The Freedom 255 is well thought out, a testament to Grady-White's heritage of building fishing boats. The helm station featured an electric adjustable captain's chair, an adjustable stainless-steel wheel, a Yamaha Command Link II gauge package, a trim-tab actuator switch and enough flat space to mount a Raymarine E120 widescreen. When the fishing calls for casting, just open the center section of the windshield and stroll forward on a level deck that runs all the way to the anchor locker. There are two insulated compartments, 165-quart to starboard and 80-quart on the port side, under the bow seats. The anchor locker will hold plenty of rode, and an optional windlass can be installed at the factory.
In the cockpit are an optional 26-gallon livewell (when this is not ordered the space serves as an insulated cooler compartment), under-gunwale rod storage, a transom door and a clever stern seat that is the easiest to operate I've seen to date. Toe rails run the length of the gunwales, a nice touch for fishing, and a hatch affords access to the batteries, battery switches, pumps and seacocks.
The Freedom 255 is a very nice package for the man with a family who plans on covering the gamut, from fishing to water skiing to picnics on the bay with neighbors and friends. And with the right options, it is a very fishable craft indeed.
Grady-White Freedom 255
LOA......24'9"
Draft......21"
Beam......8'6"
Deadrise......20 degrees
Hull weight......4,375 lbs.
Fuel......130 gals.
Water......20 gals.
Max hp......350
Base price with test power:......$99,805
Grady-White Boats: 252-752-2111 www.gradywhite.com
