The Grand Banks recipe for quality long cruiser is working great. The boom in orders, the highest in over a decade, brought home in the last period is proof of this, as is the large number of new models coming in, including the latest one from one of the brands, Palm Beach Motor Yachts. We are talking about the new flagship, the Palm Beach 70.
Grand Banks, what comes in 2020?
GB54, budget-friendly
The small version of the GB60 is preparing to make its debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2020. In the meantime, 2 units have already been sold for this boat, which is more compact, manageable and budget-friendly than the GB60.
It is designed to sail for long distances as well as for short ones, all in the “sign” of relaxation. The design aims to stay in the water and cut it, a consistency of the line that began with the GB60. Like its big sister, the GB54 also uses fully infused carbon fibre for the bridges and superstructure to lower the centre of gravity. The result is a hull that leaves a minimal trail as it behaves consistently throughout the range of rpm. That minimum wake means that little energy is wasted creating waves and pushing water off the road. The yacht will have two or three cabins at her disposal, finished in detail. Two layouts and both benefit from a large seating area with an L-shaped sofa on the left, served by a versatile dining table. Motorisation. The standard engine package for the GB54 will be a pair of Volvo Penta D11s with 725 horsepower, chosen for their excellent low-frequency torque, efficient operation and low levels of sound and vibration. Efficiency shows performance, but also range, as the GB54 is expected to be able to navigate 1,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, with a fast cruise estimated at around 27 knots with a 70% load.
GB85, the yacht
The largest Grand Banks Yacht ever built will be the GB85, with the completion of the first unit scheduled for Christmas 2020. It will be 25.9 metres long and 6.7 metres wide, available with an air-conditioned flybridge or skylounge. A boat designed for long cruises between the oceans, also thanks to the great work to minimize consumption even at a cruising speed of more than 20 knots. The internal layout offers the possibility of having a full-beam master cabin with a large private bathroom or a four-cabin layout for a total of nine guests.
Palm Beach GT60, cruising speed 40 knots
Palm Beach is also part of the Grand Banks family and, after the success of its GTs, is preparing to launch the new GT60
at the next Miami Yacht Show in February 2020. A high performance yacht that will also be the first yacht in the world to be equipped with a brand new package of propellers that the company has tested with Volvo Penta, bringing the efficiency of the yacht to maximum. With a cruising speed of 40 knots and a remarkable range, luxury finishes, and the unmistakable Palm Beach design there is much expectation for this model.
