Grady-White

Grady White Options on this 285
Bow thruster
Engine paint - Yamaha factory-painted engine(s), pearlescent white
Lighting - underwater blue LED (3)
Refrigerator - stainless steel (requires wet bar) (replaces storage drawers)
Steering - Helm Master EX® w/Full Maneuverability
SureShade® electrically retractable hardtop shade w/Sunbrella® canvas (oyster)
Wet bar - Deluxe wet bar w/Corian® countertop, sink, storage drawers (3) & trash compartment

Certified Dealer Installed Options
Garmin 8616 XSV GPS/Radar/Sounder
Fantom 18 " radar
GT51M-TM transducer
Vhf, SAT Weather antenna, USB card reader, NMEA 2000
FRESH water Vacuflush toilet
Custom black bow + helm + aft curtain with port side zipper entry plus aft screen
Light on hard top
Custom snap-in cockpit carpet in Teak & Holly styling

Specifications, Standards
Beam Amidships
9'6" (2.89 m)
Center Line Length w/o Engines
28' (8.53 m)
Bridge Clearance
8'3" (2.51 m)
Cockpit Depth
27" (0.69 m)
Hull Draft
22" (0.56 m)
Transom Deadrise
19 degrees (SeaV2® progression)
Maximum HP
600 (448 kW)
Fuel Capacity - Standard
214 gal. (810 l)
Weight w/o Engines
6500 lb. (2948 kg)
STANDARD FEATURES
Safety

2 automatic bilge pumps (2600 GPH total) (9842 LPH)

Basic flotation


Bow grab rail - low profile 316 grade stainless steel

An iPad and iPhone displaying the Captain Grady app
Captain Grady® - digital boat systems & operations guide for iPad & iPhone


Cockpit toe rails

Composite stringer system & transom - water impervious


Nonskid fiberglass liner

Freedom 285 cockpit layout with seating and side and transom doors
Self-bailing cockpit w/cockpit drains (4)


Stainless steel through-hull fittings

Cockpit & Deck

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100% hand laid SeaV² hull & deck

Freedom 285 Grady-White dual console with 12 volt outlet
Accessory outlet - 12V


Accessory outlet - 5V duplex USB port


Anchor windlass w/remote switches at helm & windlass

Freedom 285 Grady-White dual console with battery switches and batteries
Batteries (2) w/battery select switches (one per engine)


Cleats - flush mount (pull up)


Cockpit bolsters

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console recessed cockpit freshwater shower
Cockpit freshwater shower (recessed)


Cockpit lights - blue LED

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console cockpit side door on port side
Cockpit side door - port w/boarding ladder


Companion grab rail

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console compass above helm
Compass


Convenience package - battery charger (1) & dockside power w/galvanic isolator


Cutting board


Deck hardware - 316 grade stainless steel through-bolted


Drink holders - stainless steel (17)


Engine flush system w/hose attachment aft (one per engine)

Factory engine pre-rigging


Fish/ice box - 118-qt. starboard forward insulated box w/ob drain


Fish/ice box - 185-qt. (175.1 l) aft insulated box w/light & ob drain

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console helm overall with flush mount electronics area and controls
Flush mount electronics area


Footrests - helm & companion

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console hardtop color to match hull color
Hardtop w/painted aluminum frame, storage net, LED spreader lights, tri-colored (red, blue, white) LED recessed lights (4), side mounted rod holders (4), outrigger plates & front & side curtains (black or ivory)


Head - lockable port console w/dome light, bulk storage, mirror w/shelf, composite cherry & holly sole, sink & marine head w/electric flush, 10-gallon (38 l) holding tank w/macerator, overboard discharge & deck pump out

Freedom 285 cockpit layout with hydraulic trim tabs
Hydraulic trim tabs w/indicator & retractor


Integrated outboard mounting system w/swim platform & ladder

International lighting


Livewell - 32-gallon (121.1 l) aft insulated raw water livewell w/light, full column distribution inlet & ob drain (1100 GPH pump) (4164 LPH)


Rod holders - cockpit (4), transom (1)


Rod storage racks - horizontal (3)


Rubrail - high density PVC w/stainless steel insert

Freedom 285 dual console port side cockpit companion bench seat and extendable lounge seat
Seating - Deluxe companion bench seat w/aft facing electromechanically extendable lounge seat & Corian® countertop

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console helm bench with extendable lounge seat aft facing
Seating - Deluxe electromechanically adjustable helm seating w/electromechanically extendable aft lounge seat & Corian® countertop

