Grady-White Freedom 285 for Sale
There are no Grady-White Freedom 285 listings on Hulls.io at the moment. Browse the Freedom 285 market data below or check back as new listings are added regularly.
Related models
Updated 31 March 2026 · By Hulls.io Editorial
The Grady-White Freedom 285: A Complete Guide
The Grady-White Freedom 285 is a 28-foot dual console that has established itself as one of the most capable and refined family fishing boats in its class. Built by Grady-White at their Greenville, North Carolina facility, the Freedom 285 combines the brand’s proprietary SeaV² hull design with a dual console layout that encloses a full head compartment forward of the helm — making this a genuine crossover platform for families who want offshore fishing capability without sacrificing comfort, privacy, or the practical amenities that turn a fishing trip into a full day on the water.
The “Freedom” designation is Grady-White’s dual console line, and it carries a specific meaning: the addition of a port-side console with an enclosed head compartment, walk-through windshield, and forward seating area that transforms a traditional center console into something far more family-friendly. The Freedom 285 sits in the heart of this range — large enough for serious offshore work with twin outboards and a 227-gallon fuel tank, yet compact enough to remain trailerable and manageable for a skilled owner running the boat solo. It is the boat that American families buy when they want one platform that handles the dawn tuna run, the afternoon sandbar raft-up, and the sunset cruise home with equal competence.
Grady-White Boats was founded in 1968 and has been owned by the Smith family since Eddie Smith Sr. acquired the company in 1968. Today, under Eddie Smith Jr.’s leadership, the company operates from a modern manufacturing campus in Greenville, North Carolina, producing center consoles, dual consoles, express cabins, and walkarounds from 18 to 45 feet. Grady-White has earned more customer satisfaction awards than any other boat builder in the industry — including consecutive J.D. Power and NMMA CSI top rankings — a record that reflects an obsessive commitment to build quality, owner experience, and after-sale support. The brand inspires a level of owner loyalty that borders on devotion; many Grady-White owners are repeat buyers who have owned three, four, or more boats from the same builder.
The Freedom 285 is the boat that American buyers most frequently cross-shop against the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage — and for good reason. Both represent the pinnacle of American outboard-powered fishing boats in the 28–30 foot class, both hold their value exceptionally well, and both are built by companies with deep heritage and unshakeable reputations. The choice between them is one of the most debated topics in recreational boating forums, and this guide provides the detailed specification, performance, and ownership data to help buyers make an informed decision.
Hulls.io currently tracks 0 active listings for the Grady-White Freedom 285, drawn from brokerages and dealer inventory worldwide.
No Grady-White Freedom 285 listings currently available
We don't have any Grady-White Freedom 285 listings right now, but new boats are added daily. Browse all Grady-White listings or check back soon.
Grady-White Freedom 285 Specifications
The following table covers the current-production Freedom 285 as equipped with the standard twin Yamaha F300 power package.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| LOA | 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m) |
| Beam | 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) |
| Draft | 22 in (0.56 m) |
| Transom deadrise | 22.5 degrees |
| Dry weight (without engines) | ~6,800 lbs (3,084 kg) |
| Hull type | SeaV² variable-degree deadrise with reversed chines |
| Hull construction | Hand-laid fibreglass, composite stringer grid, foam-cored transom |
| Max HP | 600 hp (twin outboards) |
| Standard power | Twin Yamaha F300 (600 hp total) |
| Optional power | Twin Yamaha F250 (500 hp total) |
| Fuel capacity | 227 US gal (859 litres) |
| Water capacity | 25 US gal (95 litres) |
| Max persons | 10 |
| Head | Enclosed head compartment with pump-out (port side forward) |
| Livewell | 32-gallon pressurized, transom-mounted |
| Fish boxes | Insulated in-deck boxes with overboard drain |
| Rod holders | Gunwale-mounted stainless steel + hardtop rocket launchers |
| Hardtop | Fibreglass with integrated electronics box and spreader lights |
| Helm electronics | Yamaha CL7 displays (dual capable), Helm Master EX compatible |
| Steering | Yamaha Digital Electric Steering (DES) |
| Category | Dual console (DC) — Freedom line |
| Builder | Grady-White Boats, Greenville, North Carolina, USA |
| Founded | 1968 (family-owned, Eddie Smith Jr.) |
| NMMA certified | Yes |
| CE category | C (coastal/inshore) |
The defining specification is the SeaV² hull. Grady-White’s proprietary hull design uses a variable-degree deadrise that transitions from a sharper entry at the bow to 22.5 degrees at the transom, combined with reversed chines and positive hull strakes that channel water downward and outward. The result is a hull that cuts through head seas with minimal pounding, deflects spray away from the cockpit, and provides remarkable lateral stability at rest — a combination that eludes many competitors. The reversed chines are the key engineering detail: where conventional chines direct spray upward and outward, Grady-White’s reversed geometry pushes water down, keeping the deck drier in conditions that would soak passengers on a lesser hull.
