Comparison of CE251 vs Fisherman

[Goldenislesboat]

I would love a critical comparison of the CE vs Fisherman. I am purchasing one of these boats and would like as much assistance from an experienced owner. I am new to Grady White but have decided that this is the best boat manufacturer for me. No need to convince me of Grady-White. Thank you for your insights. We will do both inshore and offshore fishing — how far is unknown.

 

[Punchline Cap]

It should all come down to what are your priorities when using the boat. I have a 236 Fisherman and the main reason I got it is to fish. The walk around capability fishing was my number one priority. On the other hand it is a great boat for pleasure rides. The bow seating with the swing away backrests are very comfortable and even more so when the entire bow insert is put in. The foldaway stern seat works great too. The wash down on a center console is also much easier. The Freedom though does have a convertible passenger seat that can face forward or backward which would make spotting for a skier more comfortable. If your primary goal is pleasure boating, skiing and or anchoring at the sandbar go with the Freedom. I am pretty sure the hulls are identical so the ride should be the same. Good luck with your choice.

 

[blynch]

These boats have fairly little in common in my mind. CE is a bay and inshore fishing boat, designed to run in comparatively shallow water (16 degree deadrise & 14 inch draft). It's a center console layout which is preferred by fisherman. The 275 is a dual console built on the standard 20 degree Grady platform. It draws 6" more, and weights 1,200 lbs more in addition to having a much more wine-and-cheese style interior. If fishing is your priority, why not add to the list the 257 and 271? That way you get the CC design as well as the extra weight and vee if you want to run offshore.

 

[SkunkBoat]

A bit confused because the 271 is a Canyon center console not a Freedom DC (275)

apples and oranges. Different hull and the size/weight/price difference is quite a bit.

CE is a bay boat. If you're in Golden Isles GA and intend to spend all your time back in shallow casting for reds then that's the boat. There's probably a better boat for that in another brand.

If you are in Golden Isles FL then get something with a 20 degree V. There is great fishing out front. You will be outside the inlet if you want to catch anything. You will be using Haulover inlet. Do not get a CE.

Your choice is CC Fisherman 257 or Canyon 271 (thats a 9'6" beam, huge sizw difference) vs DC Freedom 255 or 275

CC for 1 to 4 diehard fishing guys. Wetter ride in the wind or rain.

DC for boatload of family cruising the IC and occasional fishing out front. With hardtop & enclosure its a sweet ride.

 

[Goldenislesboat]

Thank you. Yes, I made a rookie mistake. I want to compare CE to the Fisherman or Canyon - similar size. Yes, GA. We would like to fish in the ocean and inshore. I can’t imagine we would to far out, but would not mind taking family rides to Cumberland either. The dealers are pushing the CE.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Maybe they have a lotof them in stock for a reason

IMO the CE is really suited to big lakes and bays. So like Chesapeake or Pamlico sound or Barnegat Bay or Long Island sound or big reservoirs
16 degree deadrise gives you a stable ride and shallow draft but is going to pound and slow you down in any kind of sea.
You won't be happy.

The Fisherman 257 is a great boat. 8'6" beam. Trailerable-ish... It will get you from island to island and all the way out to the edge at 80 miles(on a good weather forecast). IDK the fishing spots in GA but that has to cover everything. The problem is its is not going to get you way back in the shallows

The Canyon 271 is huge. 9'6" beam. Thats an offshore machine.

 

[Goldenislesboat]

Yes, they pushed it and said it would do a great job offshore too. Thanks for your input.

 

[SkunkBoat]

looking at a map you pretty much have to go outside to get around in GA.

 

[ilmmct]

I own a 251 CE and use it for near offshore and inland fishing. She does a great job switching profiles to a sandbar queen and ICW pleasure cruiser. I looked at the 236 and 251 and for me the deciding factor was the ability to remove most of the cushions when fishing. In my prior boats it pained me to see the upholstery beat up by the days catch and my buddies hooks.

I believe either the 236 or 251 could meet the “pick you days” offshore needs, but if your plans are running in higher seas … the higher sides of the 236 would get my vote.

 

[rocketguy88]

I have the 236 for several reasons.
1) The higher gunwales offer much more protection for my 6year old son than the 251 CE does
2) The big aft fishbox is really nice either for loading with fish for fishing trips or gear such as tubes when playing at the lakes
3) The aft swim platforms on the 236 are amazing!

Both models have the identical console and leaning post (I have the updgrade leaning post with livewell on my 236). With the back livewell, I have two really big livewells at my disposal.

Note GW used to make a 191 CE which is no longer available.

Also, my dealer never even considered showing me the 251 CE. Mostly due to the younger family. It was either the 236 or the 235 Freedom but I mainly fish so it was the 236 all day.

The only thing I like about the 251 CE is the aft-mounted GPS trolling motor. However, I've been told I could get the same spot-lock trolling motor put on my 236. It'll cost me 5k

I fish in Galveston, TX in the bays and up to 45 miles offshore. We also trailer to the Central Texas lakes such as LBJ and Travis near Austin. With the full cushion package she really does well on the lakes! I pulled my wife on a tube the day after Chrismas last year. Galveston Bay is a big bay and anywhere the 25ft guide boats run (which are mostly Whalers), I can run.

 

[Punchline Cap]

I agree with Rocketguy88. I also have the 236 and the added safety is a big selling point. Unless you plan on just boating on back bays, skinny water or lakes I would go with the 236.