Boattest.com Review
Brief Summary
The Grady-White Marlin 300 is a fully-equipped blue-water fishing vessel and she can accommodate up to four people for overnight excursions. The walk-around design adds safety for fishing far offshore in rough conditions, while the aft cockpit has plenty of space for trolling as well as for after-hours entertaining. Her 282-gallon (1,067 L) fuel capacity gives her a range of about 390 statute miles at 27.6 mph with the twin 300-hp Yamaha four-strokes provided for our tests.
Key Features
Aft double berth and forward vee berth
Port side galley with sink, light and Corian cutting board
Enclosed head area w/sink, shower, lamp & VacuFlush® marine head w/freshwater supply, 10-gallon (38 l) holding tank, overboard discharge & deck pump-out
Battery charger system
Recessed cockpit freshwater shower
290-quart insultated fishbox with light and overboard drain
Stereo system with AM/FM tuner, MP3 auxiliary audio connections/amplifier, Bluetooth, remote control and fold-down storage; speakers w/ LED lights
32-gallon port insulated raw water livewell with light, full column distribution inlet and ob drain
Test Results
RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG STAT. MILE NM dBa
600 3 2.6 1.5 2.1 1.8 525 456.6 67
1000 6.1 5.3 2.6 2.4 2.1 602 523.6 69
1500 8.1 7 4 2.1 1.8 520 452.6 72
2000 9.6 8.3 6.6 1.4 1.3 367 319.3 75
2500 12.7 11 10 1.3 1.1 322 280.3 82
3000 19.5 17 13.4 1.5 1.3 371 322.4 84
3500 27.6 24 18 1.5 1.3 390 338.7 85
4000 32.5 28.3 23.7 1.4 1.2 349 303.3 85
4500 37.5 32.6 30.8 1.2 1.1 309 268.7 87
5000 42.2 36.7 37.8 1.1 1 284 246.7 88
5500 47.3 41.1 47.4 1 0.9 253 220.2 91
5900 50 43.4 52.7 0.9 0.8 241 209.4 93
View the test results in metric units
gradywhite_marlin300_chart_17.jpg
Specifications
Length Overall 30' 6'' / 9.30 m
Beam 10' 7''
3.23 m
Dry Weight 8,221 lbs.
3,729 kg
Tested Weight 10,615 lbs.
4,815 kg
Draft 23''
0.58 m
Deadrise/Transom 19.5-deg (SeaV2® progression)
Max Headroom N/A
Bridge Clearance 9' 9''
2.97 m
Fuel Capacity 282 gal.
1,067 L
Water Capacity 32 gal.
121 L
Total Weight 10,615 lbs.
4,815 kg
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane 3.3 sec.
0 to 30 6.9 sec.
Ratio 1.75:1
Props 15 1/2" x 17 SWS II SDS
Load 3 persons, 2/5 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate 78.8 deg., 75 humid.; wind: 5-10 mph; seas: calm
Engine Options
Tested Engine 2 x 300-hp Yamaha V6 4.2L
Std. Power Not Available
Opt. Power 2 x 250-hp Yamaha 4-stroke
2 x 300-hp Yamaha 4-stroke
2 x 350-hp Yamaha 4-stroke
Captain's Report NMMA Certified Learn More
Watch Our Video
The Marlin 300 has an LOA of 30’6” (9.30 m), a beam of 10’7” (3.23 m), and can sleep as many as four.
Mission
The Marlin 300’s SeaV2® hull and overall design make it an offshore saltwater fishing vessel first and foremost. The 30’6” (9.30 m) LOA and cabin below deck are a marriage of practicality and convenience. Perhaps the most important thing about the Marlin 300 is that it is a lot more comfortable – dryer and safer – for extended trips far offshore for bluewater fishing. Because she is not an open boat, when the sea gets rough, her closed foredeck and protected bridge and cockpit make her a welcome alternative to any center console on the market.
The addition of Strataglass between the windshield and the hardtop allows the bridge to be buttoned up for a cozy ride home when the weather turns foul. In addition, the square footage in her cockpit is greater than what is found in most center consoles her size between the lead post or bait-prep station and the transom.
The added advantage of the design is that she has an enclosed head with sink and shower, a full galley, and a U-shaped seating area with a convertible table for dining which can be made into a double berth. Another berth is amidships. For this reason, the Marlin 300 can also be used for cruising and even short weekend over-nighting.
