Inside the Grady White 321 Coastal Explorer

At the Miami Boat Show the Grady White 321 Coastal Explorer was presented with a 220‑gallon fuel tank and an advertised range near 330 miles, a logistics profile that directly impacts provisioning, marina calls and itinerary planning for charter operators and long coastal cruises; combined with a 22‑inch draft this hull allows access to shallow marinas and protected anchorages that are in high demand for day rentals and guided fishing trips.

Hull Form, Draft and Coastal Performance

The 321 Coastal Explorer uses a Carolina‑flared bow and a dead rise that eases to 16° at the transom, a deliberate compromise between pure offshore deep‑V designs (often ~22°) and shallower inshore hulls. That geometry reduces vertical acceleration offshore while keeping the vessel nimble and able to enter skinny waterways common along Florida keys, Carolinas soundlines and other charter-friendly coasts. The reduced dead rise and 22‑inch draft translate into quicker getting on plane, lower weight‑on‑the‑hook in shallow bays and simpler logistics for trailers, lifts and shallow marinas.

Operational Impact for Rentals and Tours

For operators who offer boat rentals, charters or day trips, the balance between offshore capability and inshore access widens marketability: anglers targeting gulf flats, families seeking calm bays and couples planning a sunset cruise can all be accommodated without swapping boats. Fuel planning benefits from the 220‑gallon tank and near‑2 mpg cruise consumption, so trip legs can be scheduled with fewer fuel stops—important for remote marinas and island hopping itineraries.

Stern, Gunnels and On‑Water Utility

The transom layout is built for both fishing and leisure. Two electrically actuated flip‑down gunnel sections double as swim platforms and casting stations, while an integrated ladder mount ensures quick water access. Grady White fit manual override pins on actuators and hatch systems to preserve reliability in the event of electrical loss—an operational redundancy that matters to captains running day charters or solo operators relying on simple troubleshooting offshore.

Fishing‑Ready Details

• Dual insulated storage boxes at the stern for cold storage or anchor housing.
• Power poles positioned to avoid blocking ladder deployment—useful for sandbar afternoons.
• Magnet‑mounted cushions and removable backrests for quick reconfiguration between lounging and fishing setups.

Propulsion, Performance and Range

The 321 is offered with a single confirmed package: twin Yamaha 350 outboards delivering 700 hp total. That powerplant combination produces an estimated cruise near 30 mph at almost 2 mpg, values that define both performance and the economics of charters: faster repositioning between marks or scenic stops yet predictable fuel burn for pricing day‑charter rates.

Stern Entertaining, Mezzanine and Livewell Layouts

The aft deck is laid out for rapid role changes: a removable cushioned seat converts to rod holders, twin live wells drain externally, and the aft passage doubles as an open casting platform. The mezzanine incorporates a facing seat that also functions as a leaning post, with multi‑density foam and ergonomics designed for all‑day comfort.

Seakeeper, Prep Stations and Practicality

Under the mezzanine the optional Seakeeper gyro can be installed to reduce roll during offshore legs, making the boat more appealing for longer charters and mixed‑use trips. A slide‑up illuminated prep station and rinse station keep bait and gear handling tidy and safe, while a motorized engine hatch with manual override preserves access to propulsion components and systems for dockside checks.

Helm Systems, Redundancy and Solo Operation

The helm presents a modern, blacked‑out dash with twin 19‑inch touchscreen displays (upgradeable), physical switches with individual circuit breakers and smart convenience storage. Yamaha’s joystick and remote system with integrated FOB allow the operator to control docking and tight maneuvers from bow, stern or helm—a major advantage when running a rental fleet where captains need simple, reliable controls and a clear overboard safety cutoff.

Safety and Comfort Details

• Triple helm seats with footrests and armrests for crew comfort.
• Tilt steering, wallet/key storage and multiple grab rails around circulation paths.
• Full head compartment with vacuum flush toilet, mirror and rinse shower—suitable for long day trips or family outings.

Foredeck Lounge, Shades and Optional Trolling Motor

The foredeck is designed for sociable lounging: motorized table, adjustable motorized backrests and seating for four to dine comfortably. A hardtop and mechanical shade system yield roughly 324 sq ft of shaded area when fully deployed. The boat can be pre‑wired for a 36V lithium trolling motor, a feature attractive to inshore anglers and quiet‑approach charters.

Key insights at a glance

• Hybrid mission: hull and systems balance offshore capability with shallow‑water accessibility.
• Operational redundancy: manual overrides and circuit breakers emphasize field serviceability.
• Comfort meets utility: multi‑use seating, magnetic cushions and extensive shade suit mixed recreational and fishing programs.
• Ease of use: Yamaha joystick and FOB enhance solo operation and rental usability.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on developments in boating and seaside leisure because we understand the value of freedom, energy, and choice on the water. The platform supports leisure seekers by offering a wide range of options to match preferences, budgets and tastes while providing transparency in listings so renters or buyers can view make, model, and ratings ahead of time.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. The Grady White 321 Coastal Explorer is unlikely to shift global tourism patterns on its own, but it exemplifies a trend: manufacturers are blending offshore capability with inshore accessibility, which could encourage more multi‑role rentals and coastal charters. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

The highlights here are notable: a 16° dead rise hull that eases into shallow waters, a robust twin‑Yamaha propulsion package for reliable performance, modular seating and storage that flip between lounging and fishing, and safety‑first redundancies like manual overrides and circuit breakers. Experiencing a new location is always multifaceted—learning about culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and unique aspects of service is part of the trip; if you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

Summary: the Grady White 321 Coastal Explorer pairs offshore capacity with shallow‑water access, offering a practical platform for fishing, cruising and charters. With twin Yamaha 350 outboards, extensive shade, live wells, and modular seating, it suits operators and owners who need versatility for activities like fishing, day charters, and leisurely cruises. For anyone considering yacht or boat charter, rental or sale, this model demonstrates how boating choices shape itineraries across beaches, lakes and marinas—from superyacht anchors to small rental fleets—making it easier for captains and guests to enjoy yachting, sailing, fishing and boating in clearwater gulfs, ocean inlets and coastal destinations. The sea awaits.