Construction is hand-laid fibreglass over a composite stringer grid, with foam-cored transoms, precision-moulded structural components, and Grady-White’s proprietary bonding and fastening techniques refined over five decades of production. Every hull receives a gel-coat finish backed by vinylester barrier coat for osmotic blister resistance. The build quality is evident in the details: flush-mounted hardware, consistent gelcoat finish, perfectly aligned hatches and lids, and an overall level of craftsmanship that justifies the premium price and underpins the brand’s exceptional resale values. Grady-White does not cut corners, and the Freedom 285 is no exception.
Performance & Handling
Power and Speed
The standard power package is twin Yamaha F300 four-strokes, delivering 600 hp total through a pair of 4.2-litre V6 engines with Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) and Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering (DES). This is the configuration that Grady-White engineers designed around, and it delivers the best balance of speed, fuel efficiency, and reliability for the Freedom 285’s displacement and hull form. Twin Yamaha F250s (500 hp total) are available as a de-powered option that reduces purchase price and fuel consumption, with a modest reduction in top speed.
With the standard twin F300 package, the Freedom 285 reaches approximately 45–48 knots at wide-open throttle, depending on load and sea conditions. Best cruising speed falls at 28–32 knots, where the twin Yamahas burn approximately 25–30 gallons per hour combined. At economy cruise (22–24 knots), fuel consumption drops to approximately 18–22 GPH, stretching the 227-gallon tank to a practical range of approximately 200–230 nautical miles with a 10% reserve. These are real-world numbers from a loaded boat with passengers, gear, and a full livewell — the kind of conditions under which range actually matters.
Yamaha Helm Master EX
The Freedom 285 is compatible with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX integrated boat-control system — one of the most significant technology options available on the platform. Helm Master EX provides joystick docking control, allowing the captain to move the boat laterally, rotate in place, and execute precise low-speed manoeuvres that would be extremely difficult with conventional twin-lever controls. The system also includes SetPoint — Yamaha’s suite of automated boat positioning features including Fish Point (GPS-anchoring for drift fishing), Stay Point (station-keeping against current and wind), and Drift Point (controlled drift along a preset heading). For a family boat that will be docked in tight marinas and fished by owners with varying skill levels, Helm Master EX transforms the ownership experience.
Offshore Ride Quality
The SeaV² hull is the Freedom 285’s most important performance asset. The 22.5-degree transom deadrise — sharper than many competitors in this size class — delivers a ride in head seas that inspires genuine confidence. The hull tracks cleanly through turns without the lateral skid that plagues flatter-bottomed boats, handles quartering seas with composure, and runs comfortably in the 2–4 foot chop that is routine in mid-Atlantic, Gulf, and Northeast waters. The reversed chines keep spray manageable even at speed, and the positive hull strakes provide lift and stability without sacrificing rough-water comfort.
