Boat & Yacht Design

Grand Banks 54 Hull #10

Grand Banks Hull #10

Hull #10 of the Grand Banks 54 was seen recently in Newport, RI. Note the tumblehome that is a nod to the brand’s heritage, but the topsides color indicate a new hand at the wheel -- the owner's selection was Awlgrip Horizon Blue applied at the factory. It's a head-turner.

Strolling the docks of Newport, RI, we were drawn to the remarkable metallic blue hull of an almost-new Grand Banks 54 Express. It was one of the most beautiful hulls in the harbor — no matter the boat size — and that included a couple dozen superyachts. As it turns out, Surf Rider seen above has 4,800 miles on her after taking delivery a year ago. We were eager to find out more about her because, as far as we knew, Grand Banks only built a flying bridge version of the 54.

A Special Boat Among Special Boats

The owner of the GB 54 was an affable boat owner, as most are, in addition to being a multiple boat owner (his other boat is a 32' Nimbus). He's also a multiple Grand Banks owner, and this is his 4th Grand Banks purchase since 2000. -- and we're told his favorite. The owner could not have been more effusive in his praise of his new 54 and was particularly impressed with the fuel efficiency at cruise speeds. He and his wife have taken the boat from Key West to Nantucket, including a 500 nmile trip to the Bahamas.

Since an express version of the 54 is not listed on Grand Bank's website, we assume this was a special order.  Typically, boat builders don't like to make major changes to their models because it requires lots of re-engineering and slows down production, but Grand Banks CEO Mark Richards has a reputation that he aims to please.  

Because of the TLC that goes into every boat produced by the Grand Banks yard, we think that every Grand Banks is something special, but since this was an express – which is not on the company’s build list — she is indeed something special.

Grand Banks 54 with Horizon Blue Hull

Hull #10 of the Grand Banks 54 is an Express model.

The owner simply didn’t want a flying bridge and was able to prevail on Richards to build the express.  After 4,800 miles of cruising the Bahamas and the American East Coast, the owner had no regrets.  He told us that the boat performed flawlessly and there was a drop of water in the bilge after all of the miles. She is a straight-shaft

The coach roof was turned into the boat deck, with a 1,000-lb davit placed on the port aft corner and supported by the existing structure without the need for a compression post. Surf Rider’s tender is a 14’ Zodiac. Access to the coach roof is via a ladder from the foredeck to the brow. This arrangement keeps the swim platform uncluttered.

Grand Banks Hull #10

The owner opted for a metallic bronze-colored cab rail rather than traditional teak to eliminate maintenance. Grand Banks does offer faux teak, but the owner was concerned about how it would weather — and we found the break from tradition refreshing.

The owner of this Gran Banks was a fan of the Humphrees stabilization system which combines interceptors at the transom with carbon fiber fins that are electrically powered. By eliminating the hydraulics used by many fin systems the boat becomes a lot easier to maintain, says the owner, who has had such a system before.

Like the Palm Beach hull from which the GB 54’s is derived, engine weight and the fuel tank are pushed forward to keep the full length of the hull in the water so the sharp bow can do its work — making for a smoother ride.

Grand Banks Hull #10

After 4,800 miles of cruising with friends and the pooch, the upholstery and carpet were like new.

Grand Banks Hull #10

To port, the two barrel seats imported from England make a motoryacht-like arrangement in the salon.

Grand Banks Hull #10

The built-in helm seat handles three adults with room to spare. Note the wheel and dash built lower than the counter to the left and the side door for single-handing.

Grand Banks Hull #10

Footrests are a necessity, so why not have them made by Stidd?

Grand Banks Hull #10

By having the windshield well forward of the helm, glare is reduced, the skipper is always in shade and the corner post is farther forward improving the degrees of forward visibility. The frosted glass on the dash lets light into the master stateroom.

Grand Banks Hull #10

By having the ship’s tender on the coach roof, it can be larger than it might otherwise be on the swim platform.

Grand Banks Hull #10

The forward cabin of the Grand Banks 54 has a headboard that has been pushed aft and lowered for ease of entry. This allows the bed to be rectangular and not tapered at the foot as we sometimes see. An extra benefit of pushing the forepeak's bulkhead back is an anchor locker large enough to fit a person to sort out any tangles.

Grand Banks Hull #10

The louvers seen here under the transom bench seat open to the lazarette below and help the two side air intakes pump air into the engine room to feed the twin 735-hp engines.

Grand Banks Hull #10

A peek into the lazarette from the aft deck. Note the handhold on the bottom of the hatch. Note the thickness of the engine room door which is ajar at right.

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If you have a boat that you bought new and have operated for more than a year, please let us know how you like it, what works well and, perhaps, what you'd improve on the boat.  While they don't discuss it much, most good builders are constantly tweaking their boats to improve them.