During the course of its more than six decades in business, Grand Banks has created multiple yacht models that many cruising enthusiasts consider to be classics. While the Asia-based builder has discontinued a number of its smaller models along the way, including the iconic 36, in recent years it has seen a rejuvenation and reinvention of its lines.
In 1995, the company moved its production to an ever-expanding factory in Malaysia, where it builds Grand Banks models in 54, 60 and 85 feet, its Eastbay models in 44 and 60 feet, and its growing line of fast-cruising designs under the Palm Beach Motor Yachts brand. On the horizon is the latest entry in the builder’s fleet: the GB62.
The GB62 is an evolution of the GB60, of which 26 hulls have been delivered since its introduction in 2017. According to the company, the 62 was developed in response to customers’ desire to enlarge the 60’s third stateroom and add a third head—for owners with larger families or who want to cruise with crew. Both models are available in skylounge or flybridge configurations and allow for some degree of customization with layouts.
Since 2017, all Grand Banks motoryachts have been constructed with the company’s V-Warp hull, the brainchild of company CEO and Chief Designer Mark Richards. The hull shape includes a fine entry, a graceful curvature amidships, and minimal deadrise at the transom. Richards, an Australian shipwright and high-profile maxi-yacht racing skipper, brought other features to the Grand Banks party as well, such as high-tech build materials and construction techniques that reduce weight, strengthen structures, and contribute to speed and fuel efficiency.
As the company describes it, the GB62 is built and infused with a precise resin-to-E-Glass, unidirectional and multiaxial fiber ratio. This combination results in a strong, fast and efficient hull form. The hull is fused directly to the carbon fiber structure, bulkheads, deck and superstructure of the Grand Banks 62.
The additional interior volume in the 62 allows for an enlarged starboard guest stateroom with an athwartships double berth and a single berth, as well as a utility area that incorporates a standard washer/dryer. With the additional length, Grand Banks added an ensuite head for that same stateroom.
The amidships master stateroom has a king-size berth, an ensuite head with a shower, and enough stowage for longer cruising itineraries. Forward, the VIP stateroom is outfitted with a queen berth, more stowage for extended cruising, and a dedicated head.
On the main deck, large opening windows let natural light into the helm area and the galley aft. The line of sight from the lower helm, and from the companion helm to port, should allow for easy handling in inclement weather or during night passages.
Depending on the engine selection, the Grand Banks 62 can achieve a top speed in the mid-30-knot range, and a high cruise speed of 28 knots, according to the builder. The company also says the GB62 will have a range of 2,000 nautical miles with a 10 percent reserve at 10 knots. At 20 knots, total fuel burn is said to average 32 gallons per hour. Throughout the speed curve, the running attitude of the V-Warp hull remains at about 6 degrees, keeping the maximum amount of waterline in the water for added efficiency and speed, the company says.
Twin Volvo Penta D13s are standard, rated at 900 hp each on straight shafts with Twin Disc MGX-5096A marine transmissions. Optional engine packages include twin Volvo Penta D13s with shaft drives rated at 1,000 hp each, or Volvo Penta IPS1200s rated at 900 hp each.
“The new GB62 is one of several new models we are delivering and have under development,” Richards says. “I’m very serious that Grand Banks Yachts continues to be a pioneer within the long-range cruising market—a market it essentially developed with the introduction of the first Grand Banks 36 in 1965. With our proprietary V-Warp Technology, which is foundational to the new Grand Banks 62 and all Grand Banks models, we’re continuing to demonstrate the importance of hull design, exotic materials and superior construction techniques working together to deliver the next-generation long-range cruising yacht.”
Hull No. 1 is expected to launch in January and be delivered to the United States. The 60 will remain in production.
Will the 62 become another Grand Banks classic? Time will tell.
Specifications
LOA: 67ft. 6in.
Beam: 19ft.
Draft: 4ft. 3in.
Displacement: 70,645 lbs.
Fuel: 1,585 gal.
Water: 317 gal.
Power: 2x 900-hp Volvo Penta D13
Info: grandbanks.com
This article was originally published in the October 2024 issue.
