Some boats have become more than the sum of their parts. They are loved, sought after and often copied, but never equaled. If you are lucky enough to own one, a well-cared-for model will maintain its value regardless of current trends.
While these classics endure, I feel it is important that designers and boatbuilders continue to develop boats for future generations, so that everyone finds a vessel that fits their specific needs and budget. That is the purpose of this exercise.
There are a range of timeless vessels that I’d love to reimagine for today’s boaters, a reality that makes it hard to decide what boat I’d like to start with. I first chose one that conjures fond memories of my youth: the Grand Banks 36 Classic. Our family boat was a 36. But, as much as I cherish the many fond memories she provided, I always loved her little sister, the humble 32. Her proportions always spoke to me.
As a small trawler, the Grand Banks 32 has commodious accommodations cleverly packaged within clean exterior proportions. She’s a proven coastal cruiser in any season and is primed for couples who may want to head out a little longer. My goal in
redesigning the GB32 is to stay true to what makes a Grand Banks distinct and recognizable in any harbor, while finding a way to create a significantly updated model to fill a niche for today’s boaters.
A major transformation would be to add about 2 feet to her stern and remove the swim platform, creating an open transom that keeps my open-deck design brief front and center. To pay homage to the distinctive Grand Banks teak transom, I chose to let the existing plank configuration dictate the horizontal alignment that wraps over the new layout. This now becomes a distinct style element that offers better functionality and comfort. In addition, a longer waterline should return slightly better performance.
For a greater connection to the water, I would transform her salon with side windows that open completely. The salon would also be reconfigured with a small but serviceable galley with a large, drawer-style refrigerator and freezer, and a stowage locker just abaft her helm. From here, by removing the door and bulkhead, there is a seamless connection to the aft lounge and room for a pair of L-shape bench seats for four, flanking the companionway to the salon. Isinglass or canvas can be added here to close the salon.
I tried to keep all the walkable surfaces in one level as much as possible, with just a small step up from the cockpit to the salon. Her cockpit would get seating at the same height as her swim platform in a style that echoes the L-shape benches forward of here, but the seating would be larger and have folding tables for dining.
The flybridge helm station would be removed for a deck to stow kayaks, paddleboards, gear and other water toys. I was inspired by the overlanding trend of adventure travel—think of the rugged looks of a vintage Ford Bronco or Jeep Wagoneer, but with the functionality of having all one needs for self-reliance and off-grid travel.
The propulsion package can remain. The Ford Lehman is a reliable and economical power plant. Or, an owner could update it for a modern, higher-horsepower diesel (the hot-rodder in me wants more horsepower) or perhaps even a hybrid or electric package. For the latter, I’d consider moving her updated lithium-ion batteries farther aft to balance out the weight.
From an ease-of-use standpoint, I’d replace nearly all her exquisite but maintenance-heavy wood with a painted surface, or perhaps even faux teak.
I hope my designs inspire naval architects and boatbuilders to look at classic models and to utilize technology to achieve better performance, a cleaner aesthetic or even a new category.
GB 32 Reimagined
LOA: 34ft.
Beam: 11ft. 6in.
Draft: 4ft. 6in.
Displacement: 9,500 lbs.
Power: 1x 350-hp diesel
This article was originally published in the May/June 2023 issue.
