2026 Grady-White 281 CE Sold Boat in Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 US
Built in 2026
281 CE
2 Engines (2x YAMAHA)
27 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
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 2026 Grady-White 281 CE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request |
| Location | Jacksonville Beach | Fort Myers | Miami | Miami | Miami | Miami |
| Nominal Length | 27' | 21' | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 2' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | YAMAHA | MERCURY | - | - | - | - |
| Total Engine Power | 300 hp | 200 hp | - | - | - | - |
| Days on Market | 343 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Get in touch |
Other Grady-White 281 CE boats for sale in Florida, United States
Other Grady-White boats for sale in Florida, United States
2026 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer (CE)
The 2026 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer (CE) is a versatile luxury center console boat designed for both serious fishing and family cruising. Its highlights focus on innovative seating, dual-purpose design, and Grady-White's renowned construction.
Innovative & Family-Friendly Features
- Electro-Mechanical Sport Deck/Dive Door: A unique, portside folding platform that drops down from the gunwale to become a wide, easy-access swim platform or dive door with a stowable boarding ladder.
- Convertible Bow Seating: The entire forward area is highly modular.Electronic Adjustable Backrests: Bow seating can convert to forward-facing lounge seats with the push of a button.Casting Platform: Cushions and an optional center insert can be removed to create a large, full-beam forward casting deck.Optional Bow Table: Can be inserted for entertaining and dining.
- Marine Head Compartment: A lockable console cabin provides a roomy area with an electric flush marine head, a sink, and bulk storage.
- SureShade® (Optional): An electrically retractable cockpit shade offers easy protection from the sun.
Fishing & Performance Highlights
- SeaV²® Hull: Grady-White's proprietary hull design with a continuously variable deadrise. It's known for providing a smooth, comfortable ride offshore while maintaining a relatively shallow 19-inch draft for inshore use.
- Dual Livewells: Equipped with both a 38-gallon insulated livewell in the deluxe lean bar (with full-column distribution) and an 18-gallon insulated livewell in the transom bench.
- Deluxe Lean Bar: Features Command Elite helm chairs, an integrated rigging station with a freshwater shower and cutting board, a bait locker, and abundant lockable storage with dedicated tackle trays.
- Trolling Motor Pre-Rig (Optional): The bow is pre-wired with a mounting bracket for an optional trolling motor, enhancing its shallow-water fishing capabilities.
- Helm Master® EX: Available with Yamaha Helm Master EX (and optional Full Maneuverability with joystick and autopilot) for effortless docking and precision boat positioning (FishPoint®, StayPoint®).
- Ample Insulated Storage: Includes a massive 296-quart cooler under the forward console lounge seat and two 70-quart insulated fish boxes under the bow seats.
Videos from MarineMax Jacksonville at Beach Marine on this 2026 Grady-White 281 CE
2026 Grady-White 281 CE Video Tours
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.
Overview from around the web 2026 Grady-White 281 CE
Customers are praising the 2026 Grady-White 281 CE for its exceptional build quality and seaworthiness, highlighting its smooth and stable ride even in choppy conditions
Many appreciate the spacious and well-designed cockpit, which offers ample seating and storage, making it ideal for both fishing and family outings. The boat’s advanced electronics and user-friendly helm controls receive positive remarks for enhancing navigation and overall ease of use. Additionally, owners commend the comfortable cabin area, noting its thoughtful layout and quality finishes. Overall, the 281 CE is celebrated for blending performance, comfort, and versatility, making it a favorite among boating enthusiasts.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2026 Grady-White 281 CE offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and versatility, making it a popular choice among center console enthusiasts. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Spacious and Comfortable Layout: The 281 CE features a well-designed deck layout with ample seating, including forward and aft seating options, making it ideal for family outings or fishing trips.
Premium Build Quality: Grady-White is renowned for its solid construction and attention to detail, and the 281 CE exemplifies this with high-quality materials and craftsmanship that ensure durability and longevity.
Excellent Fishing Features: Equipped with fishing amenities such as rod holders, a large livewell, and plenty of storage for gear, this boat is well-suited for serious anglers.
Smooth Ride: The hull design delivers a stable and comfortable ride, even in choppy waters, enhancing safety and enjoyment on the water.
Advanced Electronics and Controls: Modern navigation and control systems come standard or are available as options, providing convenience and improved handling.
Fuel Efficiency: With efficient engine options, the 281 CE balances power and fuel economy, allowing for longer trips without frequent refueling.
Cons
Price Point: As a premium boat with high-end features, the 281 CE comes with a higher price tag, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Limited Cabin Space: While offering some shelter and storage below deck, the cabin area is relatively compact compared to larger models, which might limit overnight or extended cruising comfort.
Weight and Trailerability: The boat’s size and build quality contribute to a heavier weight, which can make trailering and launching more challenging without the right equipment.
Optional Upgrades Cost: Some desirable features and accessories may come as costly options rather than standard equipment, potentially increasing the overall purchase price.
Made For
The 2026 Grady-White 281 CE is designed for anglers and boating enthusiasts who demand a versatile, high-performance center console boat. Ideal for serious offshore fishing as well as comfortable family cruising, this model caters to those seeking a blend of rugged durability, advanced fishing features, and spacious accommodations. Whether you're targeting big game fish or enjoying a day on the water with friends and family, the 281 CE offers the perfect balance of functionality, comfort, and style.
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Boat Location
Contact MarineMax Jacksonville at Beach Marine about 2026 Grady-White 281 CE
Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250
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