NEW 21-FOOT GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 215 DUAL CONSOLE OFFERS “WIDE BODY” ROOM
May 15, 2017
With the introduction of the 21-foot Freedom 215–the latest in their immensely popular dual console series–Grady-White has again applied the company’s 40-plus year history of pioneering design, superb engineering and singular craftsmanship. This new Freedom 215 Grady-White aims squarely at a youthful-minded market of first- and second-time boat buyers, those seeking yacht tenders, and second-boat owners looking for a combination of innovative features, roominess, versatility, seaworthiness, and great performance in a compact premium dual console.
Every new model design aspires to be an original. In the case of the Freedom 215, Grady-White establishes a level of luxury never before seen in a boat this size and category. That said, there are numerous elements throughout the 215 that were keyed directly from Grady’s much larger 33- and 37-foot Freedom models, including plush seating with extraordinarily detailed stitching, and indirect lighting features. For the boater looking for a high-end product in the 20- to 22-foot range, the 215 fills a void in the market and delivers a spirited and responsive ride.
Christian Carraway, Grady-White design engineer, comments, “The 19-degree progression of the running bottom on our Freedom 215 exclusive SeaV2® hull has a similar wave-cutting ‘vee’ at the bow area as that of our larger models. We engineered more aggressive angles in the ‘flare’ from stern to bow, confident that this would accomplish superior sea keeping and sports car-like action. The result is a 21-foot boat with a generously wide 8’6″ beam and a more spacious cockpit more commonly found on boats 23 feet and up, that doesn’t compromise on performance and handling whether matched with a 200 HP or a 250 HP engine package. This design executes beautifully, with exciting get up and go!”
“The new transom swing-away port and starboard aft seat backrests aboard the 215 pivot out of the way for easy access to the swim and dockside boarding platforms–a first in the industry and a highlight of the boat’s versatile function,” raves Shelley Tubaugh, Grady-White vice president of marketing. “And there’s more innovation! The aft seats are deeply cushioned on their topsides, and are over two feet wide. We’re always looking at safety first, so the bottoms of these seat cushions are equipped with a rubber non-skid surface. Turn the non-skid side up for sure footing even for wet swimmers, snorkelers and waders. At the same time, you’ve securely stored and protected the cushion. Clever design! There’s nothing else like these ingenious features on the market.”
There’s more feature richness at the stern. The built-in swim platform extensions port and starboard are standard. The starboard platform features a sturdy, four-step swim ladder. The transom area, forward of the engine well, houses a 64-quart cooler (optional as a 16-gallon livewell), all ready for fishing or refreshments. For tow sport enthusiasts, there’s a super easy-to-use optional ski pylon that tucks quickly into the transom when you’re ready to cruise. A recessed freshwater cockpit shower plus a 10-gallon freshwater tank are an option. For fishermen and women, horizontal rod storage holders are under the gunwale, and four vertical rod holders are all standard. For swimming, diving, and tow sports, as well as fishing, the stern area of the Freedom215 provide a new level of versatility and function in a boat in this size class.
At the helm and companion areas in the cockpit, the choices for standard seating are generously sized and truly comfortable, and options are available. Standard helm seating is a vertically and horizontally adjustable deluxe chair, which can be upgraded to either a Deluxe II chair with a taller back and flip-up arm rests, or a plush, ultra-cushioned contoured seat with flip-up bolster. Standard companion seating is your choice of a comfy sleeper seat with storage underneath, or a deluxe chair to match the standard helm seating. Grady-White’s patented lounge seat with sliding backrest is also available as an option for the companion area, as are seats matching either of the helm seating upgrade options.
The helm features a flush mount area for an electronics screen as big as 12 inches, and all boat system controls are logically and ergonomically arranged. There is a lockable starboard console compartment that includes tackle trays. Forward of the companion seating are the controls for the standard premium stereo, and plenty of storage areas, as well as a kid-friendly enclosed port side lockable head compartment. Nine super quality drink holders are strategically placed all around the boat.
The bow area provides comfortable cushioned seating with thick bolsters and backrests for as many as four or five adults. Two 56-quart insulated boxes are located under the bow seating. An available cushioned insert turns the entire bow into a sun platform. An easily accessible bow compartment houses a locker with plenty of room for anchor and rode.
The Freedom 215 is available in one of five hull gelcoat colors or two paint colors. Every Grady-White 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.
Visitors are welcome to tour the factory in Greenville, NC, and meet the passionate craftspeople who build the ultimate outboard powered family-and-sportfishing boats. See www.gradywhite.com to learn more about Grady-White’s exceptional attention to detail in every boat they build.
