![Grady-White Fisherman 216](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/gwb_fisherman216_1-1024x683.jpg)
Grady-White’s all-new model Fisherman 216 sets the standard for a smaller premium coastal center console with its seating and access innovations and Grady’s signature rugged elegance. Thanks to welcome space, all-day comfort, style, plus solid, unparalleled quality, this new 8’6″ beam category leader achieves top billing for family friendliness while remaining uniquely Grady-White with a legacy of superior SeaV2® hull performance and a 57-year heritage of finely-tuned “just perfect” fishing function.
Comfort and easy access begin with the Fisherman 216’s new transom swing-away port and starboard aft seat backrests that pivot out of the way for entry and exit via the swim and dockside boarding platforms–a first in the industry, and a highlight of the boat’s functionality. “Whether you’re bringing aboard tackle and gear for a day on the fishing grounds, or loading the family aboard for water sports, swimming and a cook-out at your favorite beach, this innovative feature gives new meaning to the words ‘user friendly’,” says Shelley Tubaugh, Grady-White vice president of marketing. “And there’s more! The aft jump seats are deeply cushioned on their topsides, and are over two feet wide for roomy, super-comfortable seating enhanced by the cushioned backrests.” Seat cushions are safety-equipped with a rubber non-skid surface on their underside. This non-skid provides sure footing for tackle-loaded fishermen, wet swimmers, beach explorers and picnickers.
The all-day comfort continues with an oversized enclosed head compartment, complete with standard portable head, indirect LED lighting, and plenty of extra lockable storage for rods, tackle, beach gear–you name it. “A roomy head is a rare commodity in a 21-foot boat,” Tubaugh comments, “but our engineers and design team got it just right aboard this amazing winner!”
Grady-White knows that any center console is a fishboat first.
![Grady-White Fisherman 216](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/gwb_fisherman216_2-1024x847.jpg)
Keeping this in mind, their fishing design expertise is clearly evident throughout the Fisherman 216. A room-to-move-around cockpit with impressive rod and tackle storage, plus just the right placement and angle for rod holders, begins the list of sturdy and highly functional fishing features. Two 81-quart insulated fish boxes are under the bow seating. Bow seating is long and wide enough to stretch out on, and, complete with optional patent pending fold away forward facing bolstered adjustable backrests, is fantastic for mates riding to the fishing grounds. The console is available with a sturdy fiberglass T-top including integrated windshield, radio box, storage net, dome light, spreader light, and four rod holders plus radar flat. The optional T-top replaces the standard console windshield.
The helm seating also enhances fishing function. Standard is a lean bar with backrest, flip-up bolster, footrest, tackle trays, lockable storage, and four rod holders. The available deluxe lean bar adds a 25-gallon livewell with uniquely Grady-White engineering that really keeps bait lively. The helm itself is truly ergonomic, with easy access to systems and controls, and a big electronics area offers plenty of room for flush mount equipment with monitor screens as large as 12 inches.
Christian Carraway, Grady-White design engineer, remarks, “It’s all about fishing and family aboard the Fisherman 216. Grady-White’s fishing-savvy engineering is seamlessly incorporated into a boat that doubles as a great family boat with perfection in every detail, creating tremendous value and really offering all the best of many boats that are much larger. And 216 performance shines because, no matter the engine horsepower choice, underneath is the proven continuously-variable shape of the SeaV2® hull–a perfect reflection of the company’s core values of quality, safety, and reliability. The long list of 216 features and meticulous attention to detail reflect our rich heritage, while superbly engineered innovation gives a nod to a bright future.”
![Grady-White Fisherman 216](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/gwb_fisherman216_3-1024x683.jpg)
The Fisherman 216 and all Grady-Whites are available in one of six hull gelcoat colors or two paint colors. Every model features the remarkable performance of a SeaV2® hull that provides a softer, drier, more stable ride, meaning you can enjoy more days on the water more often.
Established in 1959, Grady-White builds a full range of versatile, saltwater-tough center console, dual console, express and walkaround cuddy cabin, sportfishing and coastal family boats from 18 to 37 feet in length. Grady-White is historically renowned for and highest rated in customer satisfaction by every third-party study ever done in the marine industry. Marine Industry Hall of Fame member Eddie Smith and the Smith family have owned the company since 1968.
See www.gradywhite.com to learn more about Grady-White’s exceptional attention to detail in every boat they build.