Grand Harbour 68

Australian boating is usually confined to short coastal trips or a zip around the harbour and then into a secluded anchorage either for the day or for those long leisurely holidays where time flies and nothing much is happening. The cares of the world silently vanish with a pink sunset and a well shaken cocktail. Some boats do this particularly well and the Grand Harbour 68 is right up there with the best of them.

Originally marketed internationally as the Ruby brand, the revitalised Grand Harbour Motor Yachts range from Taiwan embrace European styling and modern convenience -- the big changes being the new focus on entertaining in either intimate or party mode. Our test boat had been imported by Mike Collins, an experienced boat owner who could spot a good boat and make it better. His input into the customisation of this model will bring lasting practicality and pleasure to anyone who is lucky enough to become the new owner.

The lines are sleek and smart, although reminiscent of many other Euro-styled boats from other manufacturers. The new vertical oval windows, elliptical cabin windows and an aggressive nose-down stance speak of speed and performance even at anchor. A more detailed inspection found some worthwhile design ideas which give the Grand Harbour 68 an edge over its rivals.

One of the very nice things happening here is the connectivity of those on board whether they are in the saloon, galley, helm station or contemplating nature on deck. Yet there is an air of privacy and intimacy in the cabins and I suspect that one would find it difficult to identify a favourite perch. Decisions, decisions. So it was best to make a very thorough investigation of all the spaces and try and work it out.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The Grand Harbour 68 is described as a three-cabin layout, plus crew's quarters, but I will tell you about the fourth (crew) cabin later. It is quite fabulous.
The main guest accommodation is forward from the helm station and down the companionway to a lower lobby. Heading aft you will arrive at the very swish master stateroom -- full-width with the benefit of the large oval ports bringing the outside in and privacy gained by shoji screens. Two of these ports open for fresh air, so you can switch everything off and relax in silence. The queen-sized bed invited immediate testing and the enormous cedar-lined wardrobes would prevent any moth from nibbling at Madame's silk frocks.

The very glamorous head and shower were reminiscent of a five-star hotel, and anyone disappointed with this display of luxury would be very hard to please. The mirrored ceiling dramatically improves the feeling of space too.

Forward in the bow is the VIP guest stateroom, slightly smaller but equally sumptuous and featuring a queen-sized bed also. Goldilocks was moving to her next test bed. Storage was plentiful with his and hers hanging lockers and of course, there were TVs in each cabin.

The twin-guest cabin with upper and lower bunks would be perfect for well mannered children or those no longer in the grip of romance but still happy to sleep on top of one another. A very spacious and comfortable head and shower services both the VIP and twin-guest cabin, where top quality taps, Tecma silent heads and luxury white or neutral granite finishes abound. It was hard to be too picky or critical.

All of this, including the saloon upstairs, is paneled in American sycamore, a rather light and golden timber, and full gloss of course. I wasn't too sure of this light, bright and slightly yellow look, but it actually became warm and cheerful after a few moments and the interesting pattern in the veneer strips provided a pleasant change from teak or cherrywood. The joinery was inlaid with teak on some doors for a tasteful and well finished appearance.

AT THE LOWER HELM
Leaving the beds and bunks below, the lower helm station offered a very comprehensive selection of electrical delights to tinker with and one would be best to refer to the huge list of standard and optional inclusions which go on for several pages. It is all top-quality equipment and you would certainly be able to order your own brand preference with a new boat.

Three large windscreens were framed with crème leather, but the view forward would not suit a very tall person whose head would be above the glass. Despite this, the view was 360° even allowing for the saloon's elliptical side windows. A pantographic side door to port allows easy access to the side and foredecks when anchoring or mooring.

Being a skipper can be a lonely place, particularly if your favourite crew member is stuck in the galley and all the guests are wandering about the decks. Not on this boat. The galley was just aft and to starboard of the helm and all open to the saloon one step below, so there is no excuse for the whole group not to be chatting and laughing together, unless they are fighting over who is having the best cabin!

The galley featured a long bench tracing the starboard side of the cabin and concealing the two Fisher & Paykel fridges and a Westinghouse freezer. More F&P equipment included a drawer dishwasher, cook top, range hood and oven all in stainless steel, with a SMEG microwave, and complemented by black granite tops giving the impression of a sleek bar. A matching granite floor was perhaps overkill against the surrounding teak and holly, but in no way offensive. All galley equipment was sent from Australia to the Grand Harbour Motor Yachts manufacturing headquarters at Taiwan's Kaohsiung shipyard so service should not prove problematic.