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Seating - foldaway aft bench seat w/cushion


Seating - port & starboard bow cushioned seating

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console helm overall with flush mount electronics area and controls
Steering - Helm Master EX® Digital Electric Steering

Freedom 285 Grady-White dual console steering wheel at helm
Steering wheel - 316 grade stainless steel w/knob

Grady-White Freedom 285 28-foot dual console stereo on helm
Stereo system w/waterproof touch screen display, AM/FM tuner & Wi-Fi & Bluetooth® connectivity; speakers w/LED lights - bow (2), hardtop (2), cockpit (2)


Stern eyes - 316 grade stainless steel


Storage - forward anchor locker w/rode storage

Freedom 285 Grady-White dual console starboard console storage area
Storage - lockable starboard console compartment w/light


Storage - port bow storage box


Table - fiberglass bow table

Transducer mounting flats


Transom door - fiberglass


Washdown - pressurized raw water w/hose

Water tank - 20-gallon (75.7 l) freshwater

Grady-White Freedom 285 28 foot dual console windshield that opens in middle and has windshield wiper
Windshield - walk-through tempered glass w/stainless steel header & windbreak door

Freedom 285 Grady-White dual console windshield wiper
Windshield wiper w/washer (starboard)

Boattest.com Review by Capt.. Steve Larivee
Captain's Report
By Capt. Steve Larivee

A great performer for Grady-White just became better with a refreshed version of the Freedom 285.
Overview
With the dual console lineup of Grady-White boats being 9 models strong, there was no better model to re-engineer than the Freedom 285. In addition to building new models, this is a company that constantly strives to improve and revamp its existing boats to enhance the boating experience we so love. Lessons learned and the voice of the customer were combined to make this popular dual console better than ever.

This version is more ergonomic throughout and that manifests itself right upon boarding with the folding cockpit step that retracts into the bulwarks. Elsewhere storage has been enhanced to accommodate a boat-load of gear for however many people will be joining in on the trip. This includes rod storage for 5 rods in the deck, four in rocket launchers in the hardtop supports, horizontal storage for 3 under the gunwale and lockable storage for 2 more in the head compartment.

Cockpit
The completely self-draining cockpit starts out as an open platform suitable for everything from small gatherings to working fish. High freeboard adds to the safety factor and toe-rails are at deck level. At the stern, there?s a working area that includes a 185-qt (175.07 L) fish locker with lighting and a 32-gallon (121.13 L) raw water livewell. This extends three-quarters of the way across the deck, so as to leave space for a walkthrough to starboard that leads through a fiberglass door to the swim platform. Just behind and centered is an optional retractable ski-tow pylon.

The stern fishbox is insulated ? so if it?s not filled with the catch of the day, fill it with ice, drinks and food.

The 32-gallon (121.13 L) livewell is colored blue and includes rounded edges to reduce the shock on live bait.

Battery switches are right inside the cockpit entrance. Notice the shore power plug. It?s part of an optional convenience package.
When it?s time for socializing, a flip-bench seat comes out from the transom just ahead of the storage and livewell ?pod?, and Grady-White has a knack for making these types of seats among the easiest to deploy and stow in the industry. We?ve seen this on other Grady-White models and are glad it?s retained here.

Ahead and to starboard is an aft-facing seat. With the touch of a button, this seat?s base extends out into the cockpit and converts into an aft-facing chaise lounge. To the opposite side of the walkthrough, the electromechanical adjustable aft-facing seat is repeated, or it can be swapped out for an optional wetbar that includes storage beneath a sink. A sliding section of the Corian counter closes off the sink when not in use. The under-sink storage can also accommodate an optional refrigerated drawer. In either case, a storage drawer and pull-out trash receptacle are just ahead.

The cockpit is well suited for socializing with the transom bench seat and aft facing seat just ahead.

Go with the standard extendable port side seat, or opt for this wet bar with a sink.

An optional refrigerator can be added in lieu of the three drawers.
Hardtop
Above is the upgraded hardtop offering protection from the elements. Four rocket-launcher-style rod holders are along the trailing edge. These will be removed if the electrically-retractable SureShade is chosen to bring the shaded area further aft into the cockpit. LED spreader lights are fitted fore and aft. Speakers are strategically placed for optimum sound. Reinforced receivers can accommodate optional outriggers. The hardtop also includes zippered life jacket storage. As an added option, consider matching a hull color to the underside of the hardtop.