In practical terms, this means the Freedom 285 is a genuine offshore platform — not a bay boat that can occasionally venture beyond the inlet, but a boat designed from the keel up for the open ocean. Experienced owners routinely run 30–50 miles offshore for tuna, mahi-mahi, and billfish, with confidence in the hull’s ability to handle deteriorating conditions for a safe return. The dual console layout adds windshield protection that keeps the forward passenger area drier and more comfortable than a traditional center console in the same conditions — a meaningful advantage when the family is aboard.
Features & Layout
Dual Console Configuration
The Freedom 285’s dual console layout is what distinguishes it from Grady-White’s pure center console models like the Canyon and Fisherman lines. The port console encloses a full head compartment with standing headroom, an electric pump-out marine toilet, and a sink with pressurised fresh water — amenities that transform an offshore fishing trip with family from an endurance test into a genuinely comfortable experience. A walk-through windshield connects the helm area to a forward seating area with cushions, backrests, and under-seat storage, creating a protected bow cockpit that serves as a social area, a sunning platform, or a sheltered spot for children to ride comfortably in moderate conditions.
Fishing Infrastructure
Despite the family-friendly layout, the Freedom 285 does not compromise on fishing capability. A 32-gallon pressurised livewell keeps bait alive for extended sessions. Insulated in-deck fish boxes with macerated overboard drains provide serious storage for the catch. Stainless steel gunwale-mounted rod holders accommodate trolling setups, while hardtop-mounted rocket launchers keep additional rods organised and accessible. A raw water washdown at the transom handles post-fishing cleanup. The fold-away aft bench seat is a Grady-White signature: it provides comfortable seating for cruising and socialising, then folds completely out of the way to open the full cockpit for fighting fish. This dual-purpose design — family comfort and fishing function from the same platform — is the Freedom line’s core philosophy.
Hardtop and Helm
The fibreglass hardtop is a full-width structure that provides shade over the helm station, forward seating area, and a portion of the cockpit. An integrated electronics enclosure on the hardtop houses radar, antennas, and spreader lights in a clean, factory-finished installation. The helm station accommodates dual Yamaha CL7 touchscreen displays (or larger aftermarket MFDs), engine instrumentation, VHF radio, and the Helm Master EX joystick. The captain’s chair is a Grady-White deluxe adjustable helm seat with flip-up bolster, providing seated comfort for cruising and a raised lean-post position for offshore fishing when the captain needs better visibility over the bow.
Comfort and Convenience
Grady-White’s attention to detail is evident throughout the Freedom 285. A pressurised fresh water system serves the head compartment sink, the cockpit washdown, and an optional transom shower. Stainless steel grab rails are positioned at every boarding and movement point. LED courtesy lighting illuminates the cockpit, storage areas, and underwater around the transom. An insulated drink cooler is integrated into the helm console. The non-skid deck surfaces use a fine-grained pattern that provides excellent grip while remaining comfortable underfoot. Battery switches, pumps, and electrical panels are logically positioned and clearly labelled. These details may seem minor individually, but collectively they define the Grady-White ownership experience — every element is considered, every system works, and every surface is finished to a standard that owners notice and appreciate.
Freedom 285 Ownership: What to Expect
The Freedom 285 commands a premium new price of approximately USD 250,000–300,000+ fully rigged with twin Yamaha F300s, electronics, and popular options. This positions it at the top of the 28-foot dual console market — but the total cost of ownership tells a more nuanced story, because Grady-White’s exceptional resale values mean the net cost of owning a Freedom 285 over a typical 5–7 year ownership cycle is often lower than less expensive competitors that depreciate faster. Annual operating costs for a US-based owner typically fall in the USD 12,000–25,000 range:
- Insurance: 1.0–1.5% of hull value depending on location, experience, and navigation area. On a Freedom 285 insured at USD 200,000–280,000, approximately USD 2,000–4,200 per year. Florida and Gulf Coast policies may carry hurricane surcharges.
- Slip or storage: Wet slip fees range from USD 3,000–10,000+ annually depending on location. Dry stack storage is popular for boats of this size at USD 3,000–7,200 per year, keeping the hull out of the water and reducing bottom maintenance. Many Freedom 285 owners trailer and store at home — the 9 ft 6 in beam requires an oversize permit in most US states, but the boat is genuinely trailerable with a heavy-duty truck.
