This new center console has features galore in a size many families prefer.
By John Brownlee
The 26-foot center console has consistently been popular with a great many fishing families and it’s easy to see why. It’s large enough to be a capable performer as an offshore fishing platform, while still being trailerable, economical, and easy to maintain. What’s not to like?
First Look
Grady-White’s latest entry into this size category comes in the form of the new Canyon 266. We got a chance to first tour the boat the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and as usual, Grady-White did a thorough job of incorporating a ton of cleverly engineered and useful features into what really is a relatively small package. Based on the time-tested and proven SeaV2 hull design with a 20-degree transom deadrise, the 266 will offer efficient performance with either twin F200 Yamahas, or the twin F300 upgrades, with a smooth and dry ride. And a slightly wider beam than some 26-footers come with, nine feet, will ensure outstanding stability at rest as well.
Some of the cool features designed into the Canyon 266 include a cockpit boarding/dive door engineered for easy boarding, dockside handling, and landing large fish. The cockpit door comes with a removable boarding ladder. Aft swim platforms provide storage that’s accessible through the standard transom door or from the water.
Well-Engineered Fishability
Fishing features include a 15.5-gallon livewell aft and a 167-quart insulated fish box that lies aft as well. The standard T-top has an integrated, laminated glass windshield, LED spreader lights, tri-colored recessed lights, rod holders, a radar flat for antenna mounting, and built-in outrigger plates. All fish boxes drain overboard, and the cockpit is totally self-bailing.
The leaning post features split flip-up bolster seating with a backrest, fold-down armrests, tackle trays, lockable storage, rod holders, and a second 31-gallon livewell. You can lock the sub-console space as well for secure storage of personal items, and there’s stand-up headroom down there with indirect lighting, composite cherry and holly flooring, a sink, and an electric marine head.
Room for the Crew
The Canyon 266 also provides a lot of plush seating for crew and guests, something many 26-footers often lack. For instance, a forward console lounge features a contoured cushion and backrest with a large 217-quart cooler beneath it. Standard seating in the bow area has thick cushions and electrically adjustable backrests. A through-hull anchor chute comes with a standard windlass with remote switches at the helm and in proximity to the windlass.
A Lengthy Standards List
Notable options include Yamaha’s Helm Master EX system with Full Maneuverability and Yamaha’s Siren Marine Connected Boat Monitoring System (convenience package required). You can order a ski pylon, a casting platform insert with a cushion and a fiberglass bow table (the two options go together), 18-foot carbon fiber Gemlux outriggers and a bow shade. The options list is quite short because the standard equipment list is so lengthy.
“This boat packs a punch into the mid-size luxury boat market,” said Christian Carraway, Grady-White Senior Product Designer. “It’s the perfect size to elevate your time on the water, blending offshore toughness with premium luxury. The wider beam lends the space for modern top-of-the-line features not typically found on boats this size, and I can assure you, there are a lot of them.” Grady-White Boats; gradywhite.com
Specifications: Grady-White Canyon 266
LOA: 27′7″
Beam: 9′
Hull draft: 22″
Transom deadrise: 20 deg.
Hull weight: 5,750 lbs.
Max HP: 600
Fuel: 150 gal.
Impressions: Nobody puts more thought or careful planning into the design of a new model than Grady-White. And once again, that commitment to top-shelf engineering, construction and fit-and-finish is clearly evident in the new Canyon 266. John Brownlee
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