Over the past few years, Grady- White has been concentrating on building
bigger and better boats than ever, as evidenced by the incredible new
Canyon 366 center console. But for 2010 angler/entertainer boaters who
still want the option of trailer-ability will have the Fisherman 230 to
cheer about.
Unique Factor
Some sub-23-foot center
consoles more closely resemble bay boats in stature, but our initial
vibe upon stepping aboard the Fisherman 230 is that this baby is built
like a tank. And we were right; this industrial-strength wonder isn't
going to wimp out when things get a little rough. That's not really
surprising considering Grady-White's home waters are the treacherous
Outer Banks off North Carolina's coast.Weighing just
a little more than 4,000 pounds, this 22-foot, 8-inch center console
weighs only 43 pounds less than the nearly 25-foot-long Advance 257, a
boat I?ve personally had the pleasure of thrashing around in the open
ocean. With tall gunwales and a built-up bow with a generous Carolina
flare, this mid-size center console looked big and fished big with 58
square feet of cockpit fish wrestling room.
Performance
This
is the first Grady-White to be designed specifically for Yamaha?s new
V-6 Offshore series of four-strokes. It?s rated for 300 horsepower and
is made for one large engine, which on our test boat is the 4.2-liter
V-6 flagship, the F300, which weighs an incredible 246 pounds less than
the previous V-8- based F300. Grady-White took even more weight off the
stern by moving the batteries to the center console, which contributes
to its excellent balance and improves holeshot. We clocked the 230 to
plane in 4.2 seconds, and the Yamaha showed its midrange strength as we
cruised to 30 mph in 7 seconds.
Many people will opt for the
standard power, which is the F250 that Yamaha tests showed reached a top
speed of 44 miles per hour. Our 300 horsepower test boat reached a top
speed of 47.2 mph, and the motor seemed liked the perfect fit for this
model. Fuel numbers proved what we?ve said before: More horsepower can
actually give you better fuel economy and will preserve the life of your
motor by not having to run it as hard. According to Yamaha test
reports, at a leisurely loafing rpm of 3500, the F300-powered model gets
3.15 mpg while running at 27.4 miles per hour. The 250 horsepower
version, which weighs the same as the F300, has to run at 4000 rpm to go
28.4 mph and gets 2.78 mpg at its best cruise speed.
Handling
One
thing that hasn?t changed is Grady-White?s Sea V2 hull, which is a
variable deadrise hull that?s like a series of wedges. Deadrise starts
off at a very sharp 56 degrees at the entry and continuously tapers off
to a still robust 20 degrees at the stern. We tested the Fisherman 230
on a snotty day in Miami in February. With a little up-trim we rode very
level and used the sharp entry to cleave through the chop. The
ultra-sharp hull tended to heel over a bit when crossing large wakes,
but it quickly rights itself thanks to the aforementioned wedges and we
continued smoothly onward.
Using the Yamaha Command Link Digital
Throttle Control, we could quickly add and subtract power, and with the
Offshore V-6?s great midrange punch, staying in control in rough
conditions was easy. Recessed hydraulic trim tabs with indicator lights
come standard and allowed us to quickly correct for beam seas.
Despite
its heft, we could whip the 230 around in a very tight controlled turn
with the only hint of ventilation coming right at the end. We
experienced no sign of bow steering, which can be frightening in
following seas. At trolling speeds, the wide 8-foot, 6-inch beam helped
us remain level and very stable.
Best Uses
As the name
implies, the Fisherman 230 is geared for fishing enthusiasts, and it
gives anglers everything they need within easy reach. The tackle boxes
are built into the optional leaning post, and there are even more
drawers aft. The transom is a traditional cutout engine well instead of
the bracket-like, fold-down transom more commonly seen these days. This
allowed Grady-White engineers to place a 35-gallon livewell on the
starboard side of the motor, but surprisingly it?s an option.
Unlike
many other boats with this engine orientation, there?s no notch in the
transom that would allow following seas aboard uninvited. Anglers will
see this arrangement as a plus because you won?t have to lean way over
to maneuver fish around the engine. The sole is all one height, so you
don?t have to step ?on stage? to chase down fish that are trying to
spool you. When you want a casting platform, there?s a filler section
that bridges the gap between the twin forward 101- quart fishboxes/dry
storage compartments. These boxes feature overboard drains and have
optional cushions so when you shift into entertainment mode there?s
plenty of seating, and with the filler cushion you have a great sunning
platform. Just in front of the console is a 65- quart Yeti cooler
upgrade that has seating for two, and to add even more passenger
capacity there?s an available flip-down stern bench seat that preserves
fishing space when not needed.
Preferred Setup
Grady-White
delivers a well-equipped standard fishing machine, but to take it to
the next level you need a few options, such as the leaning post with
flip-up bolster. The console gives you plenty of room to upgrade
electronics. Our test boat is equipped with the Raymarine C-120 and
Yamaha?s new gauge package that has an easy-to-read 5-inch color LCD
monitor.
On top of the console is a deep well with nonskid for
all the small junk we anglers like to bring along. Your main must-have
option is the lightweight T-top and radial outriggers that compact
telescopically. For lazy bottom fishermen like me, the optional windlass
means you can try more than one spot. If you want to troll skiers
there?s a ski tow bar, which also makes it easier to board via the
optional swim platform. The head compartment is roomy with stand-up
clearance for tall passengers, but to properly equip it, be sure to get
the pumpout head option.