Grady-White Boats customers and associates in large numbers suggested that the company incorporate the "social comforts" of the company´s 33-foot Express 330 and 36-foot Express 360 helm and cabin areas, as well as the offshore fishing functionality of their cockpits, in a more compact 30-foot express hull.
Beginning in the cockpit, at first glance the 305´s looks a lot like those of the larger express models but close inspection reveals some important differences that provide tremendous function within less area and with less movement around the boat. The cockpit itself and transom are primarily about fishing, but owners will find that the 305 cruises in comfort, too. There´s Grady-White´s patented fold away aft bench seat, deemed by many "the best seat in the house." The centerpiece of the transom is a cavernous 304-quart fish box. The portside cushioned aft-facing seat with footrest is also great for riding, and perfect for mates watching baits. The starboard lighted livewell features Grady-White´s full column water distribution inlet and an 1100 GPH pump. There is a freshwater shower on the transom, too, great for cleaning sunglasses and reels or for a quick rinse off. A second cockpit shower, perfect for bait rigging clean up, is a located portside near the cooler. Grady-White overboard-draining boxes and decks plus a pressurized raw water washdown ensure that every clean up is extremely easy. The hardtop is standard on the 305 and features three easy-to-get-to rodholders aft on each side. Along with the tackle drawer and horizontal rodholders in the cockpit, the amount of tackle space is truly amazing.
Grady-White has taken inspiration from its other express models to create a helm area that is as comfortable and guest-friendly as that of many much larger competing boats. A great new touch is a hatch in the hardtop above the helmsman that opens to ventilate the area. When weather necessitates, hardtop canvas with isinglass attaches by way of tracks along the top of the windshield and hardtop. Grady´s "surround seating" around the center helm station seats five nicely and is quiet enough for conversation even at full throttle. The deluxe captain´s chair adjusts both vertically and horizontally. The helm itself features a big stainless wheel and hydraulic tilt steering. Grady-White´s electro-mechanically controlled electronics enclosure keeps electronics and instruments at just the right height, and locked away when not in use.
The cabin sole is of handsome teak and holly. The centerpiece of the cabin is the forward dinette with curved seating for four around a very handsome oval teak table. And, while the dinette does convert to a vee berth, the cabin is built around the social function of the dinette rather than being focused on that berth. A particularly nice touch is the optional flat screen. The screen is located at the bow, hidden behind a two-way mirror so it is "out of the way" when not in use. The dinette area´s curved seat and high back make for comfortable DVD watching.
The Express 305 galley features a deep stainless sink with a standard hot water system. The galley´s cabinet top sports a durable Corian® cutting board. The board lifts away to reveal a handy electric glass top cooking surface. An excellent quality refrigerator and microwave complement the other cooking appliances. And there is no end to the storage. In the Express 305 galley, galley drawers and louvered shelves are handy and roomy. A teak storage rack—just right for magazines, charts or knick-knacks-surrounds the vee berth. What´s more, the 305 boasts a roomy aft berth-this boat sleeps four in comfort. New stain resistant fabric really brightens the cabin. Grady-White´s electronics control panel in the aft cabin is easy to access and use. The wiring is color coded, making maintenance very easy to do. Electrical options include a 4KW generator, an integrated air conditioning system, and Sirius satellite radio. A stereo sound system is standard. The enclosed head area finishes the cabin. There is a stainless sink along with a teak storage rack, and the standard head is a VacuFlush model with a 10 gallon holding tank —easy to use and keep clean. A good-running boat, twin 4-stroke 250 Yamaha O/Bs will cruise the Grady White 305 at an easy 29 knots and deliver a top speed of 40 knots.
Published:2007
Photo: Grady White
| Technical details | |
| Producer: | GRADY WHITE (USA) |
| LOA: | 32'70 ft |
| LOA: | 9,93 m |
| Hull lenght: | 9,3 m |
| Beam: | 3,23 m |
| Draught: | 0,48 m |
| Weight: | 4009 kg |
| Height above waterline: | 2,97 m |
| Fuel tank: | 1096 l |
| Water tank: | 121 l |
| Septic water tank: | 38 l |
| Max. passengers: | 6 |
| Berths: | 4 |
| Cabins: | 2 |
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