Grady-White Gulfstream 232

Boattest Review by Capt. Rob Smith

By Captain Rob Smith

Grady-White incorporated many of the attributes of hull design and fishing features of its larger lineup in this family-style fishing rig.
It was cold when we tested the Grady-White Gulfstream 232, but everyone was really excited about having the helicopter chase us for some video. I managed the action from the Gulfstream 232 and had to admire the roominess of the cockpit and helm. As I wrapped up the run with the 232, I really began to admire the soft ride, agile handling, and speed. This model really does deliver on more than just a 23’ (7.01 m) walk-around model with a cabin and feels much more like a 26 footer. The soft ride is the result of a warped V-bottom hull drawn by C. Raymond Hunt & Associates, the design firm that gave the world the Deep-V. With a very sharp entry forward and plenty of deadrise in the hull under the helm, the 232’s ride is comfortable and dry.

Starting at the Bow
Beginning at the bow, our model had low profile grab railings, a bow pulpit, and an anchor windlass system for effortless anchoring. I was pleased to find the walkways had some depth to them so one could safely move from around the cockpit to the bow area. Looking back towards the cockpit, the boater really gets a good idea of how massive the safety glass windshield really is and how much visibility it gives the captain. Our test model included the optional hardtop and 15-foot radial-mounted outriggers making this one serious off-shore fishing machine prepared for the long haul. The deck cleats are all through-bolted, high grade 316 stainless steel. The cleats under the rails are top-mounted and the pair at the aft end is recessed to keep the gunwales free of line-snagging obstructions.

Moving Around in the Cockpit
Grady-White Gulfstream 232 aft cockpit

In the aft cockpit, one will find beam width room to work with crab pots, lines and fishing rods safely and effectively.
The cockpit takes full advantage of the 9’3” (2.82 m) beam width and is part of the reason it feels like a much larger walkaround. The working deck has 56 sq. ft. of room to fish or just enjoy a fun cruise with the family. The aft bench seat is Grady-White’s patented system that makes setting it up and putting it away extremely simple. One can easily set it up with one hand and put it away with two. Off the back is an extended transom mount for the single 350-hp Yamaha available for this rig. You might think that is overkill, but if you are serious about going off-shore, it’s going to get you there like a bullet. If you prefer twins, you can rig her up with dual 150s or 200s. Standard single rigging is for a single 250.

If the boater does more than fish, they will likely want the optional small or full-sized swim platform with a ladder. Four flush-mount vertical rod holders are in the gunwale tops, and six more stored in the under gunwale racks with a safety toe rail to lock yourself onboard when reaching overboard. A monster insulated fishbox measuring 297 quarts and a cutting board is there right where one would need them. Below the helm is another 265-quart fishbox with the 36-gallon livewell across the cockpit under the navigator’s station. This livewell is a full column, raw water lighted and insulated box with overboard drain and 1100 gph pump.

Grady-White Gulfstream 232 stern seat

The patented seat across the back that stows away or sets up in seconds.
Stepping Up to the Helm
Grady-White Gulfstream 232 helm layout

The helm layout leaves lots of room for the captain's style of electronics with a large flat angled space above the wheel.
The helm console is larger than most in her class with room for large screen displays. Across the top of the dash is a Richie compass in the center. Just below is a vertical panel with Yamaha Digital Command gauges keeping an eagle eye on the engine and a trim tab indicator. Switches are grouped together for convenience and a really great idea is the 12-volt sockets for both the navigator and the driver so both can use portable gear along the way.

Grady-White Gulfstream 232 livewell

Behind the navigator’s seat is the 36-gallon livewell with clips on the lid to store the aerator tube when not being used.
In the Cabin
Moving to the cabin, another feature I really like is the magnetic catch for the cabin door rather than the old nail that usually nailed one's fingers if they weren’t paying close attention. Inside is all the accommodations to have the kids spread out for naps, or for someone to get some z’s when waiting on the fish to start biting. There's even a small galley and head to add to the comfort of a long day on the water.

Grady-White Gulfstream 232 galley

On the port side is a compact galley with sink, icebox, and portable stove. This model also includes a portable head compartment.
By the Numbers
The Grady-White Gulfstream 232 is 23’5” (7.14 m) length overall with a beamwidth of 9’3” (2.82 m). She weighs in at 4,538 lbs. (2,058 kg) and carries up to 141 gallons (534 L) of fuel. This model is rated for up to 400-hp and was tested with the Yamaha 350-hp V-8 Four Stroke.

Testing
It wasn’t rough the day we tested the boat, but it was extremely cold. Thankfully, the boat is dry because if it had been wet I would have had a miserable day. The Gulfstream 232 turned well without appreciable loss of speed in a turn, crossed its own wake smoothly and was easy to drive. Sightlines were good and the helm was comfortable. I found she was on plane in 4.4 seconds and up to 30 mph in 7.5 seconds. Her best cruise speed was about 28.1 mph at 3500 rpm for a range of 356 miles. Her top speed was clocked at 51.1 mph.

