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Grady-White Succession

Takes a Road Less Traveled

Eddie Smith (center), owner of Grady-White for decades, flanked by CEO and President Kris Carroll (left) and Executive Vice President Jonathon Burns.

The Man Who Wouldn't Sell Out Eddie Smith was 26 when he bought a nearly bankrupt boat company in Greenville, NC, called Grady-White. This week, at 83, he announced he was giving it all away, as well as giving millions to his employees. This is a first in the boating industry, but then Eddie has always taken a different road and always a high one. Find out what is going on and how it affects Grady-White boats.

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Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover

66 MPH With Berths

2,400 HP The Formula 500 SSC ran 66.4 mph with four 600-hp Mercury V12 Verados, yet she also carries a private aft cabin and sleeping space for four. More than 40 feet of single-level deck runs from the swim platform to the open bow, giving this 53-footer the layout of a dayboat with real overnight capability.

WATCH HER RUN

MORE INFO

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Questions

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND For identification purposes at night, U.S. Navy submarines on the surface may display an intermittent flashing light of which color?

A. Red
B. Blue
C. White
D. Amber (yellow)

Pre-Owned Yacht Spotlight

2024 Blackfin 272 CC

310 HOURS This center console in North Palm Beach, Florida runs on twin 300-hp Mercury V8 outboards with about 310 hours logged. She carries a Seakeeper 1 gyro and joystick control at the helm, along with Garmin electronics and Starlink. She also carries underwater lights and a windlass. Fuel capacity is 180 gallons.

FULL LISTING & PRICE

Bay Crash Case Update

Tugboat Captain Pleads Guilty

GUILTY PLEA The tugboat captain charged after a barge struck a youth sailing boat in Biscayne Bay has pleaded guilty to seaman’s manslaughter. Three girls in sailing camp died in the July 2025 collision. Both sides will recommend one year and one day in prison, though the judge may impose up to 10 years.

READ THE UPDATE

After Canada Tax Win

Trade And Waterway Access Next

NEXT PRIORITIES NMMA Canada spent last week's Day on the Hill in Ottawa building on its recent win: the repeal of Canada's federal luxury tax on boats. The group pressed policymakers on trade stability and waterway access, calling for a transparent process before new boating restrictions take effect.

SEE WHAT'S AT STAKE

Boneheaded Boaters of the Week

Drain Plug Nearly Sinks It

WHOOPS AGAIN This week's ramp reel opens with a crew hauling a boat across the sand with no trailer in sight. From there it goes sideways: a runaway boat spins in circles after throwing its operator overboard, and an owner shoves off the trailer with the engine still in reverse, then swims back to re-board.

WATCH THEM SCRAMBLE

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Question - Answer

D. Amber (yellow)

A U.S. Navy submarine on the surface may display an intermittent flashing amber (yellow) light at night to make the vessel more readily identifiable to nearby traffic.

Questions? Drop us a line: editorial@boattest.com

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