Grand Banks 60 goes Twin Disc

As Grand Banks Yachts edges closer to debuting its new much-trumpeted offering, the GB60, Twin Disc is staging some pre-show theatre.

The gearbox maker says Grand Banks chose a total Twin Disc control solution to make berthing this impressive 60 — the first all-new GB to be built after Australian Mark Richards from Palm Beach Yachts took over the company helm — a breeze.

The GB60 will be delivered with Twin Disc's MGX 5096A QuickShift marine transmissions, Express Joystick System (EJS) at three stations, dual EC300 Power Commander Electronic Controls with Express Positioning and the new Digital Thruster Panel.

Together, the cutting-edge propulsion and manoeuvring systems will provide the helmsman with effortless fingertip control over the new 23,000kg vessel.

Main power is a pair of 900hp Volvo Penta D13 engines, with Twin Disc BP300 bow and stern thrusters.

Whether pulling into a slip with a tide running, spinning the boat on its own axis in mid-channel or crabbing sideways away from a fuel dock, the GB60 will offer unmatched precision maneuverability, says Twin Disc, adding that Express Positioning using EJS and GPS will maintain the vessel's desired position and heading at the press of a button.

"We've gone with all Twin Disc equipment as standard, so we're obviously very comfortable with it," said Hank Compton, Grand Banks managing director. "We really like the MGX transmission technology in particular — it's standard across our full line — and the EJS component is an added bonus for us."

An exciting addition to Grand Banks Yachts' fleet, the GB60's lines recall an era when balance and proportion were integral to a yacht's design. Its generous 5.8m beam offers ample room for three staterooms and two full heads. Seating abounds in the salon, aft deck and on the spacious flybridge. Like all the company's vessels, a designer's artistic touch is evident in every aspect of the boat. More at www.grandbanks.com.