Meet the Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer

Grady-White has built a legacy of premium craftsmanship, top-tier performance, and timeless styling, and the 231 Coastal Explorer is no exception. This sleek, versatile bay boat blends Grady-White’s renowned fishing capabilities with a strong focus on luxury cruising and family-friendly features.

At 22 feet 7 inches long with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, the 231 Coastal Explorer sits in that sweet spot between a dedicated fishing boat and a family cruiser. Like all Grady-White models, it features the distinctive classic cream-colored hull, smooth lines, and polished stainless steel accents that make it immediately recognizable on the water.

While Grady-White has long been known for producing some of the best fishing boats in the industry, the 231 Coastal Explorer is built to do more than just fish. It’s designed for boaters who want a refined experience, whether it’s casting lines in the shallows, island-hopping, or entertaining at the sandbar. With a thoughtfully designed layout, premium seating, and Grady-White’s signature attention to detail, this boat provides a high-end experience while still being versatile enough for inshore and nearshore adventures.

Whether you’re a longtime Grady-White fan or someone looking for a premium bay boat that delivers on both performance and comfort, the 231 Coastal Explorer makes a strong case for being one of the best in its class.

Specs

• Length: 22’7″
• Beam: 8’6″
• Dry Weight w/o Engines: 3720 lbs
• Capacity: 10 People
• Draft: 16″
• Deadrise: 16 Degrees
• Maximum HP: 300 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 70 Gallons
• Top Speed (Yamaha 250HP): 48.8 MPH @ 5950 RPM
• Cruise Speed (Yamaha 250HP): 27.9 MPH @ 3500 RPM
• Fuel Economy at Cruise: 3.58 MPG

First Impressions and Design

One look at the Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer, and there’s no mistaking it for anything other than a Grady-White. Like all models in their lineup, it carries the brand’s signature cream-colored hull, clean, sleek lines, and a distinctive profile that instantly conveys quality and durability.

At 22 feet 7 inches long with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, the 231 Coastal Explorer has a wide, stable stance that provides plenty of room to move around while keeping a sleek, manageable size. Unlike some bay boats that push toward a more aggressive fishing design, this model leans into Grady-White’s refined luxury without abandoning its fishing DNA.

A Bay Boat That Blends Form and Function

Grady-White’s attention to detail is evident in how they balance fishing capabilities, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Being that it is a bay boat, the 231 Coastal Explorer does sit lower in the water with shorter gunnels which makes it a great option for inshore cruising while still being capable of handling nearshore waters with ease. The flared bow not only gives it that signature Grady look but also helps keep spray at bay, ensuring a dry and comfortable ride.

Premium Fit and Finish

From bow to stern, the 231 Coastal Explorer impresses with high-end materials and premium finishes. Stainless steel accents, polished hardware, and high-end upholstery give the boat an upscale feel. The console and helm layout are clean and uncluttered, reinforcing Grady-White’s philosophy of practical luxury—everything is built with a purpose and a level of craftsmanship that stands out in the bay boat market.

Designed for Versatility

While the 231 Coastal Explorer isn’t as hardcore fishing focused as some other bay boats, its design makes it incredibly versatile. It’s just as comfortable pulling up to a sandbar for a day of relaxation and socializing as it is cruising the coastline or casting a few lines in shallow backwaters. The spacious layout and functional deck design make it ideal for boaters who want to do a little bit of everything.

Grady-White has always been about building boats that last, and the 231 Coastal Explorer continues that tradition with a timeless design that merges classic styling with modern luxury. Whether you’re an angler looking for a touch of comfort or a family boater who wants a bit more functionality, this boat makes a strong first impression.

Layout and Features

One of the biggest strengths of the Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer is its open and uncluttered layout, which makes the boat feel larger than its 23-foot 7-inch frame suggests. From bow to stern, the thoughtful use of space and premium seating arrangements ensure that whether you’re fishing, cruising, or lounging at the sandbar, this boat delivers both functionality and comfort.

Stern & Cockpit

Starting at the stern, the 231 Coastal Explorer features two aft jump seats that are surprisingly comfortable, thanks to the inclusion of real backrests instead of the typical flip-up style. These backrests are a unique feature, as they are designed to swing open as walkthrough access points to the transom. This clever design allows easy boarding from the swim platform without having to step over a backrest, a detail that highlights Grady-White’s focus on both comfort and convenience.

For water access, the boat comes equipped with a stainless steel retractable swim ladder, making it easy to get in and out of the water whether you’re at the sandbar, snorkeling, or taking a quick dip.

Helm Area

At the helm, the deluxe leaning bar serves as a comfortable bench-style seat with a backrest, offering a relaxed and secure seating position while underway. However, for a high-end boat in this class, individual helm seats might have been expected as standard. The decision to go with a bench seat could be attributed to the amount of functionality packed into the leaning post, which includes a 25-gallon livewell and lockable storage compartment.

While some may prefer separate, adjustable helm seats, the multi-functional leaning bar does maximize space efficiency and offers plenty of storage and fishing utility.

Fiberglass T-Top with Integrated Windshield

The 231 Coastal Explorer comes standard with a fiberglass T-top with a painted aluminum frame, providing plenty of shade and weather protection. What sets it apart, though, is the integrated full, scratch-resistant acrylic windshield. Unlike traditional center console windshields, this wraparound design offers excellent protection from wind and spray, making longer runs or breezy days much more comfortable.

Bow Seating and Convertible Forward Deck

Up at the bow, the 231 Coastal Explorer continues to impress with a mix of storage, seating, and versatility. The small forward console seat provides an additional seating option, with built-in storage underneath. The large forward deck is designed for both lounging and fishing, featuring a center bow storage box for gear or life jackets and an optional bow cushion that converts the deck into a sunpad.

