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Observations aboard a 36 Grand Banks Sedan
(No, this isn't a review, it's a description and some opinions) :-)
Grand Banks 36' Sedan On more than one occasion I have overheard snippets of conversation where someone remarks that "Grand Banks invented the trawler." Surplus North Sea trawlers were being converted to pleasure yachts in the late 1940's and 50's, (and I wouldn't want to crawl out on some limb that claimed even those were the "first" recreational trawlers). Few companies have been as thoroughly immersed in the production and development of any specialized category of vessel as has American Marine with the Grand Banks division. Grand Banks production began in 1965, so it is fair to say that while Grand Banks didn't actually invent the trawler the company has probably done more than any other to define it. Almost any boater asked to name builders of high quality trawlers would include Grand Banks among the leaders. It's a reputation that has been earned at the design board and on the factory floor, not spawned by a glitzy ad campaign. The Grand Banks series has included boats from 32-58 feet, but while other sizes have been discontinued or introduced at a later date only the 36-foot models have been built continuously since 1965. Grand Banks has built the 36-footers in just about every imaginable trawler configuration. The original 36-foot Grand Banks was a "classic" tri-cabin layout, with guest stateroom forward, galley and salon midship, and a master stateroom most aft. After 8 years of production in Philippine mahogany and another 15 in fiberglass, in 1988 the original 36-footer picked up an additional 6-inches in beam and length to become the 36 "Classic" that remains popular today. Grand Banks created a "Motoryacht" edition of the 36 by eliminating the cockpit and side decks aft of the salon to create a larger master stateroom. Two 36-footers are offered with longer main cabins and without the aft stateroom. The "Europa" design features a bridgedeck that extends to cover the side decks as well as the cockpit. This month's NW Classic, "Tomten" is a 36-foot Grand Banks sedan. The sedan shares a common cabin layout with the "Europa", but doesn't have the overhangs above the side decks and the covered cockpit. The covered sidedecks and cockpit of the "Europa" have an obvious, climate related appeal in the Pacific Northwest, but as we examined "Tomten" we realized there are some excellent reasons why certain boaters would definitely prefer the sedan. We found "Tomten" among the listings of Passage Maker Yachts on Northlake Avenue in Seattle. The Grand Banks 36 semi-displacement hull has changed very little in 40 years. The boats are still characterized by an almost plumb stem, graceful sheer, moderate freeboard, and a high, chop-busting bow. A long keel improves handling and stability. Boats built in a single screw configuration feature large rudders and a prop-protecting skeg. The sedan superstructure is a study in simplicity. Some critics might call the design "boxy," but it is interesting to note that this shape has endured for 40 years and remains a definite charm while a long series of "modern" designs that make the Grand Banks sedan look "boxy" by comparison have just simply disappeared. "Tomten" is 36' LOA, with a 12'8" beam and a 4' draft. Her displacement is listed at 26,000 pounds. She is powered by twin 210-HP 6BTA Cummins engines said to be capable of making 15kts WOT, (and more than adequate power for traditional trawler Cruising at 8-10 kts). At slower speeds, "Tomten" should be a good choice for long range coastal cruising; she carries 410 gallons of fuel and 200 gallons of water. Additional potable water can be produced in the vessel's HRO System 9 watermaker, and there is a 4KW Onan generator as well as a Heart 2000 inverter to provide AC power underway. An Espar diesel furnace will keep "Tomten" comfortable during the cooler NW months. We stepped aboard "Tomten" through a hinged section of the handrail on the port side. One of the differences between the sedan and the Europa is that the sedan can be more readily boarded, particularly from a vessel rafted alongside or a high dock. There's no need to "duck between" the bulwarks and the overhanging deck. "Tomten" was built in 1989, and her teak decks are still in very good condition. The wide side decks are a Grand Banks trademark. Wider side decks will result in narrower cabin interiors, but the boaters who are attracted to Grand Banks seem to place a high emphasis on safety, practicality, and utility (as well as cabin comfort) and value the merits of secure and practical footing between the cockpit and the foredeck. "Tomten" has a canvas dodger protecting the cockpit, rather than a fixed hardtop. This appears to be a practical solution that creates a dry social extension of the salon onto the cockpit, keeps line handlers somewhat protected from inclement weather, and can be quickly dismantled when an open-air cockpit is desired for sunbathing or fishing. There is no doubt that the sedan is a more fishable design than the "Europa". Extended hardtops tend to be a nuisance when fishing from the cockpit, and if a large fish makes a run that requires an angler to get quickly to the foredeck the fishing rod needs to be passed around the outside of