Grady-White Canyon 456 (2019-)

Brief Summary

The folks at Grady-White tell us that they conceived and designed the new Canyon 456 to be a luxurious – “no-compromise” – sportfishing yacht with virtually every practical amenity built-in that they could imagine. With a 21-degree deadrise at the transom, a 14’ (4.27 m) beam, a fuel capacity of 616 gallons (2,332 L) and quad Yamaha 425 outboards, she is intended to go virtually anywhere in most conditions. The level of detail, built-in comfort, and innovation is noteworthy for a boat of this size. Belowdecks, she has a large, standup head, good-sized galley, and a convertible dinette that seats four and sleeps two. But all of that is just the tip of this iceberg.

Key Features

• 2 automatic bilge pumps (total 4,000 GPH) (15,142 LPH)
• Anchor windlass w/remote switches at helm & windlass
• Deck hardware - 316-grade stainless steel through-bolted
• Air conditioning - 16,000 BTU w/outlets at helm (4) & aft seats (3)
• Forward hatch - low profile acrylic hatch w/retractable screen shade
• Stainless steel through-hull fittings
• Fuel capacity - 616-gallon (2,332 L) (2 - 308 gal. tanks)
• Rod storage - retractable vertical storage rack under port countertop (4)

Specifications

Length Overall	45' / 13.72 m
Beam	14' 4.27 m
Dry Weight	24,500 11,113 kg
Draft	30" .76 m
Deadrise/Transom	21-degrees
Bridge Clearance	10' 5" 3.18 m
Fuel Capacity	616 gal. 2,332 L
Water Capacity	80 gal. 303 L

Engine Options

Std. Power	425-hp Yamaha Four-Stroke (Quad)

Captain's Report Learn More
Watch Our Video

Contents of Report

• Mission

• The Helm

• Performance and Handling

• Special Equipment

• Price

• Observations

Mission

The Grady-White Canyon 456 was created for those looking for the top-of-the-line alternative to traditional sportfishing convertibles which cost several million dollars, usually require a paid captain and have annual maintenance costs that can easily go into six digits. It is also positioned for anglers wanting to move up to a sportfishing machine that is also a large, comfortable yacht but can still be easily handled. In the process, virtually every creature comfort that Grady’s engineers could imagine was baked into the boat.

The Helm

Grady-White calls its helm a “Sea Command Center™” and has trademarked the term to emphasize both the care with which it was designed and the technology employed. The helm has four individual forward-facing seats that are each electronically adjustable, with flip-up bolsters to allow comfort while standing and flip-down armrests. The builder made them attractive and the multi-density foam substructure has been ergonomically designed to fit the human body and help people stay in their seats while being supportive and comfortable. The seat upholstery is two-tone and the bolsters are comfortable to lean on.

The captain’s seat is in the center to starboard and the wheel, compass, instruments, accessory switches and all controls are offset to starboard as they should be – rather than centered as we sometimes see that makes everything symmetrical but awkward.

Extremely comfortable seating is a hallmark of the Canyon 456 and nowhere is it more obvious than at the helm. Bolsters, footrests, armrests and air-conditioning are all part of the bargain.

CZone® digital switching technology enables one-touch control of onboard systems including power, electrical, lighting, heat and air conditioning — even the seacocks. This is a complex yet, intuitive system that puts nearly every function of the boat at the captain’s fingertips. We usually only see CZone systems on large motoryachts. A software application allows remote command of these functions from the captain’s smartphone.

Grady-White's sea chest is a raw-water reservoir that provides raw water for all systems livewells, generator, air conditioning, washdowns, and more. This is a remarkable system and one that we have never seen in this class of boat.

The helm also holds the Fusion stereo system controls for the bow and T-top speakers. A separate Fusion control head is located in the console cabin, and the company uses the latest Fusion Signature Series speakers to deliver the sound everywhere on the boat.

Air-conditioning vents in the dash panel and under the seats will give the captain and crew welcome cool air on steamy hot and humid days in the tropics.

Hardtop Enclosure

The entire helm area is covered by a stylish T-top (AV2 T-top®), and a three-sided enclosure with an integrated wraparound, one-piece windshield. The forward mullions have been moved slightly back and kept narrow to maximize sightlines. Electric side windows and a large overhead hatch allow in plenty of fresh air when the heating or 16,000 BTU air conditioning system is not needed. The top includes a built-in SureShade® electronically retractable cockpit shade that extends over the aft-facing seats to keep guests there out of the sun and rain.

On the top are found LED spreader lights forward and aft. Top-of-the-line deluxe GEMLUX® carbon fiber outriggers are available. Underneath the top features LED lighting and a huge netted storage area. Ten rod holders here are fishing-ready. For extra convenience, this boat comes equipped with a remote-controlled anchor light on the T-top, making the transition from day to night as simple as a press of a button. Safety handrails are seamlessly built-in, just where needed.

