Grady-White Freedom 345

Grady-White has one of the best reputations in the world when it comes to mid-size boats geared toward gentleman anglers.

And with this new Freedom 345 dual console model, the builder does nothing to tarnish its well-earned name.

The 345 has a notably wide 11-foot, 7-inch beam and a 34-foot length overall, and it packs a lot to like into that rather sturdy footprint. She comes with dual 450 XTOs or triple 350-hp Yamaha outboards that offer a 56 mph top-end and a 30 mph cruise. Just forward of the engines is a small platform with diamond-patterned non-skid that makes it easy to gaff a fish, if need be.

In the cockpit, the boat has inward-opening dive doors to port and starboard and bench seating at the transom. Inside that transom is a refrigerator and freezer that doubles as a fishbox, as well as a cooler and a livewell. A grill forward and to port helps keep everyone full of energy as they set out on the adventures this boat was designed to tackle.

A passageway leads forward past the starboard- side helm and a small L-shape dining settee to port and into the boat’s bow lounge. This deck space really opens the Freedom 345 up and is the linchpin that takes this vessel from being a fishing boat to an all-around player capable of doing whatever you ask of her. Wraparound seating up front is the perfect place to ride while underway in calm seas, or to create a separate space for a group of people while at the sandbar. Down below, the boat has a convertible settee/berth that is usable for a nap or as a place to stash the kids, but more likely than not will end up being extra stowage.

This Freedom 345 packs a lot of punch into a mid-size package that will excel on the lakes thanks to its versatile and thoughtful design and sparkling performance numbers. If you are looking for a boat that can do it all, this Grady-White should be at the top of your list.