Grady-White Fisherman 180 for Sale

Grady-White Fisherman 180 Specifications

The following table covers the current-production Fisherman 180 as equipped with the standard Yamaha F150 outboard.

The defining specification on the sheet is the hull construction. Every Grady-White, from the Fisherman 180 to the Canyon 456, is hand-laid in fibreglass with a composite stringer grid and closed-cell polyurethane foam filling. Each hull receives eight layers of glass on the keel — no coring in the bottom, just solid laminate for maximum impact resistance in the area most likely to encounter grounding or debris. The foam filling between hull and deck provides three simultaneous functions: structural rigidity that eliminates flex and rattle, sound deadening that makes the boat noticeably quieter at speed, and positive buoyancy that makes the Fisherman 180 genuinely unsinkable. The result is a boat that meets or exceeds US Coast Guard requirements for level flotation — meaning it floats level and supports the weight of its occupants even when completely swamped.

The 19-degree transom deadrise places the Fisherman 180 firmly in the “moderate deep-V” category — sharper than many flats boats and bay boats in this size class, yet flat enough at the stern to provide excellent stability at rest and at trolling speeds. The SeaV² hull’s continuously variable deadrise means the vee sharpens progressively from transom to bow, reaching well over 50 degrees at the entry. This progressive sharpening is what gives the Fisherman 180 its signature ride: a bow that slices through chop rather than pounding over it, combined with a stern that plants itself solidly when you stop to fish. It is an engineered compromise between comfort and stability, and it is executed with a precision that few competitors in this size class can match.

Build Quality & the SeaV² Hull

The SeaV² hull is the engineering foundation on which every Grady-White is built, and it is the single most important reason that the brand commands the prices — and the resale values — that it does. Developed in 1988 through a collaboration between Grady-White and C. Raymond Hunt Associates (the firm founded by the father of the modern deep-V hull), the SeaV² is a continuously variable vee design in which no two points along the keel share the same deadrise angle. The vee sharpens progressively from 19 degrees at the transom to over 50 degrees at the bow stem, with two precisely placed lifting strakes and reversed chines that channel water downward and away from the hull.

Reversed chines are the key engineering detail. On a conventional hull, the chine — the intersection of hull bottom and hull side — deflects spray outward and upward, soaking passengers. Grady-White’s reversed chine geometry pushes water downward, keeping the deck dramatically drier than competitors. On an 18-foot boat that will be run in coastal chop, open bays, and occasionally rougher conditions, this is not a trivial advantage. A dry boat is a comfortable boat, and a comfortable boat gets used more often. Professional saltwater fly-fishing guides — a group renowned for demanding the very best from their equipment — are among the Fisherman 180’s most loyal customers.

Laminate and stringer construction: Grady-White hand-lays each hull with multiple layers of fibreglass over a composite stringer grid. The keel receives eight layers of solid glass — no coring, just dense laminate designed to absorb impact. All stringers and transoms on boats built after 2015 are 100% fibreglass-cored, eliminating the risk of wood rot that plagues many competitors. The transom in particular is engineered to handle the torque of modern high-horsepower outboards, which is critical on a boat rated for the Yamaha F150. Every hull receives a gel-coat finish backed by vinylester barrier coat for osmotic blister resistance, and hatches are finished on both sides to prevent mould and mildew from gaining a foothold.

Foam flotation and unsinkable design: Closed-cell polyurethane foam fills the space between hull and deck throughout the Fisherman 180. This foam provides structural bonding, sound deadening, and — most critically — enough positive buoyancy to keep the boat afloat even when fully swamped. The Fisherman 180 meets the US Coast Guard standard for level flotation on boats under 20 feet, meaning it floats on an even keel and supports the weight of its rated occupants in a worst-case swamping scenario. Combined with the self-bailing cockpit, which drains through transom scuppers above the waterline, the Fisherman 180 provides a margin of safety that conventional fibreglass construction cannot match.