A “Walk Around”. The Marlin 300 is the largest boat in Grady-White’s “Walk Around” series, but frankly, we think of her more as more of an fishing fishboat. “Walk Around” refers to the side decks which are recessed to provide secure footing when working a fish around the boat. We think these side decks are an excellent compromise between an express and a center console. For all of these reasons we find that she provides a lot more utility than the ubiquitous center console.
The layout of the Marlin 300, with the main deck view overlaid on the cabin.
Major Features
SeaV2 Hull Design. The hull was designed by C. Raymond Hunt and Associates which knows as much about designing a deep-V hull as any firm on the planet. Her high deadrise forward widens to a moderate deep-V aft to combine stability with riding comfort.
Below Deck Features. The Marlin 300 has two berths, galley, full head with a shower, dining space, storage, with optional air conditioning, and entertainment platforms.
Aft Fish Box. Along the transom is the 300’s 290-quart (275 L) aft insulated fish box. It comes standard with a light and overboard drainage.
Features Inspection
Stern/ Swim Platform
Grady-White Marlin 300 ladder
A view of the sturdy transom door with positive-locking 316-grade stainless steel latch.
The stern of the Marlin 300 is nearly all engine with a stainless steel re-boarding ladder on the starboard side. The ladder is molded-into the fiberglass platform, and just below it begins the 300’s rub rail, which circles the entire boat and is made of high-quality PVC with a stainless steel insert.
Just forward of the re-boarding ladder is the transom door. The stout door is made of fiberglass with a heavy-duty stainless steel latch on the inside just below the cockpit bolster that extends to include the transom door. The door opens out, which we prefer so it does not restrict cockpit space.
Cockpit
A view of the cockpit from the aft end of the boat displaying a well-defined fishing space with cockpit bolsters lining it.
The cockpit on the Marlin 300 is the primary fishing space, and is broken up forward by two steps up to the helm deck and access to the cabin below. A bolster wraps around the cockpit with four dedicated rod holders mounted into the reinforced gunwales. Rod racks are under both gunwales. Just below these are toe rails that can be used when hauling in the big one. On the hardtop legs, two to each side, are stainless steel rocket launchers.
Along the transom is the freshwater cockpit shower. The majority of the transom panel, however, is taken up by the 300’s 290-quart (274 L) fish box, which has LED lights and drains overboard. On the port end of the transom is a lift-out storage bin under a fixed cutting board. Under the bin is access to two battery banks with four batteries.
The aft seating in the cockpit, in its folded-down position. Note the fresh and raw water washdowns under the cockpit bolster in the background.
There is a fold-down bench seat facing forward on the transom as well with marine-grade weather-resistant upholstery. Below the seat is an access hatch to levered seacocks and the 5 kW generator.
The levered seacocks are a very good idea and something that we only rarely see. They enable the seacock to be turned off quickly in an emergency without having to fish around for a long reach to the thru-hull. More builders should use this concept when not able to put the seacock within easy reach.
Grady-White Marlin 300
The rigging station in the cockpit to starboard. Note the sink and lockable tackle storage below.
Grady-White Marlin 300 livewell
The cockpit livewell, which sits to port, just abaft the companion seat.
Cockpit Details. Forward the rod holders in the gunwales are fiberglass steps up to the side decks on each side. Adjacent to the steps up to the helm on the centerline on each side are two stations: to port is a 32 gallon (121 L) insulated raw water livewell with a light, full column distribution inlet, and overboard drain; to starboard is a rigging station with a freshwater sink, insulated bait box, and lockable drawers. For both, cushions can be easily installed just on top, creating additional cockpit seating space.
The lighted cockpit bolsters in the Marlin 300, with rod racks below -- 3 on each side.
Grady-White Marlin 300 fish box
A view of the aft fishbox, removable storage tub on the port side for easy battery access and battery switches. We like the handy battery switches.
Two fiberglass steps up in the center of the boat from the cockpit to the helm. The bottom step lifts up to reveal storage space below.
Helm/ Under the Hardtop
The Command Elite helm chairs, with armrests and bolsters shown in different states of articulation.
Bridge Seating. The Marlin 300 comes standard with two Deluxe II helm seats, which are both horizontally and vertically adjustable, with armrests that can flip-up and out of the way. Both helm seats have lockable storage spaces in their bases. The boat we tested had optional Command Elite seats (shown above) that are horizontally and vertically adjustable with deluxe cushioning for smoother ride. Flip up bolsters, too. We recommend this option.
Optional Companion Bench Seat. Grady-White also offers the option to eliminate the companion bridge chair and replace it on the port side with a lounge seat that has a backrest that faces forward but also wraps along the portside gunwale for versatility in a social setting.
