Grady-White 281 CE 2022 boat specs
Grady-White
Grady-White 281 CE 2022
2022
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VS
Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 boat specs
Grady-White
Grady-White Canyon 283 2013
2013
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Grady-White 281 CE 2022 vs Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Grady-White 281 CE 2022 vs Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 600 hp, the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 has a 300-hp advantage over the Grady-White 281 CE 2022's 300-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 carries 205 gallons versus 16 gallons in the Grady-White 281 CE 2022. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 and its 600-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail27.70 ft
Length overall - Detail28 ft. (8.53 m)
Length - Feet27.7
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Meters8.44
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches332
Length overall - Inches336
Beam9.40 ft
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Beam - Meters2.87
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inches113
Beam - Inches114
Draft [max] - Detail1.90 ft
Draft [max] - DetailHull: 20 in. (0.51 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.58
Draft [max] - Meters0.51
Draft [max] - Inches23
Draft [max] - Inches2
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 7 in. (2.31 m) With T-top: 9 ft. (2.74 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.74
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches108
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - DetailCockpit: 27 in. (0.69 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters68.58
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches27
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - DetailWithout Engine: 5,864 lbs. (2,660 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2659.86
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.5864
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail9 ft. (2.74 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Fuel tank capacity - Gal205
Fuel tank capacity - Liters605.67
Fuel tank capacity - Liters776.01
Engine makeYamaha
Engine makenot available
Engine modelFour-Stroke
Engine modelnot available
Horsepower300 hp
Horsepowernot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeoutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine 2 Engine MakeYamaha
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Engine ModelFour-Stroke
Engine 2 Engine Modelnot available
Engine 2 Horsepower300 hp
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Fuel TypeGas
Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeoutboard
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail205 gal. (776 l)
Engine maxnot available
Engine max600 hp (448 kW) with V6 engines only
Operational Info
Head1
Headnot available
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeGrady-White
Modelnot available
ModelCanyon 283
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2013
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Grady-White 281 CE 2022 vs Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 or the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013?
The Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Grady-White 281 CE 2022 comes in at 27,7 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 is rated to a maximum of 600 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Grady-White 281 CE 2022 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Grady-White 281 CE 2022 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 measures 114" wide, compared to 113" for the Grady-White 281 CE 2022. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 or the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013?
The Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 has the bigger tank at 205 gallons, versus 16 gallons on the Grady-White 281 CE 2022. That 189-gallon difference translates to roughly 567–945 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 and Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 and the Grady-White Canyon 283 2013 are built by Grady-White. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.