Third model in the range
A few years ago, the American shipyard Grand Banks, a specialist in luxury motorboats, began renewing its range. Today, it unveils its latest model, the Grand Banks 54, an 18-metre tr awler. The first model, which was due to be presented at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2020, has just arrived in Florida from the Malaysian shipyard, where the boats are built.
Semi-displacement hull, infusion construction
This model is the second of the Grand Banks range and has like its big brother the GB 60, a semi-displacement hull with this tulip-shaped bow and classic and chic lines. It is built using the infusion method - fibreglass for the hull and carbon fibre superstructure to save weight.
With this more modern construction, the yard's boats have gained in weight, but also in stability and comfort at sea. Features that also allow it to be more fuel efficient.
Autonomy and economy
Thus, with a Volvo Penta D11s 725 HP engine, at a speed of 10 knots, consumption is estimated at 26L/hour, which gives it a range of 130 hours of navigation since the fuel tank is 3?400 L. At a speed of 25 knots, consumption rises to 260 litres per hour (approximately 13 hours of autonomy).
Two or three cabins
The first model offers two double cabins and a galley on the lower deck. Owners may also choose to install the galley on the main deck for a third cabin. In the two-cabin version, the galley is located on the port side and receives the light coming in through the windshield. The owner's cabin, installed in the centre of the boat, faces it. It has its own bathroom with walk-in shower and walk-in wardrobe, as well as plenty of storage space for a long time on board. The guest cabin is at the bow and has its own private bathroom.
In the three-cabin version, the owner's cabin is located forward with a private toilet. Two double cabins are located in the middle of the ship separated by a central passage and share the same bathroom with separate shower.
A classic all-wood layout
The interior decoration is classic and warm with wooden furniture and partitions. The layout of the boat is suitable for a day trip at sea as well as for a long month on board with the family.
The cockpit is on the same level as the saloon for easy movement on board, as is the companionway from the lower deck, which has only 3 steps. On the main deck, in both galley configurations, there is an L-shaped saloon with its table on the port side. Opposite, the owner will opt for a second L-shaped bench seat if the galley is below deck and for an opposite saloon if the galley is on the main deck.
While the L-shaped bench seat will be ideal for resting during night shifts, the double saloon opposite converts into an additional double berth.
Protected flybridge and cockpit
In the cockpit - protected by the roof return - there is a straight bench seat with a table for outdoor meals and a small galley block. Stairs to starboard provide access to the flybdrige, which has davits aft as standard to store the tender. The cockpit forward can accommodate two people, and a further six people can sit around the table.
A wide range of standard equipment
The list of standard equipment is extensive, with a 15 kW generator, air conditioning/heating, radio, refrigerator and freezer on board, as well as a 10-foot tender with a 30 HP outboard motor and davits to take it out of the water. The electronics will be installed according to the owner's wishes.
Equipment and comfort come at a price: in the standard version, the Grand Banks is priced at $2,720,000.
