Let’s take a closer look at the Grady-White Freedom 235 in this boat review.
The raked back lines on the Grady White Freedom 235’s hard top add a sporty element to this family oriented platform.
The Dual Console design provides a deck layout that packs a lot of options into every inch of space. All too often this results in the style and dock appeal getting swallowed up by an overwhelming number of extra parts.
This certainly isn’t the case with the Freedom 235. Grady White clearly paid attention to making this model look sporty while retaining all of her practical appeal. A look at the boat without the top installed reveals the authoritative sweeping sheer line and bow flare that’s all Grady.
Add a full width hardtop which at first, adds to the esthetics- and second, doesn’t add any negative wind effects to the handling characteristics of the boat when you’re running. The top on the 235 scores high marks in this department. Beginning with the pipework, almost every inch of tubing is formed into a rearward sweeping radius with barely a straight line to be found giving the root of the top a graceful profile that suggests the illusion of forward motion even tied to the dock.
The Freedom 235 offers the soft dry ride associated with Grady’s award winning SeaV2 hull design. Most notably and something our camera boat crew never fail to notice is the downward angled strakes on the bottom and how well they deflect spray back to the ocean surface and away from the wind. The Freedom 235 puts up pretty impressive fuel economy numbers as well. Paired with a single 300 horsepower Yamaha, she offers up 3 MPG at 26 MPH cruising with a greater than 300-mile range. Wind it up to 40 MPH and you’ll still realize 2 miles to the gallon efficiency.
Of the many convenience items we appreciated on this model a couple of new innovations in particular stood out. One- the newly added integrated platform at the transom would prove to be really useful for boarding access and lounging convenience when you find yourself at anchor or beached on the sandbar which- with a model like this you are certainly going to do. Multiple seating options from a trio of lounge back reclining options to a retractable cockpit bench and swivel helm chair ensures a comfortable spot for everyone in the family to relax. A fully private enclosed head located within the port console is also a plus for family style boating as well and storage options for all the necessary accessories and gear are numerous throughout the entire layout.
Grady White 235 Freedom
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Length: 23′-7″
Beam: 8′-6″
Draft: 20”
Deadrise: 20 degree
Weight: 4050 w/o power
Max HP: 300
Fuel: 115
Base price: 114,325-
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- A view down the length of the interior on the Freedom 235 reveals a deck layout conducive to many different activities with room for a large group.
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- A pair of reclined backrests make stretching out in the sunlight during a casual ride much more relaxing.
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- A hard top is useful for much more than providing shade as this fast access safety gear/PFD caddy demonstrates.
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- This convertible lounge seat is adjustable to offer multiple seating configurations in the cockpit.
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- For the helmsman, a comfortable swivel captain’s chair features a low profile to keep the driver protected from the elements.
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- Multiple high volume storage options are created by adding forward seating for large tackle items and cold storage alike.
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- A convertible transom bench adds comfort without dominating the space permanently.
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- Under gunwale rod and gaff storage is convenient for quick access in the cockpit when needed.
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- The addition of this Fusion Audio system adds to the cruising and beach lifestyle experience.
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- Tackle storage is available in every bit of usable space from large compartments to hidden corners.
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- The convenience of an enclosed head is a game changer for family boating days with the girls on board.
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- The newly designed integrated swim platform aids in easy dockside boarding while providing a simple route to the water at the beach.
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- If tow sports are on the menu this retractable ski bit has you covered.
