2013 Grady White 226 Seafarer WA

The Grady-White Seafarer 226 walkaround is a mid-range all-rounder catering for the avid offshore angler and trailer boat enthusiast alike. At-a-glance the Grady-White Seafarer 226 preserves the original Grady-White style and lines – as do most of them in my opinion – and it appeals to me. Now don’t get me wrong, Grady-White boats are extremely modernized but more so in the way of build, fixtures and features, and a slight touch on the aesthetics.

When it comes to walkarounds in general, it’s a debatable one, as there is always a compromise where either too much cabin space is lost to compensate for the side decks. Or the cabin is a bit big and in turn limits the walkaround space to the bow. Either way it’s tricky one to get the balance right, but in this case Grady-White has nailed it on the Seafarer 226, and even with a beam of 8 ft. that’s legally towable.

Layout

On board the Grady-White Seafarer 226 the first positive was the rear deck having more than ample space to fish from, or just as a great spot to relax with the family. Then there are the finishes which are spectacular on these boats, right from the gelcoats in subtle colors to the stainless steel. It’s a classy look throughout and that’s before even taking a closer look at what’s on offer.

The big box-tickers for me in the layout are the self-draining deck which is easy to keep clean with the deck wash as well as being a good safety feature, the rear transom seating for passengers that includes stowage space and access to batteries and plumbing below, and although it didn’t have a bait board and rear pre-station, those are easy add-ons. The gunwales have rod racks either side and comfortably take two game rods, while also having toe-lock rails in place. The deck is non-skid and again, is nice and easy to keep clean.

Cockpit

In the cockpit of the Grady-White Seafarer 226, there is two-way front and rear seating. As a molded seating system, the rear seat acts as the sidesteps to the walkaround as well as incorporating live well and split ice/fish boxes, or just extra storage space. 

Within the confines of the cockpit, I never felt crammed sitting at the helm or entering the cabin. That’s a big positive as this is where compromise generally has to happen on walkarounds, and this design is spacious and comfortable throughout.

Engine

Spinning a 250hp Yamaha V6 outboard motor, the Grady-White Seafarer 226 is as agro as they come when power is concerned. That said this engine is super-smooth, slick and controllable throughout the rev range and gets the boat up and boogieing with literally a gentle flick on the controls – and man, it feels good and far from being overpowered.

Thanks to Yamaha’s propeller system with inbuilt damper, there is no chunky clunk into gear, and when it comes to hole shot, six-cylinders with large bores do the job and get you onto the plane effortlessly. There’s a pleasant crackle as she fires up to speed, pleasantly reminding you of the serious power available at the stern, and when backing off the V6 settles down to just a murmur in the background.

Handling and ride

A healthy 44.8kts can be achieved at wide open throttle on the Grady-White Seafarer 226, and although it handles full taps at ease it’s probably not advisable for long periods. Dropping back to a good comfortable cruise speed of around 25kts the Seafarer purrs along between 3800 to 4000rpm, with decent fuel consumption which isn’t too bad considering the size of motor.

On the day conditions were great for reviewing, a solid 15 to 20kt southeasterly pumping through the seaway, along with a fair swell. The Seafarer 226 slices and dices chop well and produces the kind of ride where you can sit back and relax without worrying about bashing yourself to pieces – this of course at civilized speeds. Throw her into tight turns, knock the throttle down, do whatever, and it’s a nice, comfortable and safe-feeling ride.

Off the plane and again it’s comfortable and I particularly like the feel of the boat at troll speeds; smooth, tracks well and at a speed of 7kts you are only sitting at 1500rpm.  No complaints when it comes to stability underway and at rest, and once again very few dislikes if any on the Seafarer 226.

The 226 is a fantastic combination of quality workmanship with innovative design, creating a fully functional trailer boat in all aspects, let along being an import that’s legally towable.

ADVENTURE is in excellent condition and must be seen to be truly appreciated! She is currently in the water at her (transferrable!) slip and is ready to go! In the off season, she sits on a new trailer that is part of the package.

MORE PICS COMING!!