vertical supports on any boat with overhanging side decks. We noted a large lazarette, a transom door, and a fair sized chest freezer in the cockpit area. The freezer will allow "Tomten" to provision for some extended time at anchor or cruises into areas where groceries will be scarce. In addition to the canvas dodger over the cockpit, "Tomten" has a bimini top for the flybridge, and a full set of caprail and handrail covers to protect the beautifully finished brightwork. Exterior brightwork is limited to the rails and the transom, and if the rails are kept covered except for "dressy" events "Tomten" shouldn't prove to be a cruel taskmaster with a voracious appetite for varnish. The Grand Banks 36 sedan has a large boat deck and flybridge, taking full advantage of the longer main cabin. Access to the flybridge is up a ladder in the starboard forequarter of the cockpit, and an aluminum mast and boom is mounted just above the aft cabin bulkhead. Grand Banks has offered the 36 Sedan in both single and dual stateroom versions. "Tomten" will appeal to cruising couples without kids or a lot of regular overnight guests as she features the larger, more deluxe compartment of the single stateroom design. A large double berth is on centerline, with stowage on either side. The gunwales are covered in teak battens, and in the Grand Banks tradition the interior of the vessel is a combination of surfaces painted in soft white yacht enamel and others trimmed with teak. The relatively tall superstructure of the Grand Banks provides enough trunk cabin clearance above the foredeck that four bright sliding windows, (rather than a few small portlights as might be expected on similar boats) introduce light into the forward cabin. The windows are laminated glass, and reasonably well protected by the foredeck bulwarks so there is minimal risk of breakage by a wave coming over the bow. Three translucent overhead hatches also provide light and ventilation, placing the stateroom on the Grand Banks 36 sedan among the champions in the "light and airy" category. The 36 Sedan features a single head, located in the aft port quarter of the forward stateroom. A separate shower compartment is located in the aft starboard quarter of the stateroom. There is stowage underneath each of the steps between the stateroom and the main cabin. The underside of each teak step is as perfectly finished as the top, and yacht enamel has been meticulously applied to the interior surfaces of each under-step locker. One expects this standard on a Grand Banks. The lower helm is to starboard in the main cabin. "Tomten" is very well equipped for easy handling and precise navigation. In addition to her twin engines, she is equipped with a bow thruster for easy handling. Major electronics include Raytheon radar, Cetrec autopilot, Raytheon GPS, Sitex video sounder, Icom M100 VHF radio, and a NMEA computer connection. (A Twinscope forward scanning sonar is located on the flybridge). "Tomten's" galley is opposite the helm, in the port forequarter of the main cabin. One of the most endearing characteristics of Grand Banks trawlers has always been their immense practicality. The galley on "Tomten" is equipped with a propane stove and oven, a stainless steel sink with removable cover, and an impressive Grunert holding plate refrigeration system. There are lockers and drawers galore, and quite a bit of space in the U-shaped galley. Are there boats with fancier galleys, more loaded with gewgaws and gadgets? Absolutely- but the galley on "Tomten" appears to be a comfortable, practical, and pleasant place to enjoy preparing food. One could do far worse, and many have. Grand Banks has demonstrated through these 40 years that there is incredible beauty in the simple, the functional, and the practical when well executed. Just as the single stateroom design provides a surprisingly large master stateroom, "Tomten's" sedan configuration enables a salon that is longer than in most boats of similar size. A settee to port and an adjustable table will prove very useful for dining, snacking, or partying. Matching teak chairs located on the starboard side of the salon can be pulled up to the table to provide seating for quite a crowd, or for a few quick hands of a favorite card game. The settee can be pressed into service as a guest bunk. A beverage locker is to port, just aft of the helm chair and an entertainment locker with TV, AM/FM CD stereo, is located immediately inside the aft bulkhead door, to starboard. An additional characteristic of the Grand Banks 36 Sedan, when compared to the Europa, is that the salon is flooded with light. The large windows are not "shaded" by the overhanging decks. Even on a moderately overcast day, it was very apparent that "Tomten" offers more natural daylight than many trawlers of similar size, including some other Grand Banks. "Tomten" is an excellent example of an impressive boat created by the splendid execution of a simple design. Based on the fact that Grand Banks trawlers (and the dozens of boat brands that Grand Banks directly inspired) can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest decade after decade, there should be little or no dispute that many regional boaters consider the Grand Banks a "classic" choice. |
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Nice write up Chuck. Well done.