- Engine service: Twin Yamaha F300 outboards require annual service (oil and filter change, gear lube, water pump impeller at intervals, anode replacement). Budget USD 1,200–2,500 for twin engines at a Yamaha dealer. The F300’s 4.2-litre V6 is one of the most widely supported and well-proven outboards in the industry, and Yamaha’s dealer network provides excellent coverage throughout the US and Caribbean.
- Fuel: Twin Yamaha F300s consume approximately 25–30 gallons per hour at cruising speed. At current US marina fuel prices (approximately USD 5.50/gallon), a 100-hour season costs roughly USD 13,750–16,500 in fuel. Economy cruise at lower speeds reduces consumption significantly. Fuel is the largest variable operating cost and scales directly with usage.
- Bottom maintenance: For wet-slipped boats, annual haul-out and bottom paint costs approximately USD 1,500–3,000. Dry-stacked and trailered boats avoid this cost entirely.
Resale strength: Grady-White consistently ranks as the strongest-reselling brand in the recreational marine industry. The combination of the SeaV² hull, the Grady-White name, industry-leading customer satisfaction scores, and fierce demand in the dual console segment means the Freedom 285 holds its value exceptionally well. Five-year-old examples routinely retain 75–85% of their original purchase price — a retention rate that few competitors approach. Well-maintained Freedom 285s with documented service histories and reasonable engine hours command strong prices even after a decade, and they tend to sell quickly when listed. For buyers who view their boat as both a lifestyle asset and a financial one, Grady-White’s resale performance is a powerful argument.
How to Buy a Grady-White Freedom 285
Buying New
A new Freedom 285 with twin Yamaha F300s, hardtop, and standard equipment starts at approximately USD 250,000. With popular options — Helm Master EX joystick system, upgraded electronics, bow cushion packages, underwater lights, Seakeeper Ride system, and premium audio — fully equipped boats typically reach USD 280,000–300,000+. Grady-White builds to order through their authorised dealer network, and wait times of 3–6 months are common for custom-configured boats. The brand’s production capacity is intentionally limited to maintain quality, so patience is required — but the dealer experience is typically excellent, reflecting the same commitment to customer satisfaction that defines the brand.
Buying Pre-Owned
Pre-owned Freedom 285s from the 2018–2024 model years trade between approximately USD 180,000–260,000, with engine hours, options, and condition driving the spread. Grady-White’s exceptional resale values mean that pre-owned savings are modest compared to less premium brands — but the quality and condition of used Grady-Whites is typically high, as buyers at this level maintain their boats meticulously. Low-hour examples with full service histories from the Grady-White dealer network command the strongest prices. The brand’s loyal owner base means many pre-owned boats have been single-owner from new and come with complete documentation.
Key Inspection Points
- Outboard engines: Check engine hours, service records (Yamaha dealer stamps preferred), compression readings, and lower unit condition. Twin Yamaha F300s are exceptionally reliable, but hours matter — 500+ hours per year suggests heavy use. Test the Helm Master EX system if fitted, including joystick response and all SetPoint functions.
- Hull and gelcoat: Inspect for impact damage, particularly on the hull bottom and running gear (groundings and trailer rash). The SeaV² hull is robustly built, but cosmetic gelcoat damage on the reversed chines and strakes can indicate hard use. Tap-test the transom area for moisture or delamination.
- Head compartment: Test the electric pump-out toilet, fresh water system, and through-hull fittings. Check for odour that could indicate hose permeation or holding tank issues. Verify the head compartment ventilation is functional.
- Hardtop and electronics: Inspect the fibreglass hardtop for stress cracks at mounting points. Verify all electronics function correctly — MFDs, sonar, radar, VHF. Check wiring runs behind the helm for chafe, corrosion, or improper aftermarket installations.
