209 Fisherman vs. 191 Coastal Explorer: what's the difference?

[mr_mbuna]

I'm looking at getting a second, smaller Grady for the inlets and bays near my parents' house in Beaufort, SC. The use cases will be 80% cruising and 20% inshore fishing. The models rising to the top for me are the 209 Fisherman and 191 Coastal Explorer. Looking at the floor plans and specifications for these two, I'm not sure I understand the rationale for the 191 CE. Maybe that's why it's discontinued

By the specs, the 191 CE only appears to offer a 1" shallower draft (I would expect this to be a big design characteristic for a bay/hybrid boat) but it is 1' shorter, originally $2300+ more expensive, and certified for lower maximum power.

• 209 Fisherman: 20’4” LOA, 8’1” beam, 15” draft, 2600 lbs dry, 250 hp max, 8 people or 1130 lbs capacity. Original MSRP $56,385. Discontinued 2016 (replaced by 216 Fisherman).
• 191 CE: 19’4” LOA, 8’2” beam, 14” draft, 2360 lbs dry, 200 hp max, 8 people or ??? lbs capacity. Original MSRP $58,700. Discontinued 2020.

The floor plan layouts don't look a lot different either:

191 CE on the left, 209 Fisherman on the right




Has anyone here ridden in both boats?
What is the reason to choose the 191 CE over the 209 Fisherman, other than the aesthetics of lower sides?

 

[SkunkBoat]

In my experience 1 foot of length really does change a boat space, weight and ride. Look at space behind helm seats. There is none on a 191.

figures don't seem right. 209 has to be heavier than a 191

dry weight of a 209 was 2600lbs

They don't list it but the dead rise is probably less on the 191(flatter bottom). Lower gunnels. Designed to fish calm shallow water while standing and casting.
I have fished on this style of boat. You are ON the boat rather than IN the boat.
IMO the 209 is a better multipurpose boat.

 

[mr_mbuna]

figures don't seem right. 209 has to be heavier than a 191

dry weight of a 209 was 2600lbs

You're right... I found 2150 for the 209 on https://www.apmarine.bm/index.php/grady-white/fisherman-209 but other sources (e.g., NADA, BoatGuide.com, etc.) list it as 2600. So that's another pro for the 191 - 250 lbs lighter which might make it easier to tow. Updated my original post.

 

[Mark DV]

I think the 209 hull is the same as the 208 hull. Or very similar.

 

[mr_mbuna]

They don't list it but the dead rise is probably less on the 191(flatter bottom).

191 has a 14.5° deadrise. 209 has a 19° deadrise.

It seems like Grady was trying to design a bay boat but just ended up designing a less good Grady. I say this because the draft is only 1” less. If it were 10”-12” it would all make sense and seem like a fantastic design. But what’s the point of giving up length, deadrise, power, etc., for 1” of draft?

 

[SkunkBoat]

The draft is when floating, motor up and not moving. The flat bottom of the 191 will raise it up higher on plane. It will run shallower than the deeper V.
It will also knock your teeth out in a moderate chop.
You can't compare the two with the same use in mind. They are very different. its not just 1' of length.

If you are going to fish a lake or the protected flats and cast to bass or redfish then the 191 is a good design.

If you want to drive people around, pull a wake board, run in open water, then the 209 is a better fit.