance testing confirms its capability to deliver a smooth, stable, and efficient ride, while safety features and operational conveniences reinforce its reputation as a well-engineered boat designed to last a lifetime.
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 2024 Grady-White 281 CE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299,000 | $299,989 | $295,000 | $289,000 | $359,900 | $209,000 |
| Location | Sarasota | Pensacola | Stuart | Port Saint Joe | Miami | Fort Lauderdale |
| Nominal Length | 28' | 32' | 27' | 33' | 33' | 27' |
| Draft | 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yamaha | Yamaha | YAMAHA | Yamaha | YAMAHA | Yamaha |
| Total Engine Power | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Days on Market | 11 | 249 | 60 | 337 | 220 | 1771 |
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Other Information about Galati Yacht Sales
Galati Yachts Sales, Sarasota is located in the heart of Sarasota, FL at Marina Jack, this location provides easy access both by land and water. We operate locations throughout the Gulf Coast, West Coast, Costa Rica, and Mexico, and proudly specialize in Viking, Valhalla Boatworks, Princess, Absolute, Prestige, MJM, and pre-owned yacht sales - all supported by unsurpassed customer service and industry expertise.
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Boat Location
Contact Galati Yacht Sales about 2024 Grady-White 281 CE
2 MARINA PLAZA , SUITE 8, Sarasota , FL, 34236
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