- Livewell and fish boxes: Run the livewell pump and verify flow rate and drainage. Inspect fish box insulation and drain integrity. Check raw water washdown for adequate pressure. These working systems are essential to the boat’s fishing function and expensive to repair if neglected.
A marine survey for a dual console of this calibre should include an out-of-water hull inspection, engine compression and diagnostic scan, sea trial at multiple speeds, and a full systems check including the head compartment plumbing. Budget USD 1,200–2,000 for a thorough survey. Given the Freedom 285’s strong resale values and the critical importance of hull and engine condition to that retained value, the survey is an essential investment.
Grady-White Freedom 285 vs Competitors
The 28–30 foot dual console segment is one of the fastest-growing categories in the recreational marine industry, driven by buyers who want a single platform that serves both fishing and family roles. The Freedom 285 competes at the premium end of this market on build quality, hull design, brand reputation, and resale value. It is never the cheapest option in a comparison — but it is consistently among the best-built and the strongest-reselling, making the net cost of ownership more competitive than the sticker price alone suggests.
Freedom 285 vs Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
This is the comparison that dominates every boating forum discussion about premium 28-foot fishing boats. Boston Whaler brings the unsinkable foam-core Unibond construction, the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage’s larger sibling reputation, and Brunswick Corporation’s Mercury engine integration. Grady-White counters with the SeaV² hull that many owners consider the better rough-water ride, the dual console layout with its enclosed head (the 280 Outrage is a center console), and an industry-leading fit-and-finish that Whaler owners reluctantly acknowledge as the benchmark. Both brands hold their value exceptionally well. The choice often comes down to layout preference (dual console vs center console), local dealer strength, and which brand’s loyal community the buyer identifies with. Both are outstanding platforms; neither is a wrong choice.
Freedom 285 vs Sailfish 275 DC
The Sailfish 275 DC is a growing competitor in the dual console space, offering a similar layout — enclosed head, walk-through windshield, fishing amenities — at a significantly lower price point. Sailfish boats are well-regarded for their value proposition and have improved fit-and-finish considerably in recent years. The Grady-White advantage is the SeaV² hull’s superior rough-water ride, noticeably higher build quality in the details (hardware, gelcoat, upholstery, hatch alignment), and dramatically stronger resale values. The Sailfish advantage is entry price — a comparable 275 DC costs USD 40,000–60,000 less than a Freedom 285. For buyers who prioritise value and plan to keep the boat long-term, the Sailfish merits consideration. For buyers who prioritise build quality and resale retention, the Grady-White is the safer investment.
Freedom 285 vs Cobia 280 DC
The Cobia 280 DC is a strong value play in the 28-foot dual console market, offering generous cockpit space, a well-designed fishing layout, and Maverick Boat Group’s reputation for solid construction. Cobia has carved a loyal following among practical buyers who want substance without paying the premium brand surcharge. The Grady-White delivers a better ride offshore (the SeaV² hull is the difference-maker in rough water), higher overall build quality, and significantly stronger resale values. The Cobia offers more boat for the money at the point of purchase and a spacious cockpit layout that some owners prefer. Like the Sailfish comparison, this is ultimately a question of whether the buyer values Grady-White’s premium engineering and brand equity enough to justify the price difference.
Freedom 285 vs Pursuit S 288 Sport
The Pursuit S 288 Sport is a premium dual console that competes directly with the Freedom 285 on fit-and-finish and overall refinement. Pursuit (a division of S2 Yachts) builds a polished, well-appointed boat with strong attention to ergonomics and comfort. The S 288 offers a comparable enclosed head, versatile cockpit layout, and quality hardware throughout. The Grady-White advantage is the SeaV² hull’s proven offshore capability and the brand’s unmatched resale retention. The Pursuit advantage is interior styling that some buyers find more contemporary, and a slightly lower price point at comparable specification. This is a genuine cross-shop for buyers in the premium dual console market, and test-driving both back to back in similar conditions is the best way to determine which hull and layout suit the buyer’s needs.
For a full interactive comparison between the Grady-White Freedom 285 and other models, including the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and other popular models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the dual console segment.