- Joined
- Nov 24, 2024
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 8
- Age
- 60
- Location
- Mattapoisett, MA
- Model
- Canyon 306
We just wrapped up our first season with our 2016 Grady White 306 Canyon and wanted to share some impressions.
Operating out of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts—an area well known for its rough afternoon seas driven by southwest winds—we logged roughly 2,500 miles. Our trips included offshore fishing, inshore fishing, and family cruising. We boated in Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod Bay and south of Martha’s Vineyard. The verdict: this boat is an absolute powerhouse. My wife summed it up perfectly when she said, “Why did it take us so long to upgrade?”
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
Operating out of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts—an area well known for its rough afternoon seas driven by southwest winds—we logged roughly 2,500 miles. Our trips included offshore fishing, inshore fishing, and family cruising. We boated in Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod Bay and south of Martha’s Vineyard. The verdict: this boat is an absolute powerhouse. My wife summed it up perfectly when she said, “Why did it take us so long to upgrade?”
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
- We refueled by topping off the tank each time and consistently averaged 1.6 MPG, measured via Garmin trip odometer and gallons pumped. Typical fill-up was about 200 gallons – I will run the tank lower next year now that I have confidence fuel burn rate.
- I’d often predict the fuel amount needed, and I was always within one or two gallons—knowing MPG and trip odometer is far more reliable than any gauge.
- The MPG held steady regardless of load or activity, averaging across all trips.
- We typically ran between 3,700–3,900 RPMs, occasionally pushing the throttles down to let the boat stretch out.
- The high gunwales provided comfort in bigger seas – having bolsters hit above the knee. Whole family commented on their height and how they liked it.
- Incredibly stable – very little rock as people moved about the boat. Most we had on boat for a sandbar day was 10 people for a 12-mile run. No issues and not crowded.
- The helm easily accommodates three across, with room between the captain’s chairs.
- Bow seating proved comfortable even in moderate seas—the ride is soft, and the bow was always usable underway.
- With the filler in place, the bow doubles as a spacious lounge or fishing platform.
- We kept the windshield enclosure up year-round, adding side curtains only during colder early and late seasons.
- Initial concerns about storage proved unfounded.
- The rear fish box was mainly used for bags, gear, and trash, except on offshore trips when it held ice (and fish).
- Forward fish boxes served as storage for the stern anchor, cleaning supplies, extra tackle, and overflow gear when we had larger groups aboard.
- Liferaft (offshore trips) and fenders tucked under bow filler
- The gunwales are higher than I’m used to and made lipping fish a challenge – so I had to purchase a landing net to reach the water safely.
- High gunwales proved beneficial when fighting larger fish stand-up for extended periods.
- Door in stern is narrow / very close to engines – so big fish need to come over side vs. through the door. We pulled a few school tuna through the door, but doubtful a 200LB+ fish would fit through
- The boat rode best with trim tabs slightly down—just one or two lights on the switch.
- In steep following seas, common when returning with a southwest wind at our backs, the boat handled well. The engines occasionally cavitated every few waves but quickly regained grip with only minor RPM fluctuations.
- The “Cape Cod Gray” hull was slightly faded when purchased. After heavy compounding and waxing with Collinite Fleetwax, it looked brand new. Unfortunately, within a couple of months the fading returned aggressively, leaving the sides looking poor. Curious if others have faced the same issue and how they’ve addressed it.
- Accessing the raw-water and livewell pumps requires removing caulk and a dozen screws—making swaps a hassle.
- The sump pump in the head (handling shower drainage) is difficult to locate and service. Any advice how to do it?
- Wiring is poorly labeled and bundled, making it tough to sort out.
- Access to the holding tank and macerator pump remains unresolved. Fortunately, we rarely use the head and rely on pump-out stations rather than offshore dumping. Any advice?
- Adding rod holders to bow area to hold popping rods as we move around tuna grounds
- Adding bow shade - any tips greatly appreciated
- Getting gunwales back to Bristol condition - ugh more hours compounding
