A Classic, Reimagined

Here’s how the Grand Banks 32 could look with a few feet added at her transom and an updated layout.

By Pim Dijksman

April 26, 2023

Pim Dijksman: Dyksman Design Studio is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor affiliated with Grand Banks Yachts. The Grand Banks name is a trademark of Grand Banks Yachts Ltd. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.

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.

Dyksman Design Studio is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor affiliated with Grand Banks Yachts. The Grand Banks name is a trademark of Grand Banks Yachts Ltd. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.

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.