New Grand Banks 52 joins reborn model range

Grand Banks Yachts Limited has unveiled the latest model in its reborn lineup, the Grand Banks 52, following the introduciton of the Grand Banks 60 and GB60 Skylounge. Grand Banks says the GB52 grows the premise of creating efficient hulls that are strong and light, and finished with comfortable, welcoming interiors designed for cruisers. The GB52 will make her debut in late summer of 2019. 

The design of the GB52 is consistent with the recently launched GB60, using fully infused carbonfibre for the decks and superstructure to lower the centre of gravity. A fully cored structure is employed using PVCfoam coreand SAN Corecellin 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.

“The 52 will combine weight reduction, strength, and a low vertical center of gravity” 

The result, says Grand Banks, is a hull that leaves minimal wake as it performs consistently throughout the rpm range, with the same running attitude and steering feel whether she’s running at 10 knots or 30 knots. That minimal wake means little energy is wasted creating waves and pushing water out of the way.

The standard engine package for the GB52 will be a pair of 725-horsepower Volvo Penta D11s coupled to shafts, chosen for the model’s excellent low-end torque, efficient operation, and low sound and vibration levels. The efficiency will show in the performance but also the range, as the GB52 is expected to be able to cruise 1,000 miles at 10 knots, while a fast cruise estimated to be around 28 knots at 70% load. 

“We emphasize cruising efficiency both in our hull design and matching it with propulsion,” says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks. “The 52 will combine weight reduction, strength, and a low vertical center of gravity, just as we did on the 60 and 60 Skylounge. Of course, efficiency doesn’t matter without comfort, so we made sure the 52 will offer surefootedness in a wide range of sea states, and an interior worthy of extended time aboard.”

The GB52 will be available with either a two- or three-stateroom layout. The two-stateroom layout has a galley down and features a starboard-side master stateroom amidships. The galley is just down the companionway from the main deck and situated to port, with an open, atrium-like feel beneath the raked windshield above for an airy space lit with natural light. The master has a private head with a walk-in shower. It also features a sizable dressing area with a large hanging locker and stowage suitable for extended cruising. The guest stateroom in the bow has use of the second head, located to port, which also serves as the boat’s day head.