Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Grand Banks 42 Trawler Motor Yacht

By Chloe Gib


Grand Banks (GB) cruisers are famous around the planet as top-of-the-line, trawler motor yachts. The company came onto the recreational boating scene around the 1960s with luxury class displacement hull vessels with only one engine. However, this single engine, displacement design produced speeds that were too slow for the motor cruising community. GB quickly modified its design approach in at least three ways. Firstly, it installed twin and larger engines. Secondly, it flattened its bottoms allowing them to plane more. Thirdly, vessel weight was controlled wherever possible without sacrificing safety. The Grand Banks 42 has all of these three improvements. The model has been hugely popular over the years.

Production of the GB 42 was discontinued during 2005. The 42 remains available in the second-hand or after market. Since it was very popular with a large production volume, many 42s remain in service around the world. A large number become are offered for sale on a regular basis. The GB 41 EU Heritage was launched in 2008 as a replacement model.

The GB 41 has two powerful 425-hp Cummins MerCruiser diesel engines as standard. They are powered through the innovative Zeus twin pods. This motor set-up allows an easy cruising speed of 15 to 20 knots and a maximum wide open throttle speed of 25 knots, possibly more.

Cummins is a global leader in marine propulsion innovation. Its Zeus advanced pod propulsion system is the outcome of 15 years of extensive research and testing. It delivers an impressive performance power, fuel efficiency, vessel control and protection with intuitive easy maneuverability at slow docking speeds. The Zeus system integrates with SmartStart to provide a seamless propulsion, electronics and on-board information management. The net result is safer and more enjoyable boating.

The 41 comes equipped with SmartStart. This system is available with a normal key ignition switch as well as a push-button remote keypad. Many vessel owners choose to install an on/off key ignition switch at the cabin helm plus a remote key pad at the fly bridge helm. For the remote set-up to function, the key switch needs to be placed in the on-position.

The GB 41 Heritage has a classic vintage trawler appearance on the outside with a modern, comfortable look on the inside. The motor yacht has a big saloon that provides comfortable living room on the main deck. In the aft area of the saloon, there is a U-shaped dining area. A comfortable lounge is set opposite. In the forward area of the saloon, there is a helm to starboard and a galley to port.

The main specifications include a LOA of 12.6 meters (41.33 feet), a beam of 4.77 meters (15.67 feet) and a draft of a mere 1.12 meters (3.75 feet). The vessel has a dry weight of 18.235 tons (40,200 pounds). Fuel capacity is 1,893 liters (500 gallons) with water capacity of 738 liters (195 gallons). Bridge clearance is 5.89metres (19.33 feet).

In conclusion, the GB 41 Heritage EU is a worthy alternative to the Grand Banks 42. Below decks, the master stateroom is up forward and has an island queen berth. A guest cabin to port has a pair of single berths. There is a single head with direct access from the master or the passageway. The stall shower is separate from the head. A large utility space is located aft of the accommodation quarters below the galley. It is large enough for a workbench, washer/dryer, spare parts stores or general storage. This space is accessed through a hatch in the galley sole.




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