Behind the scenes of new Grand Banks 60SL ready for Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2018
by Grand Banks Yachts 9 Oct 2018 15:47 UTC
31 October - 4 November 2018
Grand Banks 60SL © Grand Banks Yachts
Right on the heels of the successful debut at 2018 Newport International Boat Show, the new GB60 Skylounge will be on display at 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 31 – November 4).
The versatility of the latest model from Grand Banks Yachts offers cruisers in both cold and warm climates the ability to operate the boat from an enclosed upper pilothouse. The option also expands accommodations on the main deck level while providing an additional living area above on the bridge deck with unobstructed 360 degrees panoramic views. This is all achieved without compromising the 60's graceful lines or performance.
Long distance cruisers will appreciate the additional social area afforded by the enclosed Skylounge, which allows for another settee and table abaft the twin Stidd helm seats. The ability for family and guests to spread out while on a passage only improves onboard comfort. The L-shaped settee can also serve as a watch berth during a night passage, while a day head provides another element of convenience. The arrangement allows for a dedicated external area to secure up to a 4.2 meter tender and the standard Steelhead davit.
The challenges of any Skylounge model are the additional weight and the possible blemish to a yacht's lines if it's not designed with a keen eye."The proportions of the design are very important to us," says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks.
"We're not in the business of designing ugly boats so we spent a lot of time ensuring the Skylounge looks like it belongs on the 60. And our emphasis on weight reduction and strength in the build process ensure we're not compromising the 60's performance and still keeping a very low vertical center of gravity. The whole package comes together and works extremely well."
For instance, the entire deck, cabin house and Skylounge are fully infused using the highest quality carbon fiber available. A fully-cored structure is employed using PVC foam core and SAN Corecell in areas of specific application, sandwiched between skins of stitched multi-axial carbon fiber, bonded with vinylester and epoxy resins and supported by infused composite panels in a robust grid system—all working together for long life, strength, and reliability in punishing open water conditions.
The standard twin 900-horsepower Volvo D13 diesels are projected to provide a top speed of 31 knots with a 25-knot cruising speed at 2020 rpm. Pull the throttles back to 10 knots for a 2000-mile range. Unlike other boats, particularly traditional semi-displacement hulls that require fuel and horsepower to push the after sections on to a plane, the Grand Banks 60 is efficient throughout the entire speed curve.
Furthermore, the bottom of the Grand Banks 60 is free of any unnecessary bottom augmentations. The design does not require additional running strakes, or tunnels. The design sweeps from a very fine entry at the bow to a transom with only six degrees of transom deadrise.
Grand Banks offers a three-stateroom layout with a large master stateroom that benefits from natural light and ventilation. The entire interior is fitted with Grand Banks' world-renowned craftsmanship using expertly blended golden teak and complementary fabrics; all designed for comfort either underway or at anchorage.