The hardtop comes standard on the Marlin 300 and comes as a painted aluminum frame, with radio box, storage nets, spreader lights, four side mounted rod holders, outrigger plates, and drop, front and side curtains.
The helm on the Marlin 300. Note the footrest at the bottom of frame and outlet to starboard.
The helm station has a stainless steel steering wheel with throttle just to starboard on the forward flat panel. A compass divides the dash’s flat panel. Rocker switches and the standard trim tab controls are to the right.
Grady-White offers the Yamaha Helm Master EX Digital Electric Steering standard and the Helm Master EX w/ Full Maneuverability as an option on the Marlin 300.
Grady-White Marlin 300
Grady-White’s “Captain Grady” remote system monitor comes standard with the Marlin 300.
Captain Grady. One of Grady-White’s big innovations is their Captain Grady system, which works on either an iPad or iPhone or other smart devices as an app and provide operations guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting.
Forward, the windshields are ventilated tempered glass, with windshield washers and two standard windshield wipers.
Cabin
The galley on the Marlin 300’s lower deck with refrigerator, microwave, stereo control panel, and overhead storage.
Access to the cabin comes via three fiberglass stairs to port of the helm station. The flooring on the 300’s lower deck are teak and holly, and immediately to port upon entry is the boat’s galley. It has a microwave, glass electric top stove, refrigerator, Corian countertop, stainless steel sink, and trash drawer. Above is storage behind sliding cabinet doors.
The midships berth on the Marlin 300 -- note the netted storage and overhead rod racks.
Midships Berth. Immediately to starboard off the access stairs, through a lowered entrance, is the aft double berth, which has netted storage on the far wall, as well as rod storage overhead.
A view of the wet head on the Marlin 300 with the shower head, storage overhead, and sink.
Opposite the galley on the starboard side is the 300’s enclosed head. It has a sink, shower, and lamp, with a VacuFlush marine head that has a 10-gallon (38 L) holding tank and pump-out.
The forward V-berth with its filler cushions installed. Note that there are storage compartments under the cushions.
A view of the storage compartments -- note the center table is not installed in this image, and can raise/ lower depending whether one is looking to eat or sleep.
Dine or Sleep. Forward below deck is a dining space that can convert to a V-berth. The “C” shaped seating section wraps around a cherry wood table and has a backrest wrapping around the entire space. The table can be adjusted down to be level with the seating, allowing the addition of a filler cushion for conversion to a berth.
Removal of the cushions in the seating section itself reveals storage cubbies below.
Overhead are two reading lights, as well as four rod storage racks to each side, which flank the opening overhead latch that has both a screen and a shade depending on desired level of natural light and fresh air.
A view of the cherry table inserted that is level with seating.
Bow
The deep footwells add welcome security when working a fish forward in a seaway.
The Marlin 300 is a walkaround cuddy cabin, and from an easy step-up in the cockpit you’re up onto the side-decks, with the 316 grade stainless steel guide rails extending all the way up to the foredeck.
On the bow, just forward the windshield, is the opening Bowmar hatch above the lower deck V-berth. This surface can also be covered with the optional cushions and converted into a seating space.
The foredeck cushions can be easily attached to create seating in the bow.
Grady-White Marlin 300 bow pulpit
The bow pulpit and roller for the Marlin 300’s anchor and windlass.
Forward the seating space is the anchor windlass, which has foot controls to port (as well as controls at the helm), and a bow pulpit that includes a roller. To the starboard side of the windlass is the anchor locker, under a hatch with a stainless steel latch.
Power
The Marlin 300 comes with twin 300 Yamaha four-strokes.
Performance
With a pair of Yamaha V6 4.2L 300-hp engines powering our test boat, we had an estimated test weight of 10,615 lbs. (4,815 L).
Our top speed at wide open throttle was 43.4 knots.
Best cruise came at 3500 rpm where we recorded 24.0 knots, burning 18 gph (68 lph), getting 1.3 nm per gallon (4.9 LPNM) for a range of 338 nmiles with a 10% fuel reserve.
She was fast on plane – 3.0 seconds, hitting 20 mph in 3.9 seconds and 30 mph in 6.9 seconds.
Options to Consider
Price
Check with your local Grady-White representative for a price quote.
Observations
The Grady-White Marlin 300 has passed the test of time. The builder first introduced this series over 30 years ago and they are still in the lineup -- but re-engineered and updated over the years. That is saying something as most boat models last from three to seven years before they are discontinued.
At 30’ (9.14 m) this vessel is big enough, and seaworthy enough to take from Florida down island.