Fit and finish: The details are where Grady-White separates itself most visibly from the competition. All cleats are recessed to prevent line snags. Hatches are thick, structurally rigid, and strong enough to stand on without flexing. Gelcoat finish is consistent and smooth. Hardware is marine-grade stainless steel, properly backed and bedded. Hatch alignment is precise. Under-gunwale storage lockers are custom-designed to fit the specific tools and tackle an angler needs. Individually, these are small details. Collectively, they define the difference between a Grady-White and a boat that merely looks similar in photographs.

Fishing Features & Layout

The Fisherman 180 is, first and foremost, a fishing boat — and it is equipped accordingly. Grady-White knows what serious anglers want, and virtually everything a coastal fisherman needs comes standard rather than being relegated to the options list.

Center console layout: The center console provides 360-degree fishability with clear walking paths around the entire boat, unobstructed casting arcs from bow to stern, and enough open deck space for three anglers to fish simultaneously without tangling lines. The console is compact enough to preserve walkway space on both sides, yet large enough to house essential electronics, a forward livewell, and storage. A forward-facing windshield with grab rail provides wind protection at cruise, and the deep cockpit with its no-step floor and abundant handholds makes the boat easy and safe to move around in — even in a chop.

Livewell: An 11-gallon insulated raw-water livewell with light and overboard drain sits beneath the forward console seat, powered by an 800-GPH recirculating pump. The cushioned seat on the front of the console doubles as a livewell access point and features rod holders and drink holders on either side. In addition, the 45-quart insulated icebox on the front of the console can be plumbed as a secondary livewell — ideal for shrimp, crabs, and smaller baits. For a boat this size, having two potential bait-holding systems is a genuine competitive advantage.

Rod holders and storage: Four cockpit flush-mount rod holders handle trolling duty, while four horizontal under-gunwale rod racks provide secure storage for rods and reels when not in use. Optional vertical rod holders (four) can be added to the forward console seat area. In total, the Fisherman 180 can accommodate up to 12 rods — an extraordinary capacity for an 18-foot boat. Custom-designed storage lockers on either side of the cockpit provide snug, secure compartments for tackle boxes, pliers, leaders, and the full range of tools a serious angler keeps at hand.

Fish box: The 89-quart insulated forward fish box is a standout feature. The hatches are finished inside and out to prevent mildew, and they are thick and strong enough to handle the pounding of heavy feet when anglers stand on them while fighting fish or casting from the bow. An overboard drain ensures meltwater exits cleanly. For inshore and nearshore trips targeting species like redfish, flounder, striped bass, and snook, 89 quarts is more than adequate.

Versatility: While the Fisherman 180 is unambiguously a fishing boat, it transitions surprisingly well to family duty. An integrated swim platform with port-side boarding ladder makes the boat accessible for swimming and water sports. An optional ski pylon converts the boat into a capable tow platform. Optional bow cushions transform the forward deck into a comfortable lounging area. A raw-water washdown keeps the cockpit clean after a fishing session, and the self-bailing deck drains quickly through transom scuppers. For families who want one boat that handles the Saturday morning fishing trip and the Sunday afternoon sandbar run, the Fisherman 180 is a compelling option.

Performance under power: With the standard Yamaha F150 four-stroke, the Fisherman 180 reaches approximately 46 mph at wide-open throttle and cruises comfortably at 28–32 mph at around 4,000 RPM. Fuel economy is excellent: approximately 4.6–4.7 miles per gallon at a 30 mph cruise, which translates to a practical range of roughly 200 miles on the 54-gallon tank with a sensible fuel reserve. Time to plane is quick and predictable, with minimal bow rise. The boat tracks straight at speed, turns responsively without excessive lean, and handles wind chop and boat wakes with the dry, composed ride that is the SeaV² hull’s signature. The Fisherman 180 is heavy for its length at 2,150 lbs dry — that weight is the price of Grady-White’s foam-filled, eight-layer-keel construction — but the Yamaha F150 handles the mass with authority. Running with anything less than the full 150 hp feels underpowered, particularly with a full load of passengers and gear.

Grady-White Fisherman 180 vs Competitors

The 17–18-foot center console segment is one of the most popular in recreational boating, with numerous builders competing for first-time buyers, serious anglers, and families. The Fisherman 180 competes at the premium end of this market on build quality, hull design, brand reputation, and resale value. It is rarely the cheapest boat in any showroom comparison — but it is consistently the one that holds its value best and outlasts the competition in long-term durability.

