Grand Banks 85 hull #1 already sold
by Gianluca Poerio 2 Nov 2019 08:08 PDT
Grand Banks 85 © Sand Peopl
Get set for the mighty Grand Banks 85, the largest yacht Grand Banks has built to date. Building on the recently released GB60, the GB85 offers the option of a flybridge or a climate controlled sky-lounge.
Due for completion by winter 2020, hull #1 has already sold. A true blue water ocean-tamer with serious range, and all the benefits of the GB54 and GB60.
A 22-foot beam presents wide-open entertaining areas with ample space to socialise inside and out. Be spoiled for choice with the option of a full-beam master stateroom, boasting a large double ensuite, or a 4-cabin layout, spacious enough to sleep up to 9 people comfortably.
In the factory the hull mould is well under way, with all framework now assembled and the preparation of the mould surface has now also commenced. The yard recently upgraded the in-house robot facility that is now fully operational, with a second 8-axis robot. Grand Banks now has twin armed robotic milling capabilities, providing with more flexibility and enabling a larger output of parts.
The robots has been used to cut the deck plug for the GB85 offering improved efficiency and a high degree of accuracy in parts. The implementation of in-house robots reduces the time spent on monotonous tasks, allowing staff to focus on the tasks in-house which require high attention to detail, such as design features, joinery and problem solving.
Grand Banks embraces a modern approach towards boat building in combination with traditional tricks of the trade, which our experts have finessed over the years. Grand Banks designer, John McKay, explains the build ideology - "We are combining the benefits of traditional boat building with world leading technology to reduce production time and improve the quality of our products."
The GB85 puts forward exactly that, with the factory using a combination of hand-built and robot-built methods which have sped up the initial development of the mould process. With topsides finished last summer, please stay tuned for more exciting news on the development and production of the big, beautiful Grand Banks 85.