The smooth ride of Grady White’s SeaV2 hull will never disappoint you from both a comfort and performance standpoint.
May 20, 2022
By George LaBonte
We’ve never been disappointed with the performance of any Grady-White model tested and each time I view the SeaV2 hull underway from the outside looking in- I’m reminded of why, and how easily this hull sheds water away from its occupants. For most boaters, the first measure of how enjoyable your day will be, is dependent on how comfortable the ride is and Grady-White consistently delivers on this front. The Fisherman 257 is no exception. A twin Yamaha 200 package delivers a top speed of over 50-MPH and 2.66 MPG at cruising speed.
The Fisherman 257 delivers the fishing features of a classic center console design along with enough family friendliness to keep everyone comfortable all day. Standard fishing features on this model includes a pair of 120-quart insulated fish boxes under forward seating and a larger 185-quart insulated cockpit hold. A 32-gallon lighted baitwell in the transom features a full column distribution port for optimum water flow. A helm lean bar with a backrest and four rod holders offers tackle storage and can be optioned with a 65-quart Yeti cooler beneath as well. Optional 18’ carbon outriggers can be added to the hard top which also features additional rod holders above the helm station.
For comfort items they include a smart forward seating design with a double bolster for back support and a pair of swiveling backrests for reclining. A gap in the forward point of the seats allows easy access to the standard anchor windlass and simplifies fighting a fish around the bow. A deep 360-degree bolster continues around the entire boat aft to a convertible double wide transom bench seat for riders and a double wide helm seat offers a comfortable driving position either leaning or seated. The 257 console includes a stylish and ergonomic single-piece curved acrylic windshield and the console interior is large enough to accommodate a portable head with overboard discharge and pump out.
The combination of features and quality of construction combined with the reputation for reliability and performance make it easy to see why Grady-White has so many owners who are loyal to the brand.
Length: 24’ 9” (w/o engines) Beam: 8’ 6” Draft: 20” Deadrise: 20 degrees Weight: 4300 (w/o engines) Max HP: 400 Fuel: 135 gallons MSRP: $151,760 www.gradywhite.com
Grady-White has incorporated this 32-gallon illuminated live well into the transom to port for healthy baits and convenient access. Tackle storage is conveniently located in the cockpit behind the helm station for ready access to essential gear. This beautifully contoured backrest swivels forward for lounging or outward to incorporate into the forward bolster design.
A powered anchor windlass device is a luxury item that saves your back from wear and tear, this model offers it as standard equipment. Always keeping the family in mind is a Grady-White design element and the convertible seating seen here offers family comfort with storability when you need the workspace as well. This no-nonsense helm station offers comfortable seating for two and a practical use of space behind the wheel.
A large 185-quart insulated compartment in the cockpit complements the matching 120-quart boxes in the bow. After a swim or even just to cool off on a summer day are both good excuses to have a freshwater pullout shower nozzle in the cockpit. This single piece curved acrylic wraparound windshield adds protection from the elements and a classy esthetic to the Fisherman 257. The insulated space beneath the forward seating can be conveniently partitioned off to separate food from drinks.
A gap between the forward seating at the centerline allows easy access to your anchor and room to fight a fish around the bow. Extra storage for rods is available overhead in the built in hard top frame over the cockpit. The addition of this portable sun canopy adds welcomed shade to those seated in the bow while relaxing at anchor or on the sand bar. In the “why didn’t I think of this?” category, Grady-White includes a clever storable boarding step to make entering or leaving the boat safer and easier.