For as long as I can remember Grand Banks has been the icon for quality and attention to detail. We had a couple at our old marina and got the chance of riding aboard one of them. Maybe some day.............;-) wrote in message ups.com... (No, this isn't a review, it's a description and some opinions) :-) Grand Banks 36' Sedan On more than one occasion I have overheard snippets of conversation where someone remarks that "Grand Banks invented the trawler." Surplus North Sea trawlers were being converted to pleasure yachts in the late 1940's and 50's, (and I wouldn't want to crawl out on some limb that claimed even those were the "first" recreational trawlers). Few companies have been as thoroughly immersed in the production and development of any specialized category of vessel as has American Marine with the Grand Banks division. Grand Banks production began in 1965, so it is fair to say that while Grand Banks didn't actually invent the trawler the company has probably done more than any other to define it. Almost any boater asked to name builders of high quality trawlers would include Grand Banks among the leaders. It's a reputation that has been earned at the design board and on the factory floor, not spawned by a glitzy ad campaign. The Grand Banks series has included boats from 32-58 feet, but while other sizes have been discontinued or introduced at a later date only the 36-foot models have been built continuously since 1965. Grand Banks has built the 36-footers in just about every imaginable trawler configuration. The original 36-foot Grand Banks was a "classic" tri-cabin layout, with guest stateroom forward, galley and salon midship, and a master stateroom most aft. After 8 years of production in Philippine mahogany and another 15 in fiberglass, in 1988 the original 36-footer picked up an additional 6-inches in beam and length to become the 36 "Classic" that remains popular today. Grand Banks created a "Motoryacht" edition of the 36 by eliminating the cockpit and side decks aft of the salon to create a larger master stateroom. Two 36-footers are offered with longer main cabins and without the aft stateroom. The "Europa" design features a bridgedeck that extends to cover the side decks as well as the cockpit. This month's NW Classic, "Tomten" is a 36-foot Grand Banks sedan. The sedan shares a common cabin layout with the "Europa", but doesn't have the overhangs above the side decks and the covered cockpit. The covered sidedecks and cockpit of the "Europa" have an obvious, climate related appeal in the Pacific Northwest, but as we examined "Tomten" we realized there are some excellent reasons why certain boaters would definitely prefer the sedan. We found "Tomten" among the listings of Passage Maker Yachts on Northlake Avenue in Seattle. The Grand Banks 36 semi-displacement hull has changed very little in 40 years. The boats are still characterized by an almost plumb stem, graceful sheer, moderate freeboard, and a high, chop-busting bow. A long keel improves handling and stability. Boats built in a single screw configuration feature large rudders and a prop-protecting skeg. The sedan superstructure is a study in simplicity. Some critics might call the design "boxy," but it is interesting to note that this shape has endured for 40 years and remains a definite charm while a long series of "modern" designs that make the Grand Banks sedan look "boxy" by comparison have just simply disappeared. "Tomten" is 36' LOA, with a 12'8" beam and a 4' draft. Her displacement is listed at 26,000 pounds. She is powered by twin 210-HP 6BTA Cummins engines said to be capable of making 15kts WOT, (and more than adequate power for traditional trawler Cruising at 8-10 kts). At slower speeds, "Tomten" should be a good choice for long range coastal cruising; she carries 410 gallons of fuel and 200 gallons of water. Additional potable water can be produced in the vessel's HRO System 9 watermaker, and there is a 4KW Onan generator as well as a Heart 2000 inverter to provide AC power underway. An Espar diesel furnace will keep "Tomten" comfortable during the cooler NW months. We stepped aboard "Tomten" through a hinged section of the handrail on the port side. One of the differences between the sedan and the Europa is that the sedan can be more readily boarded, particularly from a vessel rafted alongside or a high dock. There's no need to "duck between" the bulwarks and the overhanging deck. "Tomten" was built in 1989, and her teak decks are still in