Having a standard hardtop is a huge feature on this boat. Other builders would make it an option, which everyone would surely get.

An extendable SureShade brings the shade over the entire cockpit.

Optional outriggers can be added as the hardtop is already reinforced to accommodate them.
Ahead and to port is the observer?s seat and its seat-and-a-half width adds to the comfort level. A recess in the bulwarks includes LED lighted beverage holders and USB connectivity. A grab handle is forward alongside the door to the head.

Head
The port console houses the head and it?s a study in excellent fit and finish. Teak trims the side storage compartment and makes up the decking. Rod holders are fitted and extend under the forward bench seat. The toilet is electric-flush. A sink is under-mounted to the Corian counter.

At the backside of the door, there?s a round mirror trimmed in teak with a cleat serving double duty as a hanger and grab handle to close the door. A teak trimmed shelf is just beneath. Of course, the perimeter of the entry is gasketed to eliminate any vibration when the 285 is underway.

The head is well-fitted and includes an electric flush toilet and teak highlights. Rod storage extends forward under the port bow seating.

Even the inside of the head door get a fair amount of attention.
Helm
The helm is mounted to starboard and, as Grady-White chooses not to be in the electronics business, the panel is open and ready to accommodate any brand an owner desires. Being redesigned for this model year, the panel will now accommodate larger flush mounted displays. The compass is center-mounted to the top of the panel. Yamaha?s diagnostic screen is to the starboard side of the panel, just above the rocker switch panel. To port are dual beverage holders with a Fusion Stereo just below. The helm is mounted to a tilt base and the wheel includes rubber insert strips to the front and back making it easier to grip with wet hands. A stainless steering knob is also fitted. An optional bow thruster is offered. An extended pod to starboard houses the engine controls. A recess to the side bulkhead includes beverage holders and a rocker switch that actuates the helm seat?s fore and aft adjustment. A Helm Master joystick can be added to increase the ease of maneuverability in close quarters. It also includes Set Point for holding position at the touch of a button.

We really appreciate the choice of steering wheel on Grady-White boats. The rubber grip is a welcome addition, as is the steering knob.

Notice the windshield that has been made higher and wider for improved visibility. This model has the Helm Master joystick next to the wheel.

With a larger helm console, the panel can now accommodate larger displays. This is a 17? (43.18 cm) Garmin sharing space with the Yamaha engine monitor and a Garmin VHF.

The bow thruster is optional. We also appreciate added storage at the helm, especially when it?s lockable.
Bow
As we make our way forward, the walkthrough can be closed off with a lower air dam, and the upper stainless-steel framed walkthrough windshield making climate control much more achievable. The stainless-steel framed windshield has been made taller and wider for improved visibility. A windshield wiper is fitted to the starboard side.

Bow seating is in the usual V-shaped configuration with two lounges, one to each side. Storage is underneath the port seat that runs to the head to accommodate the lockable rod storage there. The seat to starboard includes a 118-qt (111.67 L) ice/fish box with overboard drainage. Grab rails are just inside the caprails for both seats. Aft-facing speakers are mounted to the forward cushions.

The bow table is standard and really adds to the functionality of this social zone.

Storage is under both bow seats. To port rod storage extends into the head compartment just behind. To starboard, an insulated box holds ice or fish.

Optional bow cushions convert the bow into a large sunpad.
A standard pedestal table adds functionality. As an option, filler cushions convert the area into a large sun pad. Of course, cushions can all be removed to create a non-skid casting deck. A forward section of seating flips up to allow closer access to the foredeck and the ground tackle as well as a lower hatch leading to the rode access.

An easily deployed bow shade can be fitted from the leading edge of the hardtop forward to two vertically mounted poles.
Ground Tackle
An elongated hatch opens on a gas assist strut to expose the recessed ground tackle. This compartment includes an electric windlass with safety cable. A cleat is mounted to the starboard side. The rode leads through a stainless-steel roller mounted through the stem. Push-button controls for the windlass are in the deck just to starboard and at the helm. Ahead are pull-up cleats to port and starboard, and a flip nav light is to center.

The windlass is standard. Controls are to the side. Notice how the hatch is finished on both sides.
Power
Grady-White powers its boats with Yamaha outboards exclusively. For the Freedom 285, Grady offers twin 300-hp four-strokes. The 300?s will have her running at a top end of 54.6 mph (87.87 kph) and produce a best cruise of 29.5 mph (47.48 kph) with a 15.4 GPH (58.29 lph) fuel burn.

