New Grand Banks Europa 41

Grand Banks motor yachts have justifiably been famous for decades for their comfortable and seaworthy range of traditional trawler-style vessels and, more recently, the airier and more modern Europa style boats.

While the trawler-style boats are remarkably comfortable for extended cruising or even the live-aboard lifestyle, the Europa style boats are far better suited to the weekend or day sailing boating most time-poor Australians actually do. The wide open interior and large windows give the Europa vessels more room for entertaining while still offering two staterooms for an overnight stay.

The new Grand Banks 41 Heritage Europa is now available for inspection at the Grand Banks Yachts Australia office at Hope Island and it will be on display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show this month. The vessel is fitted with the latest Cummins Zeus propulsion system which incorporates the remarkable "Skyhook" system that will automatically keep the boat rock steady in one position despite the effects of wind, tide or current.

These drives also give the skipper unparalleled control and give the modified deep-V hull the speed and efficiency that Grand Banks' designs are famed for. The vessel will cruise comfortably and efficiently at a displacement 10 knots, and is just as happy planing at 24 knots.

The saloon features an L-shaped settee (which converts to a pull-out berth) to port that surrounds a custom table providing comfortable seating for six. To starboard there is a straight settee and forward is the generous galley which has a drawer-style refrigerator, a freezer, a cook top and convection-microwave oven. The galley is on the port side and the lower helm station is opposite.

Below is a master stateroom in the bow, that features a queen-sized island berth, and a guest stateroom with a twin berths. The single head features a standing stall shower with full headroom and access from either of the staterooms. Further aft is a large utility/storage room that can be used as a workshop or to house a washer/dryer or extra fridges or freezers.

The large flybridge makes an excellent entertaining area and is fitted with a wet-bar for refreshments. The dinghy chocks on the deck aft of the flybridge can be removed to create additional deck space. The wide walk-around side decks make accessing the bow and anchor safe and easy.

The Grand Banks 41 Heritage Europa is offered at $1.1 million, complete with Raymarine electronics, radar, a desalinator, a wine fridge and a custom “stable rail” on the swim platform.

The vessel is fitted with twin Cummins QSC8.3 diesels that produce 425hp each and which can push the boat to a top speed of 24 knots. Cruising speed is 17 knots. The boat can carry 1893 litres of fuel and 757 litres of water.