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Grand Banks 60 Review – Full Specs, Performance, and Features Explained

The Grand Banks 60 is a yacht that elegantly combines timeless craftsmanship with modern technology, offering owners a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Known for their heritage in trawler-style yachts, Grand Banks has evolved the design of the 60 into a vessel that can cruise long distances in comfort while still boasting speeds competitive with modern motor yachts. The result is a yacht that appeals to seasoned mariners and newcomers alike, delivering efficiency, seaworthiness, and luxury in one impressive package.

Step aboard the Grand Banks 60, and it’s immediately clear why this yacht continues to draw attention in the 60-foot category. Its clean lines, teak accents, and spacious interior harken back to classic yachting traditions, yet beneath the elegant styling lies an advanced carbon-fiber construction and cutting-edge propulsion system. This marriage of old and new makes the GB60 a yacht with both character and performance.

Intended Use / Purpose

The Grand Banks 60 was designed as a long-range cruising yacht, capable of taking owners on extended adventures with comfort and confidence. With its efficient hull and generous fuel capacity, the GB60 is built for those who love to explore distant destinations without constant refueling stops. It’s equally suited for coastal passages, island hopping, or bluewater crossings.

Unlike many yachts that prioritize speed over comfort, the GB60 achieves a careful balance. It can reach higher cruising speeds than traditional trawlers while still offering the quiet efficiency that makes extended cruising enjoyable. It’s a yacht for those who want to travel slowly and savor the journey but appreciate the flexibility of pushing up the throttle when schedules demand.

Who Is It For?

The Grand Banks 60 is ideal for couples and families looking for a yacht that combines spacious accommodations with efficient operation. Experienced cruisers who enjoy passagemaking will appreciate the yacht’s range and fuel economy, while those new to longer voyages will find its stability and handling reassuring.

It’s also a yacht for those who appreciate craftsmanship. The interiors feature fine joinery, expansive windows, and layouts designed for liveaboard comfort. For buyers who value timeless design over trendy styling and prefer a yacht that will hold its value, the GB60 makes an excellent fit.

How Does the Grand Banks 60 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When stacked against other yachts in the 55–65 ft range, the GB60 distinguishes itself with its efficiency. Many boats of this size burn significantly more fuel at cruising speeds, while the Grand Banks’ semi-displacement hull delivers a much more economical ride.

Compared to sporty motor yachts, it may not reach the same top speeds, but the GB60 offers a smoother, quieter, and more stable experience on longer passages. Against traditional trawlers, it offers the advantage of speed and modern construction. In essence, the GB60 sits perfectly in the middle—blending the best of both categories to appeal to those who want versatility.

Design & Specifications

  • Type: Long-range Cruiser / Motor Yacht
  • Length Overall (LOA): 66 ft (including bow sprit and swim platform)
  • Beam: 19 ft 2 in
  • Draft: 4 ft 3 in
  • Fuel Capacity: 1,530 gallons
  • Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D13s, 900 hp each (standard) with optional upgrades
  • Top Speed: 32 knots (depending on configuration)
  • Cruise Speed: 22–25 knots
  • Hull Design: Semi-displacement, carbon-infused hull for efficiency and strength
  • Seating Layout: Expansive salon seating, galley-up or galley-down options, large flybridge lounge, aft deck dining, and three-stateroom layout below

The GB60’s design reflects decades of refinement. Carbon-fiber infusion reduces weight and improves efficiency without compromising strength. The wide beam creates a stable platform at rest and under way, while the flybridge and salon offer panoramic views. Owners can choose from multiple layout options, tailoring the yacht to their style of cruising.

Performance & Handling

Performance on the Grand Banks 60 surprises many first-time captains. While it carries the look of a traditional yacht, its speed and responsiveness are thoroughly modern. With twin Volvo D13s, the GB60 can cruise at over 20 knots and, when conditions allow, push above 30 knots. This performance allows owners to cover ground quickly, a significant advantage when planning longer trips.