Fisherman 180 vs Boston Whaler 170 Montauk

This is the marquee comparison in the premium small center console market. The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk is the Fisherman 180’s most direct competitor, and the two boats share more than they differ: both are built by legendary American companies, both feature unsinkable foam-filled construction, both hold their value exceptionally well, and both inspire fierce brand loyalty. The key differences are meaningful, however. The Grady-White offers the SeaV² hull, which delivers a noticeably softer, drier ride in chop — a point that most head-to-head reviewers acknowledge. The Fisherman 180 is also larger (17 ft 10 in vs 17 ft 2 in), carries more fuel (54 gallons vs 33 gallons), and is rated for more horsepower (150 hp vs 90 hp), giving it meaningfully more range and speed. The Boston Whaler counters with a lower entry price (approximately USD 30,000–40,000 vs USD 45,000–55,000), the iconic Unibond construction, and arguably even stronger brand recognition in the entry-level market. Both are exceptional boats. The Grady-White suits buyers who prioritise ride quality and fishing features; the Boston Whaler suits buyers who want the lowest entry cost from a premium brand and value the Unibond unsinkable heritage.

Fisherman 180 vs Mako 18 LTS

The Mako 18 LTS is a light-tackle skiff built by Tracker Marine (a division of Bass Pro Shops / Brunswick Corporation) that positions itself as a value alternative in the 18-foot class. The Mako offers a shallow-running hull with a Rapid Planing System transom, lightweight foam flotation for stealth in skinny water, and a price point significantly below the Grady-White — new Mako 18 LTS boats start at approximately USD 22,000–30,000 with engine and trailer. The Grady-White separation is in build quality, ride comfort, and long-term value. The SeaV² hull handles rougher water with far more composure than the Mako, the Grady-White’s construction quality is in a different tier entirely, and the resale curve is dramatically steeper for the Mako over a 5–10 year period. For budget-conscious buyers who fish protected waters and plan to upgrade within a few years, the Mako is a sensible choice. For buyers who want to buy once and keep the boat for a decade or more, the Grady-White’s total cost of ownership often works out lower despite the higher purchase price.

Fisherman 180 vs Robalo R180

The Robalo R180 is the smallest center console in the Robalo lineup and offers a compelling value proposition at approximately USD 28,000–38,000 with engine. The R180 features an 18-degree deadrise, Robalo’s Hydro Lift hull design for quick planing, high freeboard for its class, and a well-designed cockpit with integrated rod holders and a 50-gallon fuel tank. At 2,150 lbs dry, it matches the Grady-White on weight. The Grady-White advantage is the SeaV² hull’s superior ride quality, noticeably higher build quality in the details (hardware, gelcoat, hatch construction, livewell engineering), and dramatically stronger resale values over time. The Robalo advantage is price — a comparable R180 costs USD 15,000–20,000 less than a Fisherman 180 — and it includes a standard aluminum trailer. For buyers who want more features per dollar and are less concerned with brand premium and long-term value retention, the Robalo is a strong contender. For buyers who value the best ride, the best build, and the best resale story, the Grady-White remains the benchmark.

Fisherman 180 vs Scout 175 Sportfish

The Scout 175 Sportfish is a 17-foot 5-inch center console from Scout Boats, a respected builder based in Summerville, South Carolina. The Scout uses NuV3 composite construction, carries a 10-year structural warranty, and offers a versatile layout with a 94-quart removable cooler/seat, bow casting platform, insulated fish box, and aerated livewell. The Scout’s 28-gallon fuel tank is significantly smaller than the Fisherman 180’s 54 gallons, which limits range on longer runs. Build quality is good for the price but does not match the Grady-White’s level of detail in hardware, gelcoat, and hatch construction. Scout has a loyal following among East Coast anglers, particularly in the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic, and pricing is competitive with the Boston Whaler. For buyers in Scout territory who want a well-built regional alternative at a lower price than the Grady-White, the Scout 175 deserves serious consideration. For buyers who insist on the best hull and the best build in the segment, the Fisherman 180 is the answer.

For a full interactive comparison between the Grady-White Fisherman 180 and other models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the small center console segment.

