Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 24'7"
- Beam: 8'6"
- Dry Weight: ~4,000 lbs
- Engine: Single outboard, max 300 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 78 gallons
- Deadrise: 16°
- Draft: ~15"
- Hull Type: SeaV² progressive deadrise center console
Cover Features
- Fabric Options: 9oz solution-dyed marine fabric or premium Sunbrella acrylic
- Coverage Type: T-Top cover wraps hull below hardtop; hardtop remains exposed
- Construction: Reinforced stitching, hem cord at rubrail, adjustable tie-down straps
- Durability: Solution-dyed fabric (5–7 years); Sunbrella acrylic (8–10 years)
- Fit: Custom-fitted to 24'7" Coastal Explorer specifications
- Protection: UV-resistant, water-repellent, weatherproof
Additional information
Choose Your Cover Fabric
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
| Weight | 35 lbs |
|---|
Install
Please watch the video below for installation instructions!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 251 adds 2 feet of length, increasing hull volume and storage significantly. Key differences: 25-gallon forward livewell AND 12.75-gallon aft livewell (dual systems), dual 74-qt insulated fishboxes (vs. single 277-qt), electric sport decks, sun pad, and over 51 standard features. The 251 is engineered for longer offshore days and larger catch capacity.
Absolutely. The 251's 16° deadrise, progressive deadrise hull, and ~4,000 lbs displacement provide excellent sea-keeping to 4–5 foot seas. With 78 gallons of fuel capacity and a single 300 HP outboard, it has the range and power for genuine offshore capability while maintaining the agility and shallow-water access of a bay boat.
Dual livewells (25-gal forward, 12.75-gal aft) allow you to separate bait from game fish, maintain different species in ideal environments, and balance water circulation across the boat. This redundancy also means if one system needs service, the other keeps your catch alive—critical for serious tournament and multi-day fishing.
Yes. Both fishboxes feature overboard drain ports that function whether the cover is on or off. Perfect Fit's custom pattern accounts for drain positioning, ensuring water flow isn't obstructed. The water-repellent cover sheds surface moisture naturally, preventing pooling that could interfere with drainage.
The 10-person capacity means the 251 carries higher beam loads and requires proportionally stronger fastening points. Perfect Fit's cover design distributes tie-down tension across reinforced rubrail sections and uses heavy-duty adjustable straps rated for the boat's weight class, ensuring the cover remains secure under any sea state or weather condition.
The electric sport decks and sun pad provide multipurpose deck space—for entertaining, comfortable seating while fishing, or lounging during mooring stops. Perfect Fit's cover wraps completely around these features, protecting the electrical components, upholstery, and structural details from UV and salt spray degradation.
Yes. The console-mounted electronics remain fully protected under the T-Top cover. The water-repellent fabric prevents moisture ingress, and the reinforced stitching ensures the cover stays secure without vibrating or loosening connections. The mobile app instrumentation is shielded from salt spray and UV, extending its operational lifespan.
With a single 300 HP outboard at cruise speed (~20 mph), the 251 achieves approximately 240–260 miles of range on 78 gallons. This allows you to fish 40–50 nautical miles offshore and return with fuel reserves—more than adequate for day trips and many multi-day excursions depending on sea state and throttle management.
At 15" draft, the 251 handles backwater and flats-edge fishing reasonably well, though it's primarily engineered for deeper-water coastal performance. If you spend significant time in ultra-shallow (sub-10") water, specialized shallow-draft bay boats may be better—but the 251 is far more seaworthy and offshore-capable than shallower alternatives.
The 251's 10-person capacity, sun pad, electric sport decks, portable head with storage, 10-gallon freshwater tank, and 51+ standard features create a platform for both day fishing and comfortable family cruising. The SeaV² hull provides a smooth ride for passengers, while the fishing layout keeps anglers productive—making the 251 ideal for mixed-use boating families.
⏱️ Current lead time: 1–3 weeks — every cover is custom-made for your boat.
Questions about fit? Call (561) 677-2628
Questions about fit? Call (561) 677-2628
Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer T-Top Boat Cover
The Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer represents mid-size fishing luxury at 24’7″ LOA with an 8’6″ beam and ~4,000 lbs dry weight. A single 300 HP outboard powers this dual-purpose machine to excellent speeds while its 78-gallon fuel capacity delivers 240–260 miles of offshore range. The standout fishing specs include dual livewells (25-gallon forward, 12.75-gallon aft), dual 74-qt insulated fishboxes, electric sport decks, sun pad, portable head with storage, 10-gallon freshwater tank, Bluetooth audio, mobile app instrumentation, and 10-person capacity—making the 251 equally at home during a family cruise or a full-day fishing tournament.
A Perfect Fit custom T-Top cover protects all the engineering that makes the 251 special: the dual fishboxes, livewell plumbing, electronics package, upholstered sun pad and sport decks, and console instrumentation. Our solution-dyed marine fabric (5–7 years) or premium Sunbrella acrylic (8–10 years) resists UV degradation and salt spray, preserving your boat’s finish, systems, and comfort features through seasons of storage, mooring, or trailering.
The Mid-Size Premier of the Coastal Explorer Line
The 251 CE is where serious fishing meets family cruising. The SeaV² hull with 16° deadrise delivers a smooth ride in 4–5 foot seas, while the dual livewell and dual fishbox configuration elevates the 251 above entry-level models. The electric sport decks and sun pad add comfort for passengers and crew, while over 51 standard features—including Bluetooth audio, fresh water shower, and mobile app instrumentation—create an all-day floating cabin. At 4,000 lbs, it’s still trailerable for owners with adequate tow vehicles, but its 78-gallon fuel capacity and single-engine power-train deliver genuine offshore capability.
Engineering & Precision Coverage
Perfect Fit’s cover engineers laser-measure your 251’s dual livewell plumbing, dual fishbox drain positioning, console width, sport deck structure, and sun pad upholstery to create a custom pattern that wraps every contour without obstruction. The reinforced stitching and hem cord secure the cover at the rubrail, while heavy-duty adjustable tie-down straps distribute tension evenly across the 8’6″ beam. The result is a wrinkle-free cover that protects dual fishbox drains, livewell vents, electrical systems, and upholstery without binding or vibration.
Explore the Grady White Collection
Perfect Fit Boat Covers offers custom T-Top covers for every Grady White model. Browse the Grady White boat cover collection, or compare the Grady White 281 CE boat cover for a larger twin-engine platform. For a smaller, more nimble option, explore the Grady White 273 boat cover.
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