very good condition. The wide side decks are a Grand Banks trademark. Wider side decks will result in narrower cabin interiors, but the boaters who are attracted to Grand Banks seem to place a high emphasis on safety, practicality, and utility (as well as cabin comfort) and value the merits of secure and practical footing between the cockpit and the foredeck. "Tomten" has a canvas dodger protecting the cockpit, rather than a fixed hardtop. This appears to be a practical solution that creates a dry social extension of the salon onto the cockpit, keeps line handlers somewhat protected from inclement weather, and can be quickly dismantled when an open-air cockpit is desired for sunbathing or fishing. There is no doubt that the sedan is a more fishable design than the "Europa". Extended hardtops tend to be a nuisance when fishing from the cockpit, and if a large fish makes a run that requires an angler to get quickly to the foredeck the fishing rod needs to be passed around the outside of vertical supports on any boat with overhanging side decks. We noted a large lazarette, a transom door, and a fair sized chest freezer in the cockpit area. The freezer will allow "Tomten" to provision for some extended time at anchor or cruises into areas where groceries will be scarce. In addition to the canvas dodger over the cockpit, "Tomten" has a bimini top for the flybridge, and a full set of caprail and handrail covers to protect the beautifully finished brightwork. Exterior brightwork is limited to the rails and the transom, and if the rails are kept covered except for "dressy" events "Tomten" shouldn't prove to be a cruel taskmaster with a voracious appetite for varnish. The Grand Banks 36 sedan has a large boat deck and flybridge, taking full advantage of the longer main cabin. Access to the flybridge is up a ladder in the starboard forequarter of the cockpit, and an aluminum mast and boom is mounted just above the aft cabin bulkhead. Grand Banks has offered the 36 Sedan in both single and dual stateroom versions. "Tomten" will appeal to cruising couples without kids or a lot of regular overnight guests as she features the larger, more deluxe compartment of the single stateroom design. A large double berth is on centerline, with stowage on either side. The gunwales are covered in teak battens, and in the Grand Banks tradition the interior of the vessel is a combination of surfaces painted in soft white yacht enamel and others trimmed with teak. The relatively tall superstructure of the Grand Banks provides enough trunk cabin clearance above the foredeck that four bright sliding windows, (rather than a few small portlights as might be expected on similar boats) introduce light into the forward cabin. The windows are laminated glass, and reasonably well protected by the foredeck bulwarks so there is minimal risk of breakage by a wave coming over the bow. Three translucent overhead hatches also provide light and ventilation, placing the stateroom on the Grand Banks 36 sedan among the champions in the "light and airy" category. The 36 Sedan features a single head, located in the aft port quarter of the forward stateroom. A separate shower compartment is located in the aft starboard quarter of the stateroom. There is stowage underneath each of the steps between the stateroom and the main cabin. The underside of each teak step is as perfectly finished as the top, and yacht enamel has been meticulously applied to the interior surfaces of each under-step locker. One expects this standard on a Grand Banks. The lower helm is to starboard in the main cabin. "Tomten" is very well equipped for easy handling and precise navigation. In addition to her twin engines, she is equipped with a bow thruster for easy handling. Major electronics include Raytheon radar, Cetrec autopilot, Raytheon GPS, Sitex video sounder, Icom M100 VHF radio, and a NMEA computer connection. (A Twinscope forward scanning sonar is located on the flybridge). "Tomten's" galley is opposite the helm, in the port forequarter of the main cabin. One of the most endearing characteristics of Grand Banks trawlers has always been their immense practicality. The galley on "Tomten" is equipped with a propane stove and oven, a stainless steel sink with removable cover, and an impressive Grunert holding plate refrigeration system. There are lockers and drawers galore, and quite a bit of space in the U-shaped galley. Are there boats with fancier galleys, more loaded with gewgaws and gadgets? Absolutely- but