On the galley/helm level to port is a small dining table and U-shaped sofa that's probably more suited to breakfast for three than a family affair. Many designers forget about indoor tables and the importance of breaking bread together so I expect most aboard the Grand Harbour 68 will congregate aft, assuming the weather is kind. Methinks, however, there could be a better arrangement for those cold evenings when one is snuggled indoors awaiting the filet of beef.

Across the transom is a comfortable sofa with a huge inlaid teak table just waiting to receive the chef's best selections, and this is where you will want to spend most of your time -- eating, drinking and talking in a shady spot gazing over sparkling waters. However, we should not forget our sky lounge on the flying bridge and the opportunities up there.

Meanwhile, you will recall the crew's quarters where for the canny guest or teenager wanting to be just a little away from the oldies, the submarine hatch door opens from the huge swim platform and you enter the private domain of the fourth guest cabin, complete with full galley, washer/dryer, head and shower, and twin or double bed.

This fourth accommodation area is full-width with portholes on each side and the door to your own verandah, also known as the swim platform. It is a fabulous suite and no one would be dissatisfied with these digs. A proper door leads to the engineroom and its own special delights.

CAT HOUSE
Open sesame and you find the two big Cat C-15s rated at 865hp each and the 17.5kw Onan purring away. Two 25hp hydraulic pumps power the Vortex bow and sternthrusters. A wireless remote controls both the engines and thrusters while you walk around the decks.

The engine installation is beautifully executed and well laid-out for easy service. The air-conditioning systems are hidden behind sound and dust screens, and also hidden are the Wesmar stabilisers. Extra soundproofing was specified for the Grand Harbour 68 engineroom and you really could not hear the Onan in any of the cabins.

There were so many small details and features in the engineroom it would take pages to explain their merit. The dazzling list of high-end options showed how the knowledge of the agent will work very much in your favour. The engineroom is well conceived and installed for practicality, reliability and performance.

WEIGHING ANCHOR
Pressing the start buttons on the bridge and the Caterpillars rumbled to life, with perhaps a little more growl in the saloon than I expected. Very powerful and deep seated, the note from the engines hinted at the performance to come.

We had the tide flowing strongly so performance trials were taken in both directions and a fast cruise was established at 2000rpm and around 15kts using about 240lt/h combined. Top speed was around 22 to 23kts at 340lt/h combined, but for practical purposes and with a more sensible wash you could glide along at 1000rpm and sip 48lt/h for eight knots without a drink being spilled. Certainly not if the stabilisers were switched on.

The Hynautic steering is magnificently responsive on the Grand Harbour 68 and she banked nicely in the turns. Emergency swerves are only a flick of the wrist away. So too are the Morse electronic controls that are a joy to operate and let us not forget our handheld Yachtcontroller engine/thruster unit to wander around with.

The Grand Harbour 68 sat well in the water, deftly turning a wave away from the bow, and with a ride angle that was impressively level. She looked good.
On board, there was a hint of vibration on the flying bridge which was slightly disturbing but not particularly evident in the saloon or on the aft deck. Perhaps some prop tuning is required. The Grand Harbour 68 turned and banked well, nudging aside the wash from another large cruiser with consummate ease.
The offshore performance was not tested, but with big rudders, stabilisers and the reassuring throb of the Cats one would hardly be having a bad trip. With 3800lt of fuel the range is about 250nm at 15kts and much longer if you turn the wick down. The itinerary will most likely be coastal hops or a cruise around the reef.

Mike Collins was busy fiddling with all manner of little details and one could be quietly confident that he has the skills and expertise to make this adventure a real pleasure, ironing out those little teething issues that come with all complex machines. Having installed local equipment, I suspect that particular issue is probably put to bed already.

The Grand Harbour 68 seems to solve even the fussiest buyers dilemmas so it is down to destination and menu planning, a suitable guest list, cast off and get the party started. You are now aboard the great entertainer.

NOT SO MUCH
• Some vibration issues on the flybridge underway
• Interior dining table too small
• Wheelhouse floor had some quality issues
• Limited grocery storage in the main galley for the size of boat

Grand Harbour 68

CAPACITIES
Berths:  8 in four cabins
Fuel:  3800lt
Water:  1140lt

SUPPLIED BY
Grand Harbour
Motor Yachts Pty Ltd,
Gold Coast, Australia.
Phone: 0418 751 353;
0416 922 487