Who is the king of the hybrid bay boat hill? The answer was debatable until Grady-White rolled out the 321 CE. Now, you’ll have a tough time arguing that anyone else deserves the title.
Wait a sec—a 32’ long hybrid? Well, why not? Sure that’s huge for this genre, but hull draft is kept to 1’10”. And as for light-tackle fishability, you’ll be working with fore and aft casting decks so expansive that five anglers could all cast from an elevated position at the same time. The boat can be pre-rigged for a 36-V trolling motor on the bow, has a pair of 18-gallon lighted livewells, a pair of 27-gallon fishboxes, 11 rodholders, and tackle stowage trays in the leaning post. The T-top is outrigger-ready and can carry a pair of 18’ carbon fiber poles, so you’ll be ready to point the bow east and head offshore, too.
Despite the usual appeal of all the angling goodies, when we checked this boat out it was really the jaw-dropping comfort that blew us away. Start with the forward console lounger. It’s massive, contoured, and boasts arm and head rests with cup holders close at hand. The console head compartment is another highlight, with gobs of elbow room, bulk stowage, a vanity, and a pull-out shower. But what will really get the family excited are the twin “Sport Decks.” These are huge fold-down sections of the inwale on either side of the boat—more or less like small versions of the “beach club” platforms on mega-yachts—which swing down at the press of a button. When you anchor up at the beach and open them up you’ll basically be turning the entire cockpit of the boat into one big swimming/diving/party platform.
Another great perk on the 321 CE is the back of the three-across leaning post. It integrates an aft-facing mezzanine seat which once again is uber-cushy and about as luxurious a boat seat as you’ll find afloat. Better yet, the backrest flips down to become a rigging station/table with additional tackle stowage inside.
The 321 CE comes rigged with a pair of Yamaha F350s. Most efficient cruise comes at 3500 rpm, which nets you a speed of right around 30 mph while getting 1.7 mpg. Crank it up to 4500 rpm and you’ll see speeds in the 40-mph range, or firewall the throttles and top-end gets north of 55.
Note that like most Grady-Whites, the boat comes loaded in stock form. This is one builder that includes the vast majority of the goodies as standard features, and that means items like the electrically actuated bow seatbacks; an anchor, windlass, and rode; freshwater cockpit shower; and Bluetooth stereo system with six speakers are all included. Big-ticket standards you’ll be particularly surprised to see include Helm Master EX with joystick steering and the Siren Marine Connected Boat monitoring system, which allows you to check on the status of your boat and its systems from anywhere, with a mere swipe on the screen of your smartphone.
Is 32’ simply too big for a hybrid bay boat? Maybe for some folks, but definitely not for some others. But we also think calling it a hybrid bay boat sells the 321 CE short. Because even though it’s in the Coastal Explorer series, the 321 CE is also a luxury family boat, a sandbar yacht, and an offshore fishing machine. It can be many things to many people. But if you still want to classify it as a hybrid, you’ll be the first to agree that it’s also the king of the hill.
Grady-White 321 CE Specifications
- LOA – 32’8”
- Beam – 10’6”
- Displacement – 8760 lbs.
- Draft (min.) – 1’10”
- Transom Deadrise – 16 degrees
- Fuel Capacity – 220 gal.
- Water Capacity – 23 gal.
- Max. Power – 700 hp
For more information visit the Grady-White website or FishTalk supporter Tri-State Marine, Annapolis, Middle River, and Deale, MD, (410) 867-1447.