Stereo System. Grady-White has installed the Fusion Signature series stereo system with AM/FM tuner, MP3 auxiliary audio connections/amplifier, Bluetooth remote, two subwoofers in the cockpit, two speakers in the bow and four speakers in the AV2 T-top at the helm. A separate Fusion stereo system in the cabin has its own subwoofer and two speakers.

With the addition of the optional canvas and Clear2Sea side curtains, the helm can be buttoned up for three-season boating. This option creates a tremendous amount of added utility for this yacht, which can really do anything and go almost anywhere adventuresome boaters would like.

Performance and Handling

Hull Design. The Canyon 456 hull was designed by C. Raymond Hunt & Associates, the same firm that has designed all other Grady-White boats since the 1990s. Since Hunt invented and pioneered the deep-V hull design in the early 1960s, it is little surprise that this design firm knows as much as any, and probably much more, than most designers about the nuances of creating a hull that maximizes the comfort aspects of the deep-V concept, while at the same time making the hull as efficient and stable as possible. Grady-White has trademarked its proprietary hull design calling it the SeaV2® design, with a nod to its continuously variable vee — the science behind the exceptional ride, handling and performance of Grady-White hulls.

While not often discussed, the ride and handling characteristics of Grady-White boats are one of their most important features for safety and comfort.

The Numbers. We have not tested the Canyon 456, but we look forward to doing so. Of course, the folks at Grady-White and Yamaha have tested the boat. While they didn’t tell us how many people were aboard or the tankage levels during the test, they did say that the quad 425s were turning 16 3/8 x 21 XTO OS props and had a test weight of 31,650 lbs. (14,356 kg) — including persons, fuel, water, gear, engines and accessories. 

They reported a top speed of 58 mph at 6000 rpm, getting 0.4 mpg. Best cruise, they say, was found at 3500 rpm where the boat went 30.1 mph, getting 0.68 mpg.

Special Equipment

Seakeeper. The Canyon 456 is equipped with a Seakeeper® 6 gyro stabilizer “to give an added element of control in the most extreme sea conditions,” according to Grady-White. In normal conditions, it dampens roll significantly. The Yamaha Helm Master® system with Set Point™ is also standard. This system used dual-antenna GPS to engage three primary control modes – Stay Point, Fish Point and Drift Point.

Trim Tabs. Also standard is the Zipwake® dynamic auto-leveling trim control system that controls both trim and balance, providing constant leveling in turns and when accelerating. It also ensures maximum capability. The Canyon 456 has a variable speed bow thruster standard, as well.

Generator. The Canyon 456 comes standard with a 12 kW diesel generator with a 30-gallon (114 L) fuel tank. The generator is required to operate the A/C and the Seakeeper systems primarily, as well as to produce an abundance of power for the rest of the boat. It is noteworthy that Grady-White decided not to install a gasoline generator, which would simplify fueling. The reason is that a diesel generator has a much, much lower carbon monoxide risk, greater longevity and less maintenance.

Other Equipment. An electrical bow thruster, 11-gallon (42 L) water heater. An anchor windlass is also installed as standard. With so much electrical equipment aboard, the Canyon 456 has 10 batteries and three battery chargers.

A Remarkable Cockpit

We were impressed by the thought and engineering that has gone into the Canyon 456’s cockpit. The 14’ (4.27 m) beam allows the integration of the Sea Command Center's aft-facing fishing station, with dedicated air conditioning/heating vents and seating for three in high, dry, and exceedingly comfortable seats. The middle seat has a flip-up bolster that serves as a leaning bar. Tackle storage has room for six Plano boxes plus two additional gear drawers that slide from under the bolstered seating.

Mini-Galley on Deck. Portside there is a sink with an adjustable pull-out faucet hose with spray nozzle. The starboard side has a refrigerator and grill, and both have swing-up cutting board for bait prep or dressing freshly caught fish. When in the down position, these cutting boards become a handy place for beverages or snacks, and the rails around them keep everything in place.

Two Side Doors. Aft port and starboard cockpit side doors are positioned for landing fish, for reboarding swimmers or scuba divers, and for boarding from a dock. There is a hot and cold freshwater shower mounted near the starboard-side door.

Twin livewells – that total 70 gallons (265 L) – are located in the transom area, port and starboard. Both livewells feed off of the sea chest and have a full column plenum distribution system that allows fresh raw-water to circulate from top to bottom. What sets them apart from many large center consoles is their size. Adjacent is the expansive aft refrigerated/freezer fishbox.

Transom Fishbox. In the center of the transom is a 459 quart insulated refrigerator/freezer fishbox – with lights – that is digitally controlled. Of course, it drains overboard. There are two partitions so that it can be made into three separate compartments to adjust for the catch of the day.

Designed for Trolling

Aft-Facing Seats. One of the most impressive aspects of the Canyon 456 is her functionality combined with luxury. Who has not trolled for hours, looking at the deep blue, watching for signs of curious game fish – and sitting on an ice cooler, fiberglass console, or seat with a straight back and not much padding? Grady-White has banished roughing it while fishing, with its impressive aft-facing raised seating. Raised to give better visibility, and thoroughly cushioned for comfort. Adding to the comfort are air-conditioning vents behind, and the SureShade awning overhead. The center seat has a bolster.

