When Grand Banks revamped its lineup with the Grand Banks 60 last year, the company made quite a splash. The yacht, with its all-carbon superstructure and speedy top end and cruise speeds was something unlike the world had seen from Grand Banks. And now the builder has expanded the line, with a 60 Skylounge model that allows yachtsmen to more easily cruise waters of all climates.
Adding an enclosed bridge to a yacht can sometimes change the boat’s aesthetics in a not-so-pleasing way. But this is far from the case with the 60 Skylounge. As Grand Banks CEO Mark Richards explained, “The proportions of the design are very important to us. 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.”
To my eye, they succeeded in doing so. The 60’s lines have that classic Grand Banks appeal, while also managing to retain a certain amount of sleekness. What’s more, that added interior space on the flybridge level makes the boat that much more usable. Twin Stidd helm seats highlight the captain’s station, while large windows offer near 360-degree views to everyone on the deck. There’s also an L-shaped settee aft and to port and a dayhead aft and to starboard, for extra convenience. A standard Steelhead davit aft of that raises and lowers a RIB.
The entire flybridge deck is built using carbon fiber, which allows the boat to have a low center of gravity for better seakeeping while also increasing the yacht’s speed and fuel efficiency. The 60 Skylounge comes standard with twin 800 hp Volvo D13 diesels that are projected to offer a brisk 31-knot top end as well as a 25-knot fast-cruise speed at 2020 rpm. If the captain chooses to throttle down to 10 knots, a range of 2,000 nautical miles is achievable — enough to get the boat from Florida to Canada on a single tank. Optional 900 hp Volvo Penta IPS1200s will also be available.
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The yacht’s hull is strake- and tunnel free, and has a fine entry that flattens out to a mere six degrees of deadrise at the transom. She also draws just 4 feet, 7 inches with her standard engines and 3 feet, 3 inches with the IPS option, making her a smart choice for skinny-water cruising. The hull design is Richards own, and has roots in his extensive sailing background.
The Grand Banks 60 Skylounge will be available in the summer of 2018, and is currently under build at the company’s impressive yard in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Once she launches. She should command as much attention as her open-bridged sistership. Albeit with a package that makes her that much more versatile. Take the next step: grandbanks.com.
Asking Price: Upon Request
Specs:
LOA: 65'4" (19.9m)
LOD: 60' (18.3m)
BEAM: 19'2" (5.85m)
DRAFT: 3'3" w/IPS option (1m)
DRAFT: 4'7" with standard straight shafts (1.4m)
DISPL.: 61,370 lbs. (28,000 kgs)
FUEL: 1,530 gal. (5,800 L)
WATER: 300 gal. (1,100 L)
HOLDING: 80 gal. (300 L)
STANDARD ENGINES: 2x 800 hp Volvo-Penta D13s w/shafts
OPTIONAL ENGINES: 2x 900 hp Volvo-Penta IPS 1200s
