At the 1974 New York Boat Show, Grady-White unveiled one of the first walkaround cabin boats, a concept that quickly became a signature member of the company’s legendary lineup and a major design across almost all other boat manufacturers today. And now, nearly 50 years later, Grady-White proudly introduces the Adventure 218, stepping into a new era for boating. With a 21-foot walkaround cabin boat, the Adventure 218 honors the heritage of the classic Grady-White style that defined a generation of boaters.

“With the typically unpredictable waters and weather on the Great Lakes, a seaworthy, safe boat with a top-performing hull is paramount. The 218 sits on Grady-White’s trademarked SeaV2 hull, the most awarded hull design in its class, and provides the exceptional ride that customers have come to know and love from Grady,” said Shelley Tubaugh, vice president of marketing. “With the sleek lines of the hull, matched with the classic curves of the new deck and windshield, and adding the spacious, comfortable cabin, the 218 is the perfect ‘home base on the water’ for all the activities the Great Lakes have to offer, regardless of the conditions.”

A widened beam, the largest of any 21-foot boat in its class today, accommodates a roomy cockpit complete with cushioned deluxe helm and companion chairs. With cushioned fish boxes behind the helm seats, and aft seats with Grady-White’s patented reversible self-stowing cushions with non-skid safety treads, the 218 allows multiple passengers to ride in comfort. The 218 also boasts an extended and modernized helm dashboard. The added area provides ample space for electronics and other features needed for both day and night travel.

The addition of two integrated platforms aft, along with easy access from Grady-White’s patented pivoting seat backs, make fighting fish from the stern as effortless as along the walkaround sides and bow. For families who enjoy water sports, the platforms provide easy access to and from the water with Grady’s stainless steel four-step ladder off the starboard platform. The addition of an optional retractable ski pylon, a brand-new feature for boats of this style that hasn’t been offered on previous walkaround boats, makes setup a snap for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.

The roomy cabin interior includes cozy cushions with spacious storage hatches below, as well as a covered head to the starboard side. With enough space for overnighting, or for children to rest out of the elements during the day, the 218’s cabin tops off the updated creature comforts on this model. Two side windows and a forward hatch keep cabin air fresh, and indirect lighting on a remote switch illuminates the way after the sun sets. And above deck, you can watch the sunrise in the morning or shooting stars at night while resting comfortably on the optional foredeck cushions that cover the flush-mounted hatch.

And certainly don’t forget that customers also have the option to upgrade for even more fishing features, such as extra hardtop rod holders and a livewell. Other definitive Grady-White features in the 218’s design include well-placed, abundant storage space in the cockpit and cabin, as well as removable drop-in boxes below the aft seats that provide easy access to the bilge and batteries. Two insulated fish boxes, 120-quart at starboard and 126-quart at port, provide plenty of room for the day’s catch. With storage for 10 rods, six stainless pull-up cleats, and stainless overboard draining cupholders strategically placed throughout the boat, the 218 shines with Grady-White’s legendary attention to detail. Customers can suit any boating lifestyle with optional features such as a painted aluminum frame hardtop with four additional leg-mount rod holders, a 31-gallon livewell, a stainless anchor roller, and a 10-gallon freshwater shower.

Great Lake Specific
But that’s enough about the boat’s features. Why is this boat perfect for the Great Lakes? Well, historically this boat has done very well in the Great Lakes region with great customer satisfaction. Grady-White has had a presence in the Midwest region for decades. Although the region does not account for a large number of sales, there are certain models that have historically been very successful there, including the walkaround cabins like the Adventure 218. It is fairly certain that the Adventure 218 has the potential to be perfect for the region, alongside of the center and dual console boat models that have been more popular in recent years. In fact, Grady-White’s Midwest dealers have already sold the 218 at retail, before the region has even received one.

“Grady-White has many loyal customers who already prize the functionality and versatility of our walkaround cabin boats,” says Joey Weller, vice president of sales. “We’re excited to introduce this new model that enhances both its usability and style. The increased size will offer those seeking a walkaround cabin model more space, more amenities, and ultimately more enjoyment. New boaters who haven’t tried a cabin boat, and Grady fans who already have, will both love this all-purpose new option.”

Grady-White is proud to introduce this next-generation boat with a perfect blend of vintage appeal and modern taste as the leading manufacturer for walkaround boats. Exploring, camping, fishing, cruising, or water sports—with the new Adventure 218, you can truly have it all. And if you would like to see for yourself, talk to the folks at South Shore Marine in Huron, Ohio, the largest Grady-White dealer in the Great Lakes, where you’re sure you’ll be in good hands.