Grady-White Chesapeake 290: A Customer-Inspired Coastal Cabin Boat Celebrating 50 Years

Marking five decades of boatbuilding, Grady-White introduced a customer-inspired model that blends practical fishing features with comfortable cruising accommodations. The 2009 Chesapeake 290 is a 29-foot coastal cabin boat built with Grady-White’s signature walkaround layout, designed to provide safe, functional on-deck movement and a protected cabin for overnight trips or day cruising along coastal waters.

Cockpit and Fishing Amenities

The Chesapeake 290 features a 56-square-foot cockpit engineered for fishing and active use. The helm is equipped with flush-mounted, easy-to-read gauges positioned above a 316L stainless steering wheel, putting essential controls and instrumentation within comfortable sightlines. A newly styled hardtop covers the helm area and integrates practical features including a radio box, storage nets for personal flotation devices, spreader lights for night visibility, and four side-mounted rod holders for convenient tackle management. Standard hardtop drop curtains and front and side curtains increase protection from wind and spray, expanding the boat’s usable season.

Storage and fish-handling gear are emphasized throughout the cockpit. On the starboard side, a 132-quart insulated fish box provides ample space to keep catches chilled. The port side houses a 35-gallon raw water live well fed by a 1,100-gallon-per-hour circulating pump to maintain healthy bait and catches. The live well includes lighting and a full-column distribution inlet for easy water management. At the transom, a large 265-quart insulated box with an overboard drain handles additional fish, bait, or insulated storage needs for longer outings.

Cabin Comfort and Layout

Belowdecks, the Chesapeake 290 emphasizes warm finishes and functional galley amenities. The cabin sole features traditional teak and holly, complementing an oval-shaped teak dinette table that creates a welcoming dining or lounging area. The portside galley is fitted with Corian countertops, a deep stainless steel sink, refrigerator, microwave oven and an electric stove with touchpad flush controls—arranged to maximize efficiency in a compact space.

Sleeping accommodations include a generous starboard berth that stretches to 81 inches, providing comfortable overnight accommodation for coastal cruising. Optional cabin air conditioning is available for extended comfort in warm climates, and a DC television option is offered for entertainment. AV outlets at the cabin entrance support modern electronics and connectivity for devices or optional audio/visual systems.

Design Considerations and Practical Details

Grady-White’s Chesapeake 290 marries the practicality of a walkaround fishing boat with the comforts expected on a coastal cabin cruiser. The hardtop and curtain system offers weather protection and flexibility for both fishing and family outings, while dedicated onboard storage and insulated fish boxes address the needs of anglers. The cabin layout balances comfortable accommodations with a compact, well-equipped galley and berth, making the Chesapeake 290 suitable for weekend trips or day charters along protected waters.

Pricing and Availability

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Chesapeake 290 with twin Yamaha 250-horsepower four-stroke outboards was listed at $183,625 for the model year referenced. For boat buyers comparing coastal cabin boats, this model combines established construction quality and thoughtful onboard systems with layout features aimed at anglers and cruising families alike.

Brokerage listings on this and similar models are commonly provided by BoatQuest. For those researching Grady-White models or used Chesapeake 290 listings, BoatQuest is one of the marketplace resources where brokers and private sellers list boats. Manufacturer information and current specifications are available directly from Grady-White and from authorized dealers for the most up-to-date details.