Grady-White 281 CE 2022 boat specs
Grady-White
Grady-White 281 CE 2022
2022
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VS
Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 boat specs
Grady-White
Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011
2011
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Grady-White 281 CE 2022 vs Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Grady-White 281 CE 2022 vs Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 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 500 hp, the Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 has a 200-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 Fisherman 273 2011 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 Fisherman 273 2011 and its 500-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 - Detail26 ft. 11 in. (8.2 m)
Length - Feet27.7
Length - Feet26.92
Length overall - Meters8.44
Length overall - Meters8.2
Length overall - Inches332
Length overall - Inches323
Beam9.40 ft
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.87
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches113
Beam - Inches102
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 - Detail6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m) With T-top: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches99
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: 4,843 lbs. (2,197 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2196.75
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.4843
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 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 max500 hp (373 kW)
Operational Info
Head1
Headnot available
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeGrady-White
Modelnot available
ModelFisherman 273
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2011
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Grady-White 281 CE 2022 vs Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 or the Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011?
The Grady-White 281 CE 2022 is the longer of the two at 27,7 feet overall. The Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 comes in at 26,9 feet, making it roughly 0,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 is rated to a maximum of 500 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 Fisherman 273 2011 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 281 CE 2022 measures 113" wide, compared to 102" for the Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011. 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 Fisherman 273 2011?
The Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 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 Fisherman 273 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Grady-White 281 CE 2022 and the Grady-White Fisherman 273 2011 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.