FIND ME A: SUB-50FT LIVEABOARD
Grand Banks 46 Classic
Will it be the Grand Banks 46, the Sealine T47, the Trader 50 Sunliner or the wild card?
If you’re going to live aboard, why not do it in style? The Grand Banks 46 dates back to 1986 and ran until 2009, and it achieved this by sporting such inimitable classic lines that, because they were never in date, never really dated. It looks superb. Two versions were offered, the aft-cockpit Europa, and this more traditional aft-cabin version, the Classic.
INTERIOR
In 1990, a MKII version of the 46 was launched, the chief difference being a new hull with a wider beam, taking the width out to 14ft 9in. The result was improved accommodation in the forward and mid guest cabins. The aft cabin is the master suite, laid out with twin singles or a double. The galley is up and forward in the saloon, in true trawler yacht style.
EXTERIOR
Unmistakably Grand Banks in style, the hull features simulated wood planking despite the fact that there never was a wooden version of this boat as there were with other Grand Banks models. It’s a very upright profile, with big wide teak-laid side decks and the flybridge as the main external living area. A mast and derrick swing a RIB aboard to nestle above the aft cabin.
PERFORMANCE
Twin 135hp Ford Mermaid engines in early examples gave a gentle top speed of 14 knots, but the V8 Caterpillar diesels in this boat take the maximum velocity past 18 knots. The 47 that replaced this model had a planing hull and an RCD Category B offshore rating. Interestingly, the 46, with its semi-displacement hull, carries the Category A Ocean rating.
When MBY tested a Grand Banks 46 in 2002 we reported that, ‘You can say goodbye to slamming as it is almost impossible to shake the knife-like bow section clear of the water. The bow throws up plenty of spray when it is rough but the upwind ride always remains gentle.’