1996 Grady-White 272

The 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish is a 27-foot-class walkaround sportfishing boat designed for offshore fishing, coastal cruising and family day trips. It features a fiberglass deep-V hull, approximately 9 feet 6 inches of beam and a practical cabin layout. Published specifications vary slightly by source, with dry weight reported around 5,500–6,500 pounds depending on configuration.

The 272 Sailfish combines an open fishing cockpit with a compact enclosed cabin, making it more versatile than a dedicated center console. Typical layouts include a forward dinette that converts to a berth, an enclosed head, a small galley and an additional aft berth or storage area. The model was also offered with twin outboard configurations, making it suitable for offshore fishing while retaining relatively straightforward mechanical access.

Is the 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish for Sale?

Yes. Multiple 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish boats are currently advertised on the used market, although their prices and specifications vary considerably because many examples have been repowered or upgraded over the years. One current listing in Somers Point, New Jersey, is advertised with twin 225-hp Johnson outboards and a asking price of $15,995.

Another 1996 272 Sailfish currently listed in Peabody, Massachusetts, is equipped with twin 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC HO outboards and updated upholstery, electronics and deck equipment. This example is advertised at $31,900. A separate Miami listing has newer twin 2021 Suzuki 250-hp outboards and is priced at approximately $64,900, demonstrating how repower quality and equipment can substantially change the value of an older 272 Sailfish.

1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish Price

The asking price for a 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish can vary widely depending on engine age, overall condition, electronics and recent upgrades. Current listings reviewed for this model range from roughly $15,995 to $64,900, while JD Power lists historical retail-value references of approximately $17,000 for low retail and $19,450–$23,500 for average retail, depending on the specific 272 Sailfish configuration.

The large difference between individual asking prices is particularly important when evaluating this 1996 model. A boat with original 1990s outboards may require a different budget from one equipped with modern Suzuki, Yamaha or Evinrude engines. Buyers should therefore compare engine age and hours, repower history, electronics, trailer condition, hull condition and recent maintenance rather than using the lowest or highest advertised price as the value of every 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish.

Performance and Propulsion

The 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish was designed around an outboard-powered configuration, with published specifications showing two gasoline outboard engines. One documented example uses twin 225-hp Johnson outboards for a combined 450 hp, while another example has been repowered with twin 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC HO engines. JD Power lists the standard configuration with two 200-hp gasoline outboards.

Performance depends heavily on the specific engine package, propellers, load and hull condition. An earlier documented twin-225-hp example reported a cruising speed of approximately 32 mph and a top speed of about 45 mph. The deep-V hull is intended to provide a stable ride in offshore conditions, but buyers should verify actual performance through a sea trial rather than relying solely on historical specifications.

Exterior Design and Construction

The 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish uses a fiberglass deep-V hull with a beam of approximately 9 feet 6 inches. Its walkaround design provides access around the cabin to the foredeck while leaving a substantial aft cockpit for fishing. The cockpit can include fish boxes, a live bait well, rod holders, tackle storage and a transom door, depending on the individual boat's equipment and subsequent modifications.

The exterior layout is focused on practical offshore use rather than luxury features. A raised helm area provides visibility while the hardtop and windshield offer protection from sun and spray. Current examples can also feature updated non-skid decking, newer upholstery, underwater lighting, anchor windlasses and upgraded fishing equipment. Because these boats are nearly three decades old, exterior condition and previous repairs should be evaluated individually rather than assumed from the original model specifications.

Interior and Accommodation

The cabin of the 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish is compact but functional for a boat of this size. A typical configuration includes a forward dinette that converts into a berth, an enclosed head with shower and a small galley. The space beneath or behind the helm can also provide an additional berth or storage area, giving the boat useful overnight capability for short coastal trips.

The interior is better suited to short stays and weekend cruising than extended liveaboard use. Depending on the individual boat, buyers may find features such as galley storage, refrigeration, cabin lighting and updated upholstery, while older examples may retain much of their original equipment. Since interior condition can vary substantially after almost 30 years, inspection should focus on moisture intrusion, cabin windows, cushions, plumbing, head systems and electrical equipment.

What to Check Before Buying a 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish

Before purchasing a 1996 Grady-White 272 Sailfish, buyers should arrange a professional marine survey and a detailed mechanical inspection. The outboard engines deserve particular attention because many boats from this era have either original engines or later repowers. Check engine hours, compression where appropriate, ECU reports on compatible engines, cooling systems, lower units, steering components, wiring and maintenance records. Fuel tanks and fuel lines should also be inspected carefully given the boat's age.

The fiberglass hull and deck should be checked for moisture, structural repairs, soft areas and previous impact damage. Buyers should also inspect the transom, stringers, through-hull fittings, fuel system, electrical wiring, steering, trailer and cabin plumbing. During the sea trial, verify cold-start behavior, acceleration, steering response, vibration, engine temperatures and performance across the normal RPM range. For a repowered example, the condition and installation quality of the newer engines may be more important to the purchase decision than the original 1996 specification.