Marketing a boat model to a diverse demographic is challenging at the best of times. Given North America’s current economic climate, we have to salute those Canadian builders that are forging ahead with new and improved products for pleasure boaters – “pleasure” being the operative word.

Naturally the term “pleasure boat” can apply to virtually any size of vessel but for our purposes, lets limit the length to what the average person might hitch up to the family vehicle – say 16 to 21 feet. Fashionable with active families who simply love spending time on the water, bowriders just might be the number one choice for boating in cottage country.

Grew, a brand name that’s been around since 1920, has stuck to their core competencies and continues to refine, modify and introduce new models that the “everyday” boater enjoys - despite a growing demand for larger vessels.

Take Grew’s 178 GRS for example. It is truly a classic design made better for today’s competitive market. Well sized and priced for those who boat on smaller lakes, it is appreciated by new and experienced boaters alike.

Familiar with the company’s direction and goals, we’re not surprised by this boat’s popularity. Having tested a similar model several years ago, the 178’s performance – not to mention its fit and finish - has steadily improved. Upon inspecting the details, we were impressed with Grew’s obvious commitment to manufacturing a quality product.

If you enjoy sitting in the operator’s seat, you’ll appreciate the engineering that went into the boat’s hull design. The 178 GRS’ bottom isn’t what you’d call radical, but it does incorporate some well-placed shingle steps that help free it from the water’s surface. David  Cameron, a former racing champion and Grew’s experienced CEO, clearly understands the dynamics – and the difficulty – of making a boat handle well at high speed.

Powered by a Yamaha F115 four-stroke outboard, the 178 is quick and quiet, safe and exciting.  From a standing start, the hull jumps out of the water in a scant 2.6 seconds, hits 20 mph in four seconds and 30 mph in six-and-a-half seconds, a perfect cruising speed in normal operating conditions.

At top speed, the boat is really quite fun to drive. Averaging 51.5 mph at 5,800 rpm, the boat can be trimmed up and turned freely. Shedding just six mph through a tight corner, the 178 rapidly accelerates to top-side without hesitation. The power is constant and smooth, allowing the boat to lift evenly and maintain a level angle of attack.

While the weather on test day wasn’t exactly perfect, the water was smooth. Happening upon a few cruiser wakes, the 178 launched and landed as expected, feeling well balanced, tight and solid. Upon discovering that the hull has been “tweaked” for many years, we’re not surprised at how well it handles.

Reaching 45 mph in 11.1 seconds, it takes about eight seconds longer to reach 50 mph. At this point, I played with the trim to make the hull lift higher than it really should be driven. While it did post a one-time speed of 53 mph, stability was slightly compromised. A seasoned operator can possibly drive through this chine-walking stage, but it’s best to not go there in the first place.

Weighing 1,260 pounds dry, the boat is light but strong. Construction materials include 1/2-inch Nida Core, woven roving, bidirectional strand mat, an isophthalic resin skin coat and weather–resistant gel coat. Grew refers the 178 to a “unitized hull with full foam cored for level floatation”. Stainless steel screws, rivets and backing plates are used in abundance.

Redesigned in 2008, the 178’s interior is stylish yet straightforward. There are two comfortable flip-up bolsters, a full-beam aft bench seat and a well-proportioned bow seating area. The euro-styled helm with its burled wood dash appears nicely contoured and holds the usual assortment of gauges, switches and a Clarion stereo/CD player. Beverage holders would come in handy, but aren’t essential.

With storage compartments located under the bow seat cushions, aft bench and in the floor, the 178 has ample of room for watersports gear, ropes, fenders and mandatory safety items. While on that subject, Grew has thoughtfully positioned four plastic grab handles forward and aft. Flanking the outboard are two independent but integral swim/activity platforms, with a stainless ladder attached to the starboard platform.

For comfort under foot, a snap-in colour-coordinated carpet is placed throughout the main cockpit’s fiberglass liner. With price point positioning, Grew doesn’t include some of the optional features you might find in a more luxurious model, but should you want a transom shower, ski-bar, extra canvas and electronics, Grew has plenty of options to choose from.

When asked why this boat is so popular, Dave Cameron responded, “Being outboard-powered, the 178 GRS has 22 percent more usable space than a comparable sterndrive model, it accelerates faster out of the hole, draws less water and is easy to maintain”. Given its clean exterior lines and soft, subtle colour scheme, the boat is also quite attractive. Taped graphics will boost the boat’s appeal to youth, not to mention those who think young.

– Mark Rotharmel
 
2009 Grew 178 GRS

LOA                                                    17’8”
Beam                                                 7’4”
Weight                                               1,260 lbs.
Deadrise                                           Modified V
Passenger Capacity                          6        
Fuel Capacity                                   20 gal./76 L
Power (standard)                             90 hp
Power (as reviewed)                        Yamaha F115
Retail price (MSRP)                          $24, 577               
Retail price (as reviewed)                  $27,072     
 
REVIEW BOAT PROVIDED BY

Grew MFG
RR#4
Owen Sound
Ontario, Canada; N4K 5N6
Tel.: (519) 371-6540
www.grew.ca