There is a reason why Grand Banks continues to be one of the most popular lines of boats in the world. For years, their GB-32 and 42 trawlers were the standard by which others were measured. To this day these vessels still do a remarkable job of holding their value in a very competitive marketplace. 
It should also be noted that Grand Banks has now been in business for almost 40 years and in that time span has delivered over 5,000 production yachts.
With such success it’s not often that a manufacturer will stray from such a proven formula but this is what Grand Banks did in 1995 when they introduced the new Eastbay line. The reasoning was simply that with the advent of newer power systems and the evolution in hull design, it was now possible to have the speed of a performance hull with the sea kindly qualities of a trawler and all the creature comforts of a yacht. To say this was a success would be a huge understatement.
The new Grand Banks 50 SX is a yacht in every sense of the word and with all the options is very nearly a custom vessel. Once again the design team for GB 50 is the well known C. Raymond Hunt and Associates out of Boston, Massachusetts who have a long history of producing efficient, performance hulls. Consequently, when you put the throttle down on the GB50 you shouldn’t be surprised when this remarkable vessel tops out at 34- knots. Not a misprint, 34-knots, and this is with the twin Volvo D-11 IPS 950 diesels.
You can also cruise easily at 27.95 knots turning 2200RPM’s. With the Volvo IPS twin counter-rotating propellers face forward and work in undisturbed water. The propeller thrust is parallel with the hull and all power drives the boat forward. Plus when you when want to dock just shift into joystick mode and you’re an expert at docking regardless of wind, tide or current.
The Eastbay 50SX, hull number eight that will be on display at the Seattle Boat Show, boasts twin 800hp MAN R6-800 diesel engines with straight shafts, delivering a brisk 26 knot cruising speed. She features a two stateroom, two head configuration with down galley, and many optional upgrades, including an electric sunroof, Glendinning joystick control system, Sealift Systems hydraulic tender lift, bow and stern thrusters, cockpit docking station, sunpad and much more. Her “Stars and Stripes Blue” gelcoat lends a crisp, nautical finish to her remarkable styling and finish.
One of the most compelling features of the 50 Eastbay is her wide open main deck. An expertly-crafted six-panel door across the aft bulkhead slides easily out of the way to make one sweeping, spectacular living space of the salon and the cockpit areas. Move easily from the helm to transom, lounge on a salon settee while taking in the sunshine and fresh air, or entertain guests in stunning, spacious fashion.
Especially useful for single-handed cruising, the 50SX comes standard with a pantograph door at the helm, giving ready access to the starboard side deck, cockpit and foredeck when docking. Sturdy design integrates seamlessly with deckhouse.
The spacious cockpit comes standard with teak decking and features built-in seating along the transom, plus a hand-crafted teak table perfect for outdoor dining.
For easy launch and storage of your tender, this GB 50 has the optional hydraulic swim platform. The platform is constructed of sturdy fiberglass with inlaid teak slats, and the rugged hydraulic mechanism has a 771 pound (350-kg) capacity.
Best of all, as we mentioned above, the new Grand Banks 50 SX will be on display at the Big Seattle International Boat Show in the water at the South Lake Union location.
Specifications: LOA – 50.08’(15.26m), LWL-46.5’ (14.18m), Beam-16.5’ (5.03m), Draft-3.5’ (1.07m), Displ-50,050lbs (22,750kgs), Fuel-800US gals (3,028L)
West Coast Offices: Stan Miller Yachts with locations in Long Beach, Newport Beach, San Diego and Seattle at 2292 W. Commodore Way, Suite 100. 206-352-0118. In Canada: Grand Yachts, Inc. in Vancouver and Sidney, BC. Phone – (604) 676-8052