the galley on "Tomten" appears to be a comfortable, practical, and pleasant place to enjoy preparing food. One could do far worse, and many have. Grand Banks has demonstrated through these 40 years that there is incredible beauty in the simple, the functional, and the practical when well executed. Just as the single stateroom design provides a surprisingly large master stateroom, "Tomten's" sedan configuration enables a salon that is longer than in most boats of similar size. A settee to port and an adjustable table will prove very useful for dining, snacking, or partying. Matching teak chairs located on the starboard side of the salon can be pulled up to the table to provide seating for quite a crowd, or for a few quick hands of a favorite card game. The settee can be pressed into service as a guest bunk. A beverage locker is to port, just aft of the helm chair and an entertainment locker with TV, AM/FM CD stereo, is located immediately inside the aft bulkhead door, to starboard. An additional characteristic of the Grand Banks 36 Sedan, when compared to the Europa, is that the salon is flooded with light. The large windows are not "shaded" by the overhanging decks. Even on a moderately overcast day, it was very apparent that "Tomten" offers more natural daylight than many trawlers of similar size, including some other Grand Banks. "Tomten" is an excellent example of an impressive boat created by the splendid execution of a simple design. Based on the fact that Grand Banks trawlers (and the dozens of boat brands that Grand Banks directly inspired) can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest decade after decade, there should be little or no dispute that many regional boaters consider the Grand Banks a "classic" choice. |
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Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message ... On 1 Jul 2005 15:11:39 -0700, wrote: It's the same with classic cars. You can have the 'Stangs in all their incarnations - give me a Plymouth Super Bird or GTX 440. :) Nice write up Chuck. Tom, how 'bouts a '69 Charger R/T with a 440? (Chuck - nice write-up on the GB 36. I think though that GB stopped production of the 36' for several years, only recently to be started up again) Eisboch |
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On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 03:59:59 GMT, "Eisboch"
wrote: Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message .. . On 1 Jul 2005 15:11:39 -0700, wrote: It's the same with classic cars. You can have the 'Stangs in all their incarnations - give me a Plymouth Super Bird or GTX 440. :) Nice write up Chuck. Tom, how 'bouts a '69 Charger R/T with a 440? Or that. I had a GTX - in black - with all the goodies - when I was in the service. I just sold it a few years ago to a collector in CA - 16,000 original miles on it when it left. Guy down the street from me has a 70's something 'Cuda with a Hemi but I think that's a retro fit. Couple of Road Runners in town and one gal has her old boyfriend's '69 GTO in the A body configuration and 'Da Judge model in that brilliant orange. Speaking of Goats, there is one couple up in Dudley who have a former Canadian GTO with a 396 in it. |
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Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message ... On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 03:59:59 GMT, "Eisboch" wrote: Shortwave Sportfishing wrote in message .. . On 1 Jul 2005 15:11:39 -0700, wrote: It's the same with classic cars. You can have the 'Stangs in all their incarnations - give me a Plymouth Super Bird or GTX 440. :) Nice write up Chuck. Tom, how 'bouts a '69 Charger R/T with a 440? Or that. I had a GTX - in black - with all the goodies - when I was in the service. I just sold it a few years ago to a collector in CA - 16,000 original miles on it when it left. Guy down the street from me has a 70's something 'Cuda with a Hemi but I think that's a retro fit. Couple of Road Runners in town and one gal has her old boyfriend's '69 GTO in the A body configuration and 'Da Judge model in that brilliant orange. Speaking of Goats, there is one couple up in Dudley who have a former Canadian GTO with a 396 in it. Tom - email me with your real email address (can't find it). Got some stuff going on you might get a kick out of. Use the following email address: erikssonrichard(at)yahoo.com Eisboch |
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