DURING THE PRELIMINARY TEST of the Grand Banks 85, hull No. 1 ran flat and pushed very little water, demonstrating the efficiency of its V-shaped, warped-hull design.
Grand Banks set out to deliver the world’s most fuel-efficient, high-speed, long-range cruiser of this size by focussing on weight reduction and increased strength.
Each hull employs vacuum-infused E-Glass with carbon fibre in structural areas, Corecell and Airex foam cores, stitched multi-axial fabric and 100% vinylester resins. The entire deck and superstructure are fully infused carbon fibre, keeping weight low.
Bulkheads and fixed furniture are structurally bonded to the hull and deck, contributing to a robust grid-like structure. In foul conditions, expect zero creaking or working from joinery and furniture.
Hull No. 1 is powered by twin 1,000hp Volvo IPS 1350s, while twin…