One of the most unique features is the electromechanically adjustable backrests on the port and starboard forward seating. These backrests can be laid flat to create a smooth casting deck, or they can be adjusted for added comfortwhen sitting in the bow. This is yet another example of how Grady-White has designed the 231 Coastal Explorer to maximize both fishing and luxury cruising elements.

A Spacious Feel in a 23-Foot Boat

Despite being a 23-footer, the 231 Coastal Explorer makes excellent use of space, creating a layout that feels open, functional, and premium. Whether you’re hosting friends, casting lines, or just cruising, the combination of walkthrough aft seating, a well-equipped helm, and an adaptable bow layout ensures that this boat is ready for any adventure on the water.

Fishability

The Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer may not be a hardcore tournament fishing boat, but it still delivers plenty of angler-friendly features while maintaining its focus on family-friendly versatility. With ample rod storage, a spacious casting deck, and essential livewell and washdown systems, this boat is well-equipped for inshore and nearshore fishing.

Rod Storage and Placement

The 231 Coastal Explorer provides a solid number of rod holders, strategically placed for both convenience and accessibility. It includes:

• Three rod holders in the transom for stern fishing setups
• Four rod holders at the bow, with two positioned behind the port and starboard backrests
• Four rod holders mounted on the fiberglass hardtop, offering overhead storage for additional setups
• Four rod holders built into the leaning post, keeping gear within easy reach while at the helm
• Four rod holders around the cockpit, ensuring quick access to rods from multiple fishing positions

This setup allows anglers to bring a variety of rods for different techniques, whether casting from the bow, trolling nearshore, or bottom fishing in inlets.

Livewell and Washdown System

The 231 Coastal Explorer comes equipped with a 25-gallon insulated raw-water livewell, located in the leaning post. This livewell features full-column water distribution, an overboard drain, and interior lighting, ensuring bait stays lively even during longer trips. While more livewell capacity would be expected on a dedicated fishing boat, this single livewell works well for a boat that blends fishing with family cruising.

To keep the deck clean after reeling in a big catch, the pressurized raw-water washdown system comes standard, complete with a hose for easy rinsing. Whether washing off bait residue or clearing sand from a day at the sandbar, this feature adds practicality to the boat’s multi-use design.

Expansive Forward Casting Deck

The standout fishing feature on the 231 Coastal Explorer is its massive forward casting deck. Unlike many bay boats in this class, Grady-White gives anglers a wide-open bow area that serves as an ideal fishing platform. For those who want even more space, an optional casting platform insert and table can be added, extending the bow into an even larger fishing deck. This setup provides an unobstructed space for casting in inshore waters or even sight-fishing in the flats.

A Boat That Balances Fishing and Comfort

While the 231 Coastal Explorer may not have the massive livewell capacity found on tournament-focused fishing boats, it still provides a well-rounded package for the casual angler. With plenty of rod storage, a functional livewell, and one of the largest bow casting decks in its class, this boat is built to handle serious fishing when needed while still being perfect for family outings and cruising.

Technology and Electronics

The Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer provides boaters with flexibility when it comes to electronics, allowing owners to customize their setup to fit their needs. Unlike some manufacturers that factory install displays, Grady-White opts to leave the electronics selection to the buyer, giving boaters the ability to choose their preferred brand and screen size without the hassle of removing pre-installed units. The flush-mount helm design provides plenty of space for a GPS/fishfinder of your choice, ensuring a clean, integrated look no matter what electronics package you go with.

While the 231 Coastal Explorer doesn’t come standard with displays, it does include a premium stereo system, which enhances the onboard entertainment experience. The standard audio setup features a waterproof touchscreen display, AM/FM tuner, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® connectivity, along with LED-lit speakers located in the bow and cockpit. Whether you’re cruising, fishing, or relaxing at the sandbar, the sound system ensures high-quality audio throughout the boat.

For boaters looking to upgrade their technology package, Grady-White offers a few key options. One of the most notable upgrades is the Yamaha Helm Master® EX system, which comes with Integrated Digital Electric Steering for precise control. While this package does not include joystick control, it significantly improves handling and ease of navigation. Another valuable upgrade is the trolling motor pre-rig package, which includes three batteries and a 20-amp battery charger, making it easy to equip the boat with an electric trolling motor for serious inshore fishing.

By keeping the electronics customizable while including a high-quality sound system and offering practical upgrade options, the 231 Coastal Explorer provides a balance of tech features that cater to both casual boaters and serious anglers.

Final Thoughts: Who Is the Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer For?

The Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer is a boat built for boaters who demand quality, attention to detail, and a premium experience on the water. From its high-end fit and finish to its versatile layout that seamlessly blends fishing and family comfort, this boat stands out in the bay boat market.

For those who want a hardcore fishing machine, the 231 Coastal Explorer might not be the best fit. While it offers solid fishing capabilities, it prioritizes luxury, comfort, and versatility over tournament-level angling features. That being said, for families who want to spend time cruising, island-hopping, and anchoring at the sandbar while still having the ability to drop a few lines, this boat checks all the right boxes.

Grady-White has built its reputation on exceptional craftsmanship and durability, and this model continues that legacy. Whether you’re looking for a refined, high-quality bay boat or a vessel that can handle both relaxed cruising and occasional fishing trips, the 231 Coastal Explorer is a top contender.

If your ideal day on the water includes relaxing with the family, exploring new destinations, and having the option to fish when the moment calls for it, then the Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer is an excellent choice.

Comparable Models

• Scout 231 XSB
• Sportsman Masters 227
• Pathfinder 2200 TRS
• Contender 26 Bay

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