Handling is precise thanks to joystick controls and bow thrusters, which make docking straightforward even in tight marinas. At sea, the yacht feels composed and steady, with the semi-displacement hull cutting through chop gracefully. Fuel efficiency is excellent for its size—owners report ranges exceeding 1,000 nautical miles at lower speeds, making it capable of serious passagemaking.

Safety & Precautions

Safety is a cornerstone of the Grand Banks design philosophy. The high bulwarks, sturdy railings, and wide side decks make movement around the yacht secure. Redundant navigation systems, robust engine room access, and well-laid-out electrical systems give peace of mind on longer voyages.

The yacht’s stability, aided by optional gyro stabilization, ensures passenger comfort even in beam seas. Still, owners should be mindful of planning fuel stops carefully and understanding the yacht’s performance envelope when loaded for extended passages. Like any yacht of this size, professional instruction or crew support can make the first voyages smoother.

Potential Downsides

The Grand Banks 60 is not a yacht for everyone. Buyers who want a high-speed, sport-oriented yacht may find the GB60’s emphasis on efficiency and comfort less appealing. Its design is more about timeless elegance than flashy modern styling, which may not appeal to those chasing trends.

In terms of ownership, the size of the yacht means higher mooring fees, insurance, and maintenance compared to smaller cruisers. Its price point also places it firmly in the luxury category, though many owners see the long-term value in the brand’s build quality and resale strength.

Features & Benefits

Some of the standout features of the Grand Banks 60 include:

  • Expansive flybridge with lounge seating and helm station
  • Choice of galley-up or galley-down layouts
  • Three spacious staterooms with master en suite
  • Carbon-fiber infused hull for lighter, stronger construction
  • Efficient propulsion system capable of long-range cruising
  • Panoramic salon windows that flood interiors with natural light

The benefits are clear: comfort on long passages, efficiency in fuel consumption, and a layout that makes both entertaining and living aboard a pleasure. Owners gain not just a yacht, but a platform for exploration and relaxation.

Reviews & Testimonials

Owners consistently praise the GB60 for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern performance. Many highlight the efficiency of the hull and the quality of materials used throughout. Reviews often mention how the yacht feels “bigger than 60 feet” thanks to its beam and intelligent layout.

Industry experts note that the Grand Banks 60 sets a benchmark for semi-displacement cruisers, offering a balance of speed and range that few competitors match. The quiet ride and smooth handling earn high marks from captains and crew alike.

Storage & Ownership Costs

Storage on board is excellent, with abundant cabinetry, under-seat compartments, and carefully designed stowage for galley and cruising gear. Large tanks and robust systems mean the yacht is ready for extended voyages with minimal compromise.

Ownership costs align with other yachts in the 60-foot luxury category. Dockage, fuel, and maintenance are significant but offset by the GB60’s efficient cruising profile. Owners often note that the resale value of Grand Banks yachts helps justify the higher upfront cost, as the brand has strong recognition worldwide.

Bottom Line

The Grand Banks 60 is a yacht that bridges tradition and innovation. It offers the classic lines and craftsmanship enthusiasts love while delivering performance and efficiency that make long-range cruising both practical and enjoyable. For buyers who value timeless design, efficient operation, and liveaboard comfort, the GB60 is one of the most compelling choices in its class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Grand Banks 60 different from other yachts its size?
Its semi-displacement, carbon-infused hull delivers greater efficiency and range than most yachts in the 60-foot category.

How many people can the Grand Banks 60 sleep?
The standard layout features three staterooms, comfortably accommodating six people, with additional space for crew if required.

Is the Grand Banks 60 suitable for long passages?
Yes. With a fuel capacity of over 1,500 gallons and efficient engines, it can achieve ranges over 1,000 nautical miles, making it capable of serious passagemaking.

Can the GB60 be owner-operated?
Absolutely. With joystick docking and well-thought-out controls, many owners run the yacht themselves, though crew can be added for longer voyages.

What is the typical price of a Grand Banks 60?
Pricing varies by customization and engine choice, but buyers can expect figures starting in the mid-$3 million range and higher for fully equipped models.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.

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