This is far better for trolling and then jumping to action – just one step away – when there is a strike, than the typical mezzanine seating on a battlewagon.

Show and Tell. On the interior transom bulkhead, facing the three occupants facing aft in trolling mode, is a 24" electronic display screen (dealer-installed) so the aft-facing crew can see the fish sounder, and -- depending on the sophistication of the sounder – anglers can even watch fish rising to the bait. It can also show the exact position of the last strike — all the information the cockpit crew needs.

More Equipment. The aft transom itself includes a brand-new high-volume overboard-draining scupper system, plus a Glendenning 35’, 50-Amp motorized retractable shore power cord. The Canyon 456 is also equipped with the Reverso® pre-programmed engine flushing system. This Grady shines at night at the dock with underwater LED lights. There is a hot and cold freshwater shower with a 20’ long Glendenning retractable hose that can cover the width of the 14’-wide cockpit.

There is handy storage for six rods under the aft gunwales and, just forward, additional lockable storage for four more.

Fish-Landing Strategy

Clearly, with such a large distance between the standing angler in the cockpit and fish, a strategy must be in place for landing a game fish and keeping it away from the engines and props. That is one reason why Grady-White has built in two side doors. It is also when the joystick comes in handy. When anglers bring fish closer to the boat, they will probably be fighting from one of the two stern quarters, rather than having the fish directly astern, battlewagon-style.

When the fish is played out, and the angler gets close to bringing the prey close to wire, then the captain will maneuver the boat with one side or the other facing the fish. With the large bolsters around the cockpit, the angler and mate will have plenty of support when leaning over the side, bringing the fish to wire and landing it.

Belowdecks

Access to the belowdecks cabin is via a sliding hatch with screen, located just forward of the portside bridge seat. Once below, to port of the integrated cabin steps, is a cedar-lined locker. Large side windows provide ambient light to fill the interior space. Exotic wood, superb cabinetry, luxurious fabrics, and Corian® countertops make the cabin at the same time both elegant and cozy.

There is a 12,000 BTU reverse-cycle system dedicated to the cabin cooling and heating.

The Galley. Below the portside countertop is a full-size microwave drawer, and a six-bottle wine cooler. A stainless steel sink and cooktop are located amidships on the starboard counter, with a refrigerator below. Lighted glass shelves are above the counters on each side.

Convertible Dinette. Forward center, there's an electronically-controlled solid Sapele wood dining table inlaid with teak and brushed aluminum accents, with seating up to four. Simply electronically lower the table for a forward berth that sleeps two comfortably. Overhead, there is a screened hatch.

A 32" flatscreen television is centered on the forward bulkhead. There is retractable vertical storage for four rods, neatly set under the portside countertop, and hides away when not in use. Alongside the berth, port and starboard, are the innovative, patent-pending Integrated Rod Storage Slides™ securely stowing four more rods outboard.

Head Compartment. The head is to starboard and includes a lighted, mirrored glass cabinet over the stainless steel sink, and a shower with a classic teak grid deck. A clever, elegant hinged fiberglass door partitions off the shower area, keeping the rest of the compartment dry, and creates an additional locker for another four rods. This luxurious cabin hosts lockable storage for a total of 12 rods.

The Foredeck for Work and Play

On deck, forward of the cabin, the Canyon 456 provides an elegant lounge-and-leisure platform. Atop the trunk cabin, comfortable lounge cushions create a large space for sun worshippers. The bow seating area continues the theme of exceptional detail, comfort, and elegant style. There are two large plumbed, insulated boxes portside (43 and 123 quarts), and a huge 210-quart box starboard. Of course, they can be used as beverage coolers or storage.   

Dining and Sunning. Atop the storage boxes, deeply cushioned seating complemented by three-way positioned stowable backrests surrounds two motorized semi-circular fiberglass tables. When the tables are in the down position, they can be covered with cushions for yet another lounging platform. One notable advantage of the semicircular tables is that they allow access all the way to the bow and windlass, and loungers need not move out of the way.

Anchor rode storage can handle up to 400’ of rode and 30’ of chain. The windlass has controls at the bow and the helm. If fishermen are sight-casting off the bow, remove the cushions, and — voilà! — there's a large, strong casting platform.

The new flagship Canyon 456 epitomizes Grady-White's legacy of 59 years of building quality boats for the toughest condition. Here's a superb fishing yacht, true to its purebred sportfishing heart and soul that takes luxury and versatility to a new dimension.

Observations

Simply put, we think this is one of the most innovative and remarkable Grady-White boats ever built. The attention to needed – or wanted – functionality is breathtaking. The execution shows that Grady-White can go toe-to-toe with most semi-custom center console builders when it has the size boat, and the budget, to work with.

Our guess is that a number of the good ideas seen in the Canyon 456 will trickle down to some of Grady’s smaller boats, and the folks that don’t need this much boat will want to find some of the same attributes in smaller center consoles.