Fisherman 180 Ownership: What to Expect

The Fisherman 180 commands a premium new price of approximately USD 45,000–55,000 with the Yamaha F150, trailer, and standard equipment. This positions it at the top of the 18-foot center console market — you can buy competing boats for significantly less — but the total cost of ownership tells a more nuanced story. Grady-White’s exceptional resale values mean the net cost of owning a Fisherman 180 over a typical 5–7 year ownership cycle is often comparable to — or lower than — less expensive competitors that depreciate faster. Annual operating costs for a US-based trailer-kept boat typically fall in the USD 3,000–6,000 range:

• Insurance: 1.0–2.0% of hull value. On a Fisherman 180 valued at USD 35,000–50,000, budget USD 350–1,000 per year. Trailered boats typically receive lower rates than boats kept in the water.
• Storage: Most Fisherman 180 owners tow and trailer, eliminating slip fees entirely. Garage or driveway storage is free. For those who prefer a marina slip, wet slip fees for an 18-footer range from USD 1,500–4,500 per year depending on location. Dry-stack storage typically runs USD 2,000–4,000 per year.
• Engine service: The Yamaha F150 four-stroke is one of the most reliable and widely serviced outboard engines in production. Annual service (oil and filter change, gear lube, water pump impeller at intervals, anode replacement) costs approximately USD 400–700. Yamaha’s dealer network provides excellent coverage throughout the US, and parts availability is outstanding.
• Fuel: At approximately 4.6 miles per gallon at cruise, the Fisherman 180 is economical to run. A 75-hour recreational season at cruising speeds costs roughly USD 2,000–3,500 in fuel at current marina prices. The 54-gallon tank provides generous range for a full day of fishing without refuelling.
• Bottom maintenance: Trailered boats avoid bottom paint costs entirely. For wet-slipped boats, an annual haul-out and bottom paint runs approximately USD 700–1,200 for an 18-footer.

Resale value: Grady-White consistently ranks as the strongest-reselling brand in the recreational marine industry. The Fisherman 180 is no exception: five-year-old examples routinely retain 75–85% of their original purchase price — a retention rate that few competitors in the sub-20-foot market can approach. Well-maintained Fisherman 180s with low engine hours and documented service histories command strong prices and tend to sell quickly when listed. This exceptional resale performance is driven by the SeaV² hull’s reputation, Grady-White’s industry-leading customer satisfaction scores, and strong demand from both first-time buyers and experienced anglers who understand the brand’s value proposition. The practical implication: the true cost of ownership — purchase price minus eventual resale value — is often lower for the Fisherman 180 than for competing boats that cost less to buy new but depreciate more steeply.

How to Buy a Grady-White Fisherman 180

Buying New

A new Fisherman 180 can be ordered through any authorised Grady-White dealer. The standard package includes the Yamaha F150 outboard, the SeaV² hull, 11-gallon livewell, 89-quart fish box, four cockpit rod holders, four horizontal rod racks, swim platform with boarding ladder, self-bailing cockpit, and a comprehensive list of standard features that would be options on lesser brands. Popular factory options include bow cushions, a Bimini top, ski pylon, vertical rod holders, upgraded electronics packages, and a factory-matched single-axle trailer. Grady-White builds to order through the dealer network, and wait times of 2–4 months are common for custom-configured boats. The brand’s production capacity is intentionally limited to maintain quality, so patience is rewarded.

Buying Pre-Owned

Pre-owned Fisherman 180s from the 2015–2024 model years trade between approximately USD 30,000–50,000, with engine hours, options, and overall condition driving the spread. Older pre-2015 models (the previous-generation 180 and 180 Sportsman) trade from approximately USD 15,000–30,000 depending on age and condition. Grady-White’s exceptional resale values mean pre-owned savings are modest compared to less premium brands, but the quality of used Grady-Whites is typically high — owners at this level tend to maintain their boats meticulously. Low-hour examples with documented Yamaha dealer service histories command the strongest prices and sell quickly.