The outboards are mounted to an integrated mounting system that includes the swim platform and ladder. At the transom is a hose attachment for an engine flush system.

An optional convenience package includes a battery charger and dockside power.

Grady-White reports a top speed with a pair of 300-hp Yamaha Four Strokes at 54.6 MPH.
Observations
To find something wrong with a Grady-White is an experiment in futility. They just do so much right. Such was always the case with the Freedom 285, but they still managed to find ways to improve the model. Is that to say the previous models were flawed? certainly not. But even Julia Roberts was able to clean up in Pretty Woman. Point being, there?s always room for improvement, and Grady-White will always find it.

BOAT REVIEW BY LENNY RUDOW, JANUARY 2020
BOAT REVIEW: GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 285
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - 09:34
The Grady-White Freedom 285 has been redesigned and improved for 2020.

On the Grady-White Freedom 285, you'll find additional comfort, new styling, and better fishing abilities.
When you buy a new boat, you expect to get the latest and the greatest, so as boat models age manufacturers regularly do minor-league updates and facelifts. Unfortunately, these usually amount to little more than superficial changes that have little effect other than to let the manufacturer scream ?New! New! New!? in its press releases. You wish boat builders would substantially improve their offerings, only calling a model ?new? when it really deserves it? Enter, the Grady-White Freedom 285.

Grady-White has sold a ton of Freedom dual console models, which have proven exceptionally adaptable to a wide range of activities from cruising to watersports to fishing. And the 285 has been around for quite a while, so when they decided to rejuvenate the boat, the first thing they did was bring the styling up to date with other, newer Freedom models. Great. But styling doesn?t directly affect the way you use and enjoy your boat, right? And one of the key factors in enjoying your boat is how comfortable you are at the helm. So, Grady made the windshield both taller and higher. Then, they decided to go further and recreate the entire helm area, pushing the switches closer to the captain so he or she could reach them more easily, increasing the size of the footrest, and adding electric fore/aft helm seat adjustment. Anglers in particular will like that they also broadened the electronics flat to allow for larger MFDs.

These Freedom models are equipped for serious fishing.
In the ?if it ain?t broke don?t fix it? category, you have major factors such as hull design. Grady-White?s SeaV2 variable-degree deadrise hull is one thing we?re glad they haven?t changed. Not only does it strike a nice balance between splitting waves and maintaining static stability, the Freedom 285 also posts some very respectable performance figures. Drop a pair of Yamaha F300s on the transom and cruise it at 3500 rpm and 37-mph, and you?ll be getting close to two mpg. Bump it up to 4500 rpm, and the cruising speed jumps to just over 40 mph. Nail the throttles, and the top-end busts past 55 mph. Good luck finding a dual console of this size that does better.

While the youthful among us will certainly like buzzing across the Bay at 55-plus mph, another important edge this sort of performance gives the boat is watersports acuity. A fast jump up to plane and the ability to pull just about any size or sort of tow-toy on the planet make the Freedom 285 ideal for everything from waterskiing to wakeboarding, and the boat offers a retractable ski-tow pylon that hides away under the deck when not in use. Other goodies that will make waterplay more enjoyable include a 20-gallon freshwater system with a shower in the cockpit, an integrated four-step swim ladder on the platform, and a head compartment in the passenger?s console that?s large enough to stand in and change out of a bathing suit without contorting yourself into a pretzel.

The livewell has a 32-gallon capacity.
Angler alert: while it?s true that you do have to sacrifice 360-degree fishability to get the dual console design, Grady-White still equips their Freedom models for serious fishing. The livewell has a hefty 32-gallon capacity, and four gunwale holders come standard. There are four rocket launchers on the pipework, and there are 118- and 185-quart fishboxes. If offshore fishing is in your plans, you?ll also be happy to hear that the hard top is outrigger-ready with reinforcement plates, and the 214-gallon fuel capacity means the canyons are within easy reach.

So: is the Grady-White Freedom 285 really worthy of being called ?new?? Only if you like additional comfort, new styling, and better fishing abilities?and if you want your boat to be the latest and the greatest.

GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 285 SPECIFICATIONS:
LOA: 28' 0"
Beam: 9' 6"
Draft: 1' 10"
Displacement: 6400 LBS
Max HP: 600
Fuel Capacity: 214 GAL.

By Lenny Rudow

Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Steering System
Joystick Control