Spotlight: Grand Banks 60 Skylounge
SPOTLIGHT: GRAND BANKS 60 SKYLOUNGE
Following on from the 2017 release of the Grand Banks 60, the first hull of the GB60 Skylounge will make its arrival at FLIBS from 31 October – 4 November. The new model will offer versatility for a greater range of climates while delivering an extra social area.
The touted Skylounge allows for operations in cold and warm climates thanks to its enclosed upper pilothouse. It also expands accommodations on the main deck level. Inside the Skylounge is an L-shaped settee and a dayhead, the arrangement of which allows for a 4.2m tender and standard Steelhead davit.
According to Grand Banks, the Skylounge 60 was designed to avoid what the boatbuilder sees as the typical pitfalls of skylounge models.
“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 centre of gravity. The whole package comes together and works extremely well.”
The entire deck, cabin house and Skylounge are all fully infused using the highest-quality carbon fibre available. This and other structural choices seek to deliver strength, durability and reliability in open water conditions while retaining a low centre of gravity.
The bottom of the GB60 is free of augmentations such as running strakes or tunnels, and Grand Banks claims it is efficient throughout its entire speed curve up to a projected top of 31kts.
The GB60 Skylounge boasts a three-stateroom layout, with a large master that Grand Banks says benefits from light and ventilation.
QUICK SPECS
PRICE POA
LENGTH (OVERALL) 19.9m
BEAM 5.85m
DRAFT 1m w/IPS, 1.4m w/shafts
DISPLACEMENT 28t
FUEL 5,800L
WATER 1,100L
ENGINE 2x 900hp Volvo Penta D13
The full review featured in issue #508 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.