Conclusion
In my opinion, the Grady-White Gulfstream 232 makes a good coastal fishing boat the family can also enjoy whether they are all into fishing or not. It is easy to drive and fairly easy to trailer, given one has the right vehicle. With room to relax inside for the kids or for one to escape to a sudden shower as well as the ability to make coffee in the morning or hot sandwiches for lunch, it seems to cover the bases with room to fish!

Grady-White Gulfstream 232 Review, Boat.com

Grady-White Gulfstream 232 Review
Story by Craig Ritchie Jun. 09, 2016
While center consoles may rule among southern offshore anglers, those who live in more
northern latitudes appreciate the added weather protection that only a full windshield and
a small cabin can provide. Bridging the gap between an open center console design and a
full live-aboard cabin, walkarounds have proven themselves as perhaps the most versatile
offshore fishing boat of all - offering the ability to follow a hooked fish 360 degrees
around the boat with far greater protection from foul weather.

For many anglers, the term "walkaround" essentially means "Grady-White Gulfstream 232."
One of the best-known and most celebrated offshore fishing designs yet, the 232 is the
model which effectively built the Grady-White name. For decades this solid, versatile
performer has been the yardstick to which all competing designs have been compared.
Along the way, Grady-White has continually refined and refreshed the 232 so while it may
be a familiar model, it's by no means an old boat. Indeed, the 2016 model offers a
number of fresh features that make it worth a closer look.
To start, the Gulfstream 232 rides on Grady-White's wide, seaworthy SeaV2 hull, featuring an aggressive 20 degree deadrise to eat waves and tame choppy seas. This innovative
hull profile further provides a wide, comfortable interior space with plenty of freeboard for greater safety and comfort. It also lays the foundation for the Gulfstream's classic lines
which so many boaters find immensely appealing.
Step aboard and it's hard to not notice the roomy cockpit, which offers far more space than
one would expect in a 23-foot boat. In fact, the cockpit is an amazing 56 square feet,
which is pretty spectacular for an easily trailerable offshore fishing boat. The wide
gunnels with their integral flush-mount rod holders and massive 297-quart insulated fish
box with an overboard drain on the transom instantly confirm this boat's serious fishing
intentions, but look around and you'll see here's far more to the 232 than initially meets
the eye.
For starters, while the fish box may dominate the transom, a closer look reveals that it also
conceals a wide and comfortable fold down bench seat. There's plenty of space here for
two adults to ride in comfort. Adjacent beverage holders ensure a cold (or hot) drink is
close at hand. Additional seating can be found along the port side, where a cushioned lid
over the 36-gallon live well provides a comfy perch, or to starboard atop the second, 265-
quart insulated fish box (also with overboard drain). As befitting an offshore fishing boat,
wide coaming pads surround the fully self-bailing cockpit, along with toe holds along each
gunnel. Rod storage in the gunnels accommodate spare rods, while the cockpit floor isfinished in a secure non-skid finish.
The driver and navigator ride on comfortable pedestal-mount swivelling seats with arm
rests, which face a wide console topped by a wrap-around full windshield. Entry to the
cuddy cabin is in front of the passenger seat through a bi-fold door. Down below, a small
but functional galley features a stove and sink, while opposite, to starboard, is a hideaway
head. There are also upper and lower berths and two opening windows with screens,
making the Gulfstream 232 suitable for occasional weekend getaways. It's not exactly the
Presidential Suite at the Ritz Carlton, but remember - you're in a 23-foot boat. Keep that in
mind and it's actually quite impressive.

The helm console is all business, with plenty of space for aftermarket electronics, including
large multi-function displays. Convenient beverage holders and adjustable foot rests are a
nice touch, as is the 316 stainless steel steering wheel with hydraulic tilt. It's not standard
equipment, but the vast majority of buyers will order this boat with the available hardtop,
which provides further protection from the elements.
With its SeaV2 hull and 4,538 pound dry weight, the Gulfstream 232 is rated to handle
up to 400 horsepower of outboard power. With twin Yamaha F200 four-strokes, you're
looking at a top speed of 52 mph and cruising along nicely at about 30 mph, where the
twins will burn about 12.7 gallons per hour for excellent fuel economy. A single Yamaha
F350 V8 delivers similar performance while using up a bit less transom space.
Grady-White's Gulfstream 232 has been an offshore favourite with serious anglers for
many years, and it doesn't take much time aboard to appreciate why. With its performance,
creature comforts, innovative design and legendary durability, expect this boat to be
around for many more years to come.

Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.