Key Inspection Points

• Outboard engine: Check engine hours, compression readings, lower unit condition, and service records (Yamaha dealer stamps preferred). The Yamaha F150 is extremely reliable, but saltwater use accelerates corrosion on anodes, lower unit, and powerhead components. Test trim and tilt operation, verify a clean cold start, and listen for unusual noises at idle and cruise. Boats with over 1,000 hours may be approaching water pump impeller replacement, thermostat service, or fuel injector cleaning.
• Hull and foam core: Inspect the hull bottom for impact damage from groundings or trailer contact. Tap-test the hull sides for delamination. The foam-filled construction makes the Fisherman 180 inherently robust, but visible cracks, spider webbing, or deep gouges in the gelcoat should be professionally assessed. Check the keel and running surfaces for signs of hard grounding.
• Trailer: Many Fisherman 180s are sold with trailers. Inspect wheel bearings, bunks or rollers, winch and strap, lights, and tyre condition. Check for corrosion on springs, axles, and tongue — particularly on trailers used at saltwater ramps. A trailer in poor condition is a negotiating point, not a deal breaker: replacement trailers are readily available.
• Livewell and fish box: Run the livewell pump and verify flow rate and drainage. Check the 89-quart fish box for drain integrity, hatch condition, and insulation. These working systems are central to the boat’s fishing function and should operate flawlessly.
• Cosmetics and gelcoat: Older boats may show gelcoat chalking, crazing, or oxidation — cosmetic issues that can be addressed with compound and polish. Check non-skid surfaces for wear. Verify all hardware is secure and free of corrosion, particularly rod holders, cleats, and console fittings.
• Electrical: Test all switches, navigation lights, livewell pump, bilge pump, and any installed electronics. Verify battery condition and check wiring for chafe or corrosion, particularly on boats that have been used in saltwater.

A professional marine survey is recommended for any pre-owned purchase, even on a boat of this size. Budget USD 400–800 for a thorough survey including an out-of-water hull inspection and engine diagnostic. Given the Fisherman 180’s strong resale value and the importance of verifying engine condition, the survey investment is worthwhile. For boats under USD 20,000, some buyers opt for a Yamaha dealer mechanic’s inspection of the engine in lieu of a full survey — a reasonable approach if the hull is visually sound and the boat has a documented history.

The Verdict: Is the Grady-White Fisherman 180 Worth It?

The Grady-White Fisherman 180 is a premium product in a segment where “premium” actually means something. It is not the cheapest 18-foot center console on the market — it is not trying to be. It is the best-built, the best-riding, and the best-reselling boat in its class, and it delivers the full Grady-White ownership experience at the lowest possible entry price. For anglers who have knocked around the waterfront for a few years and understand the difference between price and value, the Fisherman 180 is the boat that makes the case for buying the best small boat you can afford rather than the biggest cheap boat that fits your budget.

The SeaV² hull is the centrepiece. No other 18-foot center console rides this well in coastal chop, stays this dry in a head sea, or provides this level of stability at anchor. The construction quality — eight layers of glass on the keel, foam-filled unsinkable hull, fibreglass-cored stringers, finished hatches, recessed cleats — is identical to what you find on a Grady-White Canyon 336 or a Freedom 285. The fishing features are comprehensive and thoughtfully engineered: a boat that can stow 12 rods, run two livewell systems, and carry 89 quarts of iced catch is genuinely ready to fish, not merely decorated to look the part.

The ownership economics make sense for buyers who understand resale. A new Fisherman 180 at USD 50,000 that retains 80% of its value after five years costs USD 10,000 in depreciation. A competing boat at USD 35,000 that retains 55% costs USD 15,750 in depreciation over the same period — and you rode on a lesser hull the entire time. When you factor in the lower maintenance costs of Grady-White’s premium construction and the Yamaha F150’s legendary reliability, the Fisherman 180 is not an extravagance. It is a sound investment in a platform that will fish well, run reliably, and return a strong portion of your purchase price when the time comes to move up to a larger Grady-White.

For first-time boat buyers who want the best, for experienced anglers who have owned cheaper boats and are ready to step up, and for families who want a single platform that handles fishing and recreation with equal competence, the Grady-White Fisherman 180 is the boat to buy. It is the smallest Grady-White, but it is every inch a Grady-White — and that distinction matters more than any other specification on the sheet.