GRAND BANKS 85
LOA 87ft 2in (26.58m) BEAM 22ft 2in (6.75m) ENGINES Twin Volvo IPS1350 1000hp, 2 x Man V8 V-drives 1,300 hp TOP SPEED 27 knots RANGE up to 3,500 miles PRICE from $9 million ex tax
We’ve been looking forward to seeing this boat in the flesh since we first clapped eyes on the renderings over two years ago. It didn’t disappoint. Gone are the traditional but dowdy interiors and big, fuel-hungry engines of the old semi-displacement range to be replaced by a fresh, contemporary look and a slippery vacuum-infused hull powered by efficient IPS1350 engines.
The positive impressions start the minute you step on board. A Seascape bathing platform not only helps with tender launch and recovery but also creates a mini beach club for guests to hang out close to the water. Climb the teak steps up to the aft cockpit and you’re greeted by a magnificent lacquered teak table bearing the GB logo with space for 12 that sets the tone for what’s to come. The interior is awash with natural linen, soft leathers and satin-finished walnut that looks smart but informal with its relaxed low-slung seating aft, dining area amidships and home-from-home galley forward under the windscreen where you’d normally find the helm.
This being the skylounge version, the helm is on the upper deck in the enclosed forward section along with another small lounge area behind it and a sliding door leading out to the open aft deck complete with wet bar, grille, sun loungers and crane for storing the tender up here on longer passages. The standard layout below decks comprises a full-beam master suite amidships, a VIP forward and a twin guest cabin, plus a dedicated day heads in between. However, the owners of this boat sacrificed some of the master cabin to create a cosy extra bunk cabin for their grandchildren. They even specified a pull-out piano keyboard within the sideboard. Another neat touch is smart glass that frosts at a touch of a button to allow natural light into the owner’s heads while maintaining privacy.
It’s not just the guest accommodation that gets the five-star treatment, the crew area is vast for a boat of this size with two generous sleeping cabins, a galley, mess area and bathroom – all finished to the same high standard as the rest of the boat. Even the technical spaces enjoy teak floors, bright lighting and exceptional access. Two separate engine-rooms either side of a central corridor house the IPS1350S and generators to minimise heat and noise transmission, while a third fullheight air-conditioned technical space forward keeps all the electrical systems away from the engines. It’s such a simple but brilliant idea that it’s remarkable it hasn’t been done before.
From the keel up, the GB85’S elegant design, faultless practicality and top notch build quality and customisation helps justify its admittedly high price.