During a 60-mile run for a day of swordfishing off Morehead City, North Carolina, the 45-footer showed its mettle. The deepwater gladiators failed to cooperate; nevertheless, the Canyon proved the perfect platform for any offshore hunt. Boasting a 14-foot beam, it offers a roomy cockpit with port- and starboard-side doors large enough to slide a hefty tuna aboard. Four insulated fish boxes with overboard drain — a 123- and a 43-quart in the port bow, a 239-quart to starboard, and a 459-quart on the aft transom complete with lighting and refrigerator/freezer with digital thermostat — afford substantial capacity to store the crew’s catch. Meanwhile, a 24-inch electronics display, integrated into the transom, enables quick sonar checks without leaving the cockpit.
Live-baiting enthusiasts will appreciate the twin 35-gallon insulated wells on the transom corners, both with full-column water circulation and overboard drains. Fresh- and raw-water washdowns let the crew rinse the tackle, and keep the deck and gunwales clean. The port rigging station features a sink with pullout faucet and stainless-steel storage drawers. The opposite side of the aft-facing seat comes with tackle storage compartments, a cooler box and air-conditioning vents. Meanwhile, a cockpit galley to starboard features a stainless-steel refrigerator, trash compartment, and a grill for hot lunches.
Rod storage is extensive. A total of 10 holders are strategically spaced along the covering boards, while horizontal racks accommodate six more outfits. There are also two lockable rod pods and a six-rod rocket launcher on the hardtop, which is fully equipped with outrigger plates, LED spreader lights, electrical air vents, mesh storage, a sliding sunroof, and a SureShade retractable overhead shade.
The Sea Command Center — with its integrated systems — is fitting for a boat this size. Four electrically adjustable helm chairs with flip-back bolsters, footrests, and stylish, durable covering provide comfortable seating for long offshore jaunts. A forward molded lounge with armrests and drink holders accommodates larger crews.
The wraparound glass windshield offers excellent visibility while underway. The electronics panel at the helm is ample enough to flush-mount the largest displays, and a deluxe stereo system with multiple speakers is standard, along with the necessary USB port and power connections for mobile devices. The 16,000 Btu air conditioner keeps everyone aboard comfortable.
A port sliding door leads down to a bright, well-appointed cabin. Two outboard galleys come with Corian countertops, microwave, wine cooler, stainless-steel sink and stove cooktop, and elegant cabinetry provides ample storage for cook- and dining ware. A 12 kW diesel generator with 30-gallon fuel capacity, 80-gallon water tank, and 11-gallon hot-water heater are all standard issue. A full head with shower, and a convertible berth with adjustable table in the forepeak provide more than suitable accommodations for extended trips or afterhours on the rip, and a second AC unit — this one 12,000 Btu — keeps the cabin cool.
The 456 earns top marks for performance too. By the time we turned back toward shore, the sea breeze had built up, creating a quarterly chop off the port bow. Those conditions were easily overcome thanks to Grady-White’s SeaV2 hull, with its aggressive entry and the transition aft to a 21-degree transom deadrise. The ride was soft and true, aided by a Seakeeper 6 gyroscopic stabilizer and a ZipWake auto-leveling trim system, both standard on the Canyon.
Quad Yamaha F425 four-strokes are the standard power setup for the 456, and they provide plenty of torque and top-end speed. In fact, the Grady hovered near 60 mph at wide-open throttle with a typical load.
To the delight of anglers who like trolling, the wake was clean and tight. Despite the boat’s size, it responded quickly to trim adjustment and course corrections with minimal exertion, thanks to the outboard’s integrated electronic steering. Meanwhile, the joystick control and the Yamahas multiengine vectoring made tight docking and maneuvering a piece of cake.
If you’re thinking about moving up in size for the enhanced range, performance and comfort, or downsizing to a boat you can run yourself and fish, the new Canyon 456, a super-size center-console with a wealth of lavish appointments and dedicated fishing features, is bound to meet or surpass your expectations.
Length: 45'
Beam: 14'
Draft: 30"
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Fuel: 616 gal.
Weight: 28,308 lb.
Max HP: 1,700
Price: $1.34 million w/ quad Yamaha 425 XTOs
Grady-White: gradywhite.com
Weather: Sunny
Location: Morehead City, North Carolina
Wind: Northwest 10 to 15 knots
Sea State: Moderate chop
Test Load: Eight adults, 480 gallons of fuel, 60 gallons of water
