Grady-White 231 CE Reviewed in 2025

A Small Fishing Powerhouse

The Grady White Coastal Explorer 231 features a versatile SeaV2 hull design, ensuring a smooth ride with a shallow draft. This makes it ideal for tight fishing spots and beach landings. The boat includes unsinkable foam flotation and a self-bailing cockpit, enhancing safety and convenience.

Racing to almost 50 mph with an ideal cruising speed of 27 mph, the 23-foot Coast Explorer will do just that, and explore with amenities and functional competency that the GW brand has proven to deliver.

There’s a sizable head and comfortable seating that can be converted to a non-skid casting deck, adding versatility. The boat is well-equipped for fishing, with nineteen rod holders, optional extras, and a 35-gallon multifunctional live well.

At the front, an expansive sun pad area with removable cushions offers additional casting space. Integrated steps ensure safe and easy access, while ample storage, including insulated cooler space, accommodates various needs.

With a sixteen-inch draft, the Coastal Explorer 231 navigates shallow waters easily, maintaining Grady White’s renowned ride quality for both inshore and offshore adventures. This is the smallest Coastal Explorer series, which includes 25- and 28-footers.

Design and Build

Versatile Hull Design

The Coastal Explorer 231 features Grady White’s signature CV2 hull design. This provides a great running hull with a slightly reduced deadrise at the transom, allowing for a shallower draft.

This design is perfect for navigating tight fishing spots or running up to the beach without sacrificing the smooth ride expected from a Grady White boat.

Self-Bailing and Flotation Features

As with all Grady White boats, the Coastal Explorer 231 is built with unsinkable foam flotation and a fully self-bailing cockpit. Every component, from cup holders to rod holders and coolers, uses gravity to evacuate water directly overboard, ensuring safety and convenience.

Comfort and Seating

Comfortable Seating

The Coastal Explorer 231 boasts comfortable seating arrangements uncommon in its class. The rear seats feature thick cushions and angled backrests, providing a luxurious experience.

These seats are also designed to be moved by swivel, revealing a diamond non-skid casting deck for versatile use on the starboard side. Still aft, on the port side, there’s a folding ladder for easy egress from swimming.

Adjustable Lounge Backrest

One of the standout features is the electrically adjustable lounge backrest, available on both port and starboard sides. This standard feature allows you to adjust the backrest to any position with the push of a button, offering maximum comfort whether you are navigating or relaxing.

Fishing and Storage

Ample Rod Holders

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of rod holders throughout the boat. With nineteen standard rod holders and the option to add four more, there’s ample space for all your fishing gear. Additionally, there are horizontal rod storage areas under the gunnels.

Spacious Live Well

The boat includes a 35-gallon live well built into the lean bar. This live well is insulated and overboard draining, making it multifunctional. It can be used for live bait fishing, as a cooler for drinks, or as dry storage for items like beach towels or bumpers.

Helm Station and Console

Integrated Windshield and Electronics

The helm station features a full-height wrap-around integrated windshield, providing excellent protection from the elements. It has space for dual ten-inch displays or a single twelve-inch Garmin, offering top-notch navigation and control capabilities.

Roomy Head Compartment

Surprisingly spacious for a boat of its size, the head compartment is designed to accommodate adults comfortably. This feature is rare in boats of this category and adds to the overall convenience and luxury of the Coastal Explorer 231.

Sun Pad and Additional Features

Expansive Sun Pad Area

The front of the boat boasts a massive sun pad area with removable cushions, revealing another diamond non-skid casting deck. An optional filler piece extends the casting deck, making it an even larger lounging area.

Integrated Steps and Storage

Integrated steps provide easy access to the casting deck, ensuring safety and convenience while fishing. The boat also offers substantial storage options, including insulated and overboard draining cooler space, perfect for storing drinks, beach chairs, duffle bags, and other essentials.

Performance and Draft

Shallow Draft

The Coastal Explorer 231 has a draft of just sixteen inches, allowing it to navigate shallow waters with ease. Despite its shallow draft, the boat maintains the excellent ride quality expected from a Grady White, making it versatile for both inshore and offshore adventures.

Conclusion

The Grady White Coastal Explorer 231 is a remarkable boat that combines versatility, comfort, and advanced features. Whether you’re an avid fisherman or looking for a comfortable cruising boat, the Coastal Explorer 231 delivers on all fronts. Its blend of innovative design, ample storage, and luxurious seating makes it a top choice for coastal exploration.