The Grady-White Marlin 300 is a top-flight fishing boat, with plenty of amenities aimed at such an excursion.
Cabin air conditioner 8,000 BTU
Bow thruster
19” LED HD TV with DVD player (cabin)
Generator -- 5 kW diesel, 12-gallon (45.4 L) fuel capacity
Yamaha Helm Master EX w/ Full Maneuverability
Outrigger kit – 15’ (4.6 m) crank outriggers hardtop mounted
Outrigger kit – 15’ (4.6 m) radial hardtop mounted
Six additional painted hardtop top mounted rod holders
Upgrade Helm Chair(s): Command Elite horizontally and vertically adjustable contoured helm chair with deluxe cushioning and flip-up bolster
Power steering
Cockpit freshwater shower w/hot & cold mixer
Underwater blue LED lighting
The Fishing Website, Review
Grady White Marlin 300 Boat Review
Grady White Marlin 300 Boat Review
Just when NZ Fishing News managing editor Grant Dixon thought he was in remission from his BE (Boat Envy), he spent time on the Grady White Marlin 300 for a day out of Tairua and realised he was far from cured…
Ihave suffered from BE from a young age. As a teenager, it was the Haines Hunter 198 that kicked it off, followed by a Viking 82 Sportfisher after spending nine days on one as the sole angler off the Mexican coast. For some time, I thought I had the ‘green eyes’ affliction under control – that was until last month when I stepped on the Grady White Marlin 300, a 9.6-metre walkaround.
American made Grady White boats are probably the most awarded boats in the world. There are some 28 boats in the current range, from under six metres in length up to the 14-metre GW Canyon 456. The vessels have a reputation for their blue water capabilities and quality build where attention to detail and the use of only the best componentry are apparent.
Grady White produce around 1500 boats a year, and all the hulls are hand-laid using solid fibreglass, rather than a laminated core construction. This gives them both integrity and strength. The company has been around for over six decades and over that period have refined both the overall performance and the practical fishing aspects. All corners are nicely rounded, with no sharp edges to damage any crew that may encounter them.
All fittings – hatch clips and hinges, rod holders, drink holders, the steering wheel, drawer runners, through-hull fittings, deck hardware, rear seat frame, dive ladder and the like – are manufactured from American 316 marine grade stainless steel and will last the life of the boat. The company’s mantra is ‘exceptional attention to detail’, and once you step onboard, this is patently evident throughout the boat.
Grady White's patented fold-out rear seat.
Grady White's patented fold-out rear seat.
Fishability
The Marlin 300 is one of the most ‘fishable’ boats I have been on. Around the cockpit, there are two standard holders set into either gunwale for trolling, 10 in the rocket holder and rail mounted on the hardtop frame; plus three further horizontal holders set into the cockpit sides beneath the gunwale. Inside the cabin is even more storage with six racked holders plus more space in the aft berth. Grady White has even come up with a dedicated downrigger ball holder!
Every spare bit of space has been converted to tackle storage which keeps smaller items safe and dry but close at hand. Pride of place is a rigging station set behind the helm chair. This incorporates a freshwater sink, an insulated and drainable bait box; topped off with lockable drawers beneath. One of the neatest storage areas is under the step up to the helm station, a perfect spot to keep game lures out of the way and safe, but still close to the action.
The bait rigging station is insulated and features a freshwater tap.
The bait rigging station is insulated and features a freshwater tap.
On the port side is the 120-litre insulated and lit live bait set-up to which a 4160 litre per hour pump delivers a constant flow of water via a full-column plenum system to keep the baits swimming unharmed in the one direction. When not in use, it makes for additional cold storage when filled with ice.
The 120-litre livebait well is designed to maximise bait life.
The 120-litre livebait well is designed to maximise bait life.
Set into the transom is an insulated 274-litre capacity fish bin that will take most kingfish and albacore tuna. It also eliminates the need to carry additional ice boxes on board, leaving the large cockpit as uncluttered as possible.
The self-draining cockpit space is large enough to fish half a dozen anglers in comfort. There is good toe space, and the cockpit bolsters help protect the anglers and crews when dealing with a tough fish on either the rod or leader. Stepping onto the swim step, there is room between the transom and the outboards to walk from one side of the hull to the other. There is a four-step retractable, stainless steel ladder to make getting back on board a breeze.
All deck areas have a non-skid surface. There is plenty of room to walk around to the bow casting area, with well-placed handholds to ensure angler safety, even if it is rough. The slightly buff colour gelcoat is great in that it reduces much of the glare you get off a white surface.
The 4.6-metre outriggers are hardtop mounted and easily adjustable through crank bases. The riggers themselves are telescopic with the halyards conveniently stored on the riggers so there are no loose cords to tangle. While there was not one fitted, there is a reinforced section in the cockpit floor specifically for a fighting chair.
Lighting throughout the boat is all Lumitec LED – floods, under-gunwale and hardtop illumination, and can be changed to blue, red, or white, depending on the circumstances.
The hardtop offers plenty of protection.
The hardtop offers plenty of protection.
At the helm
The first thing you notice at the helm station is how everything is at your fingertips. Even the toggle switches have been placed tactfully, with those used most often used being closer than less frequently used functions.
First impressions of the helm station - a place for everything, and everything in its place.
First impressions of the helm station - a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Underway, the Yamaha electronic steering is a big plus, especially when it comes to close-quarter manoeuvring. The Yamaha HelmMaster is great and makes docking effortless. Normally the time of greatest stress for many boaties, berthing a vessel could not be simpler where the HelmMaster is fitted (see the September issue for a full review). A bow thruster is a factory option, but with the HelmMaster on board, it is made redundant.
Negotiating tight spaces with a 10-metre craft is no problem using Yamaha's HelmMaster electronic control system.
Negotiating tight spaces with a 10-metre craft is no problem using Yamaha's HelmMaster electronic control system.
Dominating the instrument display is the latest Simrad 16” NSSEvo 3 sounder/plotter, flush-mounted on an expansive dash that also includes a Simrad VHF and auto-pilot, Lewmar capstan control, trim tabs, along with Yamaha’s proprietary engine display and throttles.
There is excellent all-round vision with clears in place to keep the elements out or to provide natural air conditioning on the warmer days. The wipers keep the screen clear, with the starboard one having freshwater available.
The coup-de-grace of the helm fit-up is the helm seat. The test boat had Command Elite seats that are contoured to provide maximum support and are adjustable vertically and horizontally. I particularly enjoyed the flip-up bolster that offers support when helming from a standing position. The footrests for both the skipper and the navigator are also adjustable.
Power to burn
Providing the drive are twin 300HP Yamaha 4.2-litre four-stroke outboards which have more than enough boogie to get the Marlin 300 quickly up on the plane and hold it there.
Grady White provided some fuel figures for a fully laden vessel (5245kg – fuel, water, and four crew) that make for interesting reading. At trolling speed (just on seven knots) the twin rig burns 15.5 litres per hour (lph). The stated optimum cruising rate of 3800RPM puts out 28 knots, with the engines burning 90.5lph. At wide-open-throttle (5800RPM), the burn is 198.0lph, and speed a swift 42 knots. Fuel capacity is 1067 litres.
Creature comforts
While the Marlin 300 is a magnificent day boat, it is also well-appointed for extended stay-away trips.
There are two forward berths, converted to a reasonable sized double – with an infill and a heap of storage below – and another double bunk tucked back in aft. The galley includes a microwave and ceramic cooktop, a sink with hot and cold water, a 19” LED/LEC flatscreen television and satellite receiver, a vacuum flushing head and shower, the latest Fusion sound system with speakers in three zones; and there is an option for air conditioning.
There is plentiful storage space nestled in all corners of the vessel.
There is plentiful storage space nestled in all corners of the vessel.
The well-appointed galley.
The well-appointed galley.
Fitted nicely under the cockpit sole is a fully insulated and soundproofed 5kW diesel generator with an 80-litre diesel fuel tank, as well as access to all the pumps and seacocks – the latter can be opened and closed using a lever system that does not require you to bend down to operate.
There are freshwater outlets at the bow for washing down the anchor area, as well at the stern, where divers can even enjoy a warm-water rinse after their plunge.
In conclusion
Grady White has fitted many of the features you would only expect on a bigger boat into 10 metres of balls-out fishing machine, yet with enough refinements and home comforts to make staying away on multi-day trips a breeze.
Because these boats were designed for long range trips, safety is paramount. There are two 2600GPH auto bilge pumps and every space not used for storage has been filled with foam to make the vessel unsinkable. There are handholds and grabrails exactly where you would expect them to be.
I didn’t get to experience the marquee’s rough water capabilities, but the small chop we encountered saw the spray dispensed low and wide, making for a dry ride. For its size, this would be the best-appointed sportfishing boat I have ever had the pleasure of stepping aboard – and it has resulted in a serious recurrence of my boat envy affliction!
English
Español
Français
Italiano
APPLY FOR A LOAN
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE
TRADE YOUR YACHT